“Sounds great.” I kiss her side before rolling over and off the bed. Grabbing my jeans, I pull my phone out of the back pocket. “Why don’t you go first? It is your home after all. I’ll call Dina to check in, then shower after you.”
Michelle nods and crawls off the bed. She goes to her dresser, getting underwear and a bra before heading to the bathroom. “I won’t be long.”
“Take your time, no need to rush. I’ll be here.”
She gives me a smile before slipping into the bath, not bothering to close the door all the way. I smile, knowing that’s a show of comfort and trust.
I sit back on the edge of the bed and call my sister. After a brief update between the two of us, I find out all is well and we’re on schedule for our afternoon performance. I tell her goodbye,end the call, and toss the phone beside me. Looking around, I take in the simple, clean décor of the room, noting an absence of personal pictures most would expect to see in a woman’s space. Makes me wonder if she’s put away all reminders of her husband. I never took the time to notice much when we first arrived last night, seeing as we were both pretty intent on making it to the bedroom. Lying back on the bed, I contemplate what Michelle has shared and how much more there is to learn about her.
One thing’s for certain, I’m really looking forward to finding out.
Chapter Six
Michelle
“Girl, you are gonna make that man crazy with lust.” Dani gives my selection a nod of appreciation.
“Well, they already had sex, so what’s the big deal?”
Dani and I turn our heads to stare at Stacy.
Yes, I told them about my evening with Xander. Along with this morning. Just thinking about him and what we shared makes my insides flutter. Some would say my school-girl reaction is ridiculous, but not me. It’s startling and exhilarating.
After having breakfast together where we both had a hand with the cooking and cleaning, we simply enjoyed one another’scompany for an hour before he had to leave. We talked, learning a bit more about each other. When he mentioned his mom being in the area, a joyful smile graced his face even though he didn’t elaborate. Nor did he say anything about his father. Before I could prod further, the topic went elsewhere, like how neither of us would’ve thought we’d end up where we did. Last night I certainly hadn’t planned to bring a man home and have sex with him, but I was so drawn to Xander. He made me feel comfortable to just be me, and I’m looking forward to much more.
Stacy’s comment tells me she obviously doesn’t know the finer points of seduction. Not surprising, and terribly sad, due to her shitty marriage where romance didn’t exist.
Little does she know there’s a surprise Xander and I cooked up for tonight, and hopefully it doesn’t backfire. Holly was unable to take advantage of going to the comedy show, so I convinced Stacy to join us. Since the seats for Xander’s two tickets aren’t near the four I have, Stacy will be sitting with Rafe. And do you think I told her that? No way. I don’t expect her and Rafe to run off into the sunset together, but I do hope she’ll enjoy a nice evening with a handsome man who just so happens to be single.
“The big deal is,” Dani starts, “Michelle wants to keep Xander on his toes. Keep him interested by showing him there’s still more to discover about her.”
Stacy just rolls her eyes causing me to chuckle. I turn back to the mirror, giving myself another inspection to ensure I made the right choice. Since it’s the Fourth of July and hotter than Hades, I chose an airy summer dress in royal blue with spaghetti straps and a fitted bodice that has a built-in bra. The hem dances above my knees and beneath it I’m wearing red silk panties. Not that anyone other than me and Xander will know that detail. To complete the outfit, I have shiny silver wedge sandals, a silver clutch with a wrist strap, and silver hoop earrings. Dani styledmy hair, giving it a nice wave instead of the usual sleek-straight look.
“Not too shabby,” I murmur to myself.
“Pfft,” Dani huffs. “You look amazing.” She steps to my side, catching my reflection so that our eyes meet. “It’s good to see you like this, and I hope Xander is worthy of you.”
I smile at my friend. Dani’s a curvy, robust woman who is also wearing a dress, but instead of being loose, it hugs her body like a second skin. It has a white bodice and red skirt, and she’s tied a blue sash around her waist. Her feet are encased in blue heels that give her an additional five inches in height. If I were to wear those shoes, I probably wouldn’t make it three steps, but Dani struts flawlessly in them as if they were simply an extension of her.
“I think he is,” I say.
She nods before we turn to Stacy who is sitting on my bed, absently toying with the hem of the skirt she’s wearing while staring out the window. When she and Dani arrived at my place earlier, Stacy had on khaki capris, a red faded t-shirt, and blue sneakers. Miraculously, Dani and I were able to convince her to allow us to spruce up her wardrobe by offering one of my dresses. Since we’re the same size, the red sundress fits her perfectly. It’s modest enough to suit her quiet, subdued personality, yet a cute deviation from her usual plain attire. Flat sandals adorn her feet, and she even allowed Dani to style her blonde hair as well as apply subtle makeup. With the outfit and her glasses on, I’ll admit she’s got a sexy librarian look going on.
I walk over to the bed and take Stacy’s hands, pulling her to her feet. “Come here.” Leading her to the mirror, I stand between her and Dani, the three of us looking at one another in the reflection. “Tonight is all about a good time. We look fabulous and we deserve a wonderful evening. It’s anindependence celebration in more ways than one.” I wink at Stacy when she meets my gaze, and I see her manage a smile.
“Okay,chicas,vamonos! I’m starving!” Dani breaks away and grabs her bag. “I’ll drive us to the bar and Dom will meet us there.”
Our plan is to head toThe Dive Barand listen to the band’s performance while enjoying yummy food. We’ll end up having a few hours afterward until it’s time for the comedy show. Following that, we’ll return to the beach to watch the fireworks display that’s scheduled to begin once it’s dark.
It’s a packed agenda.
I wrap my arm around Stacy, both of us chuckling as we walk toward the door. “I’m so glad you’re joining us. You might be the sane one in the bunch tonight.” I chuckle.
“Maybe I’ll surprise you.” She grins.
I draw back with an exaggerated surprised expression. “Ooo, I think I’d like to see that.”
We both laugh as we collect our purses and head out.
