“I’ll miss you, too, Grant.Be safe.”
“You, too.”
****
Jennifer
Jennifer hung up her phone.She was surprised at how miserable she was, knowing she wouldn’t see him for a few days.Maybe it was that they hadn’t been able to spend time together because of the animal hoarding case, and this morning, they had limited time because of work.
She straightened.There was nothing she could do but keep busy and hope that it would help and tire her out enough to sleep at night.
Thursday and Friday passed with only phone calls.As hard as he tried, the business that brought him out of town took longer than expected.She could hear the frustration in his voice get more profound every time he called, and she tried to reassure him it would be okay.
They decided that if he didn't get back in time, Devon and Tessa would take her to the benefit, and he would meet her there and then drive her home.
Tessa called early Saturday morning.“Hey, Jen.How about we go to a salon, pamper ourselves, and then shop for a new outfit for tonight?”
“Oh, wow, Tessa.You have no idea how good that sounds.”She ignored Tessa’s surprising outburst.“All I have is that black dress I wore last time, and I haven’t had my hair cut in months.”
They decided to meet at a salon Tessa got them into that morning.
It was many hours later when they finally left.
“God, Jennifer.Grant is going to fall all over you when he sees you tonight.”
Jennifer could still hear some concern in her friend’s voice but was pleased she was trying.She held her hands out to admire the nail polish she had picked.She couldn’t remember ever painting her nails.“I think we went a little overboard, Tessa.I understood the haircut was a must, but then we decided on highlights for my hair, then manicures and pedicures, waxing, facials, and makeup.Do you know how much I just spent?”
Tessa laughed.“When’s the last time you’ve spent money on yourself?You deserve it, Jen.You never think of yourself.Now stop whining, and let’s go shopping.”She laughed at Jennifer’s pained groan.
An hour later, Jennifer turned abruptly in the dressing room when the curtain was pushed aside.
“Oh, damn, girl, that’s the one.”
Jennifer couldn’t take her gaze off her image in the mirror.She felt truly beautiful for the first time in her life.The deep-red dress was fitted at the top, cupping her breasts, but flowed gently down her body, just skimming her hips and stopping just above her knees.Tessa had found black high heels that weren’t too high but still looked sexy as hell.With her hair, makeup, and now the outfit, she didn’t know if Grant would recognize her or even like it.
“Jen, quit worrying.Grant’s going to love this.”
Jennifer’s eyes met Tessa’s in the mirror.“Do you think so?I look so different.”
Tessa snorted.“Actually, you don’t.Everything you’ve done today has only enhanced your beauty.”
It was Jennifer’s turn to snort.“You have to say that, you love me.”
“Have I ever lied to you?”Tessa turned serious.
Jennifer knew Tessa meant business when she crossed her arms, and her chin jutted out.She coughed to hide her smile.“No, you haven’t.”
“All right then.Shut up, and let’s get out of here.I’m starving.”
Jennifer looked at her friend up and down.She looked gorgeous in a tight black dress that stopped an inch above her knees, and she paired the outfit with four-inch black high heels.
“Tessa, if I’m half as pretty as you are, I’ll be thrilled.”
Tessa rolled her eyes.“Yeah, right.As long as Devon finds me attractive, I’m good.”
