His eyes brighten, a wide grin breaking across his face. “Oh. Okay, yeah.”
Our food gets brought to the table and we settle into a comfortable silence for a moment as we eat.
“So,” I take a quick sip of my coffee before continuing, “tell me more about this gala.”
“Well, it’s pretty relaxed. It’s a preseason event so it’s mainly the team, staff and family members.”
“Oh, sounds fun. What’s the dress code?” I ask as I cut another bite of my pancakes.
He shrugs. “It’s black tie, but don’t stress about it. You look gorgeous in anything.”
I raise my eyebrows at him. “I appreciate that, but I need to dress appropriately, Levi.”
“Well let me take you dress shopping then.”
And my jaw drops open. That is possibly the last thing I thought I would ever hear come from his lips. But I love the idea of him helping me to pick out a dress.
I nod, taking another bite of my food, only answering once I swallow. “When would you like to go?”
He ponders for a moment. “After our session today?”
His expression is hopeful, like he’s almost begging me to say yes. “Okay, fine.” He grins, but I put my hand up to stop him from saying anything yet. “After we shower, though. It’s a hard session today.”
He smiles cheekily and nods excitedly and I melt a little. “Sure, Scar.”
He goes back to eating, and so do I.
I can feel my excitement building at the thought of both getting a new dress and spending more time with Levi beyond the studio.
…
We’ve just arrived at Bella Boutique, a dress shop with an upscale vibe. The air carries a hint of jasmine, plush cream carpet stretches beneath my feet, and soft blush-toned accessories and furniture are arranged throughout the space.
Levi and I browse for a moment before the stylist comes to greet us, telling us to let her know if we need any help, or when we’re ready to start trying items on.
After about fifteen minutes, Levi has four dresses piled up, and I’m ready to start trying them on. The stylist shows us to a dressing room, placing the dresses in the stall.
The first dress I try is a red A-Line design. It’s… elegant enough, but it just doesn’t feelright.
I step out, finding Levi sitting on the chair outside the stall and his eyes glance up at the sound of the door opening.
His eyes widen, a small grin pulling at the corner of his mouth.
“What do you think?” I ask, turning around to look back into the mirror, flattening my hands down over the dress.
He watches me for a moment, lips pursed.
“You don’t love it.” He states, eyes still roaming over my figure.
“I don’t. It feels too… stiff. It doesn’t feel like me.”
Levi nods. “Onto the next, Princess.”
The next is a knee length, blush pink dress. It’s pretty… but definitely not gala worthy.
Stepping out to Levi, he looks me over. It’s written on his face that this isn’t the dress either.
“This isn’t the one.” I state.
