“Yeah. It’s been a turbulent week. You deserve some fun.”
“Okay.”
Jessica gave Dana a funny look.
“What?”
“Sorry. It’s been driving me crazy since you came back from Alex’s office.” Jessica walked over and rubbed the area around Dana’s mouth, like a mother wiping chocolate off her kid’s face. “Your lipstick’s smudged.”
“Oh. Thanks.”
“Someone’s a good kisser,” mused Bea. “I hope he’s good to you. If not, your sister will cut him down like a lumberjack who just ran out of wood.”
Dana giggled. She didn’t doubt it.
***
The next day was a quiet one for Dana and the other women. Bea and Jessica both realized they hadn’t picked up any souvenirs for their family members yet, so they headed off in separate directions to do some shopping.
Anise slept late, something she rarely did. Dana texted her before noon to see if she wanted to grab lunch, but her sister said she wanted some alone time. Something about nursing a headache. Dana texted her a few times.
Dana: Can I bring you anything?
Anise: I have some headache pills.
Dana: Are you still mad at me?
Anise: I’m not mad at you. I just want some time to mope.
Dana: I could mope with you.
Anise: Thanks, but I want to be on my own. Love you.
Dana: Love you too. Feel better.
Anise was still cooped up that evening and Bea and Jessica decided to call it a night and get started on their packing. After dinner, everyone hunkered down for the evening. After wishing them a good night, Dana headed to her own suite.
When she entered, she found a large gift box waiting in her sitting room. The rectangular box was wrapped in shimmery lavender paper and a massive silver bow sat on top.
Without even checking, she knew it was from Alex. The wrapping paper was too beautiful to be from anyone else.
Swallowing hard, she unwrapped it, taking care to fold the pretty paper. At home, her mother had always saved wrapping paper, in case it could be reused, and Dana had always done the same, hoping she was saving a tree somewhere.
Inside, a store sticker held the layers of tissue paper together. It said “Delilah.” She recognized the store name. It was one of the upscale ladies’ shops in the Vice shopping concourse. Dana had walked by it but had never gone in, knowing the items were far too expensive for even her shopping budget.
A tiny card lay inside on top of the item.
I hope to see you in this tonight.
Alex
She tugged at the layers of tissue, revealing a swathe of exquisite red fabric. Gasping, she removed the garment from the box and held it up. The gown was ankle length and had fitted long sleeves. It might have appeared modest if it weren’t for the fact there was a daring slit at the side. The slit went right to the hip. Some delicate ruching ornamented the top of the opening.
Alex had told her not to wear panties, but she didn’t see how one could possibly wear them in a number like this.
It was the loveliest thing she’d ever seen, but she knew wearing it would take her right out of her comfort zone. To say nothing of the fact it cost far too much. She couldn’t accept it.
The phone in her suite rang, making her jump. “Hello?”
