“What am I supposed to do about the bruises? I look like a walking accident.” Though, honestly, that’s really what I am.
“That’s what makeup is for, babe.”
“You want me to wear makeup on my arms? Won’t that rub off on his jacket or something?” I lift the straps to my shoulders and turn each way, taking myself in. This dress definitely isn’t bad. In fact, it might actually begood. Though, the back dips a bit lower than I’d normally wear.
“No, Iwantyou to be less of a clumsy mess but it’s a little late for that at this point.”
Logan has been my best friend for over twenty years. She’s the sister I never had. Or wanted. Though, maybe I never wanted one because she was filling that space in her own way.
Squaring my shoulders, I open the door to the dressing room for the first time since I walked in here almost two hours ago.
Instead of the bright eyes and happiness I was hoping to see, a scrutinizing gaze is set on me while she inspects the garment.
“I’m worried the back is a little too low. Too…revealing for a work function.”
“It’s a designer gown. Meant to be worn to events like this one. Plus, wear your hair down and it will mostly cover it.” She keeps walking around me, inspecting things, putting her hands on my hips and touching the straps.
“Okay, but what about my date? Will he think it’s too skimpy? An invitation I’m not really sure I’m giving just yet?” We’ve been messaging daily for over two weeks now, and E.J. seems cool. Genuine. But I still don’t know him from Adam.
“I still don’t know why you didn’t just ask Ethan.” When I told her I’d not only signed up for an app that helps you find a date for a holiday event, but also hadfoundsaid date, many emotions filtered through her rant. Namely confusion.
“Really? You don’t?”
“Obviously I’ve heard your tales of woe and that you don’t want to shit where you eat and yada yada. But sometimes that works out for you.” The overly thorough inspection of the dress continues. I’m not sure what she’s looking for nor if she’s found it.
“Yeah, foryou.” Logan has a true romance story for her life. Ten years ago, fresh out of college, she started working for a local company. Pretty early on she caught the attention of the CEO, but not in a good way. She had run her mouth, as she’s always been inclined to do, and ended up in a meeting with him and HR.
She was sure she was going to get fired. But when she talked with Jason, he apparently was completely captivated by her and the lack of filter she has. The impulsivity and the way she stood up for herself. Most importantly, the fact that she had the gusto to talk back to him.
Five years ago she married said CEO, Jason, in a giant extravagant wedding that cost more than I’ll ever see in my lifetime.
A ping from my phone has me leaping toward the chairs before Logan can get a word in. I chew my cuticle with a smile on my face as I read the message from E.J.
E.J.:Tell my why I let you talk me into reading this series when IT’S NOT FINISHED YET.
Several angry face emojis follow the text and I can’t quite stifle the laugh from bubbling out of me.
“You guys talk about books?”
I jump, a hand flying to my chest as I peer over my shoulder at Logan, who snuck up to stand no less than a hair’s width behind me.
“For fuck’s sake, announce yourself when you get this close, would you?”
“What fun would that be?”
Though I try to fight the eyeroll, I fail miserably. “Yes, we talk about books.Some of usactually enjoy reading.”
She pats my head in the patronizing manner that only Logan gets away with. “Yes, my little bibliophile. I’m aware. And I have been known to enjoy a book from time to time. What Imeanis, how are you getting to know each other if you’re just talking books?”
“We’re notjusttalking books. But you’d be surprised what you can learn about someone based off what they read.” My voice comes out a little hesitant. It’s not that I’m unsure, it’s more that I don’t know why I feel like I need to defend myself.
“And what have you learned?” The softness to her tone makes the tension seep from my shoulders, the defensiveness leaving me on a breath.
“Facts about him? Not terribly many. But I’ve learned that he’s well read, he’s kind and genuine in our interactions. He has a sense of humor that I appreciate. And there’s an underlying sweetness and sensitivity to him.” One shoulder lifts with as much nonchalance as I can muster, even though everything inside me is fluttering wildly.
It should be strange, off, feel wrong. But part of me is comfortable with this…stranger. There’s a bond, a connection that I haven’t felt before and we only know each other through bits and pieces of messaged conversation.
The intrigue I initially felt has exploded and taken over. It goes far beyond that now. Beyond even mere interest. There’s a deep…needit feels like. To know E.J. and more than through just messaging.
