“It’s too sparkly.”
“Sparkly is good.” Delphi grabbed her hand. “We need to ask Aunt Erica.”
“Excuse me?”
“You always say that if you don’t know something then you need to find out.” Delphi tugged her toward the door. “Aunt Erica is in the library.”
“I know, but she’s with her friends and they’re having lunch and talking about a book. I don’t want to disturb them—” But she was talking to herself because Delphi was already sprinting ahead, leaving Hattie with no choice but to follow.
Delphi knocked on the door of the library, but didn’t wait for an answer before entering. Hattie made a mental note to talk to her about being a little too comfortable intruding on guests’ spaces.
She heard laughter and the sound of Delphi’s voice and then Erica’s.
Feeling self-conscious, she followed her daughter and saw Erica,Anna and Claudia seated around the low coffee table. In front of them was a plate of freshly cut sandwiches and a pot of coffee. There were three copies of the novel they were reading, one of them peppered with pieces of paper covered in scrawled notes.
“I’m sorry to disturb you—” Mortified, she reached to tug Delphi away but Erica stood up.
“You’re not disturbing us. And that dress is incredible. Delphi was telling us you have a date on Thursday.”
She’d said that? Now they’d ask her who with, and then they’d make more of it than they should. And what if Delphi accidently said something to Noah? It was a meal; that was all. People had to eat, didn’t they?
Hattie felt her cheeks burn. “It’s not a date exactly. It’s more of an evening out. I haven’t been out in a while and I was trying to find something to wear and—”
“And I think you’ve found it,” Claudia said. “That dress is gorgeous. And perfect for Christmas.”
“It’s just dinner.”
“No reason why you can’t look pretty to eat dinner.” Erica studied her from all angles. “That dress wants to be taken dancing, but I’m sure it would settle for dinner.”
Hattie smoothed the fabric over her hips. “I’m not sure it’s right.”
“Mmm.” Erica narrowed her eyes. “I have just one question. Does wearing it make you feel good?”
It did make her feel good. More than that, it made her feel human. Like someone who had a life, and might actually go dancing on occasion.
Hattie felt herself weaken.
Shedidlove the dress so perhaps she should wear it. It was Christmas, after all. So maybe Noah wouldn’t think she was overdressed or trying to dazzle him.Maybe he’d just think she was taking advantage of the season.
“If you think it’s okay, then I’ll wear it.”
“Good decision.” Erica sat down and helped herself to a slice of cheese. “You should let us help you get ready for the evening. There is nothing we love more. Anna is good with hair.”
Delphi brightened. “Can I do your makeup?”
Hattie had a horrifying vision of how she’d look if Delphi was allowed to do her makeup. “That’s kind, but maybe we will save that for another day.” Preferably a day when she wasn’t going to be seen in public.
“I’m in charge of makeup,” Erica said, “but I could use an assistant if you’re available, Delphi.”
“I’m available!”
Rufus whined from the doorway and Delphi shot toward him. “He needs to pee. I’ll take him outside. Come on, Rufy. Hold on to it.” She disappeared, leaving Hattie with the others.
“Eat your lunch.” She waved a hand at the table. “Enjoy. If you need anything, shout.”
“Don’t rush off.” Claudia patted the empty space on the sofa next to her. “Please tell us that the date you’re going on is with the gorgeous Noah.”
“Yes, but it’s really no big deal. I don’t think it could be described as a date. It’s not romantic or anything.” But hehadcalled her several times since the incident with Stephanie, to check that she was okay.
