“Yes, ma’am.” I laugh and turn my back to her. “Can you undo the zipper now?” She does what I ask and heads back in the hallway. “I’ll be out in a few.”
I change and put the dress back on the hanger. Never in a million years did I think I would look good in a dress like this. Even when I was Lexi’s age, I never would’ve had the confidence. That all changes today.
I open the door and Lexi is still grinning from ear to ear. “Let’s get the rest of the outfit. Oh, and I think I know what kind of pajamas I want to get for the sleepover.”
“What about the gifts?”
“I’m thinking mini spa kits we can do while we’re there. You know face masks and stuff like that.”
“Good idea.” I fold the dress over my arm and we make our way to the shoe department. “Peter is coming over after he gets off work. I’m thinking pizza for dinner.”
“I could eat pizza.” She sees the aisle of heels and she’s off. It’s going to be a long afternoon.
“Did you find a dress?” Peter asks as he brings his plate to the table.
“Yep.” I refuse to give him any hints about it.
“You’ll love it,” Lexi adds before taking a bite of her food. “And I’m all set for my sleepover. I’ll give you your card after dinner. It’s in my room.”
“Sounds good.” His foot touches my foot under the table. “I can’t wait to show you off.”
I snort and cause everyone to laugh. “We’ll see.”
After a few more bites, Peter clears his throat. “I have a bit of bad news, but it’s not Pierce related. It’s all Piper’s fault this time.”
“Did something happen with the event?” I’d hate for her to hit a snag in something she’s excited about. She was telling me all about it during dinner last night.
“No, we have the caterers set and all that. Whoopsie Daisy is going to come out and do the floral arrangements for the tables. But…Piper needs to hang a million lights in the trees, which is going to take me a while. So, I’ll be working late.”
“Oh.” I can’t help the way my voice falls. He’s nothing like Conrad. It’s the line I have to repeat in my head.
“But, I can come here when I leave. Or, y’all can come to my place.” He takes another bite of his pizza and his eyes widen as if a lightbulb went off in his head. “Even better, you can come to the winery. I’ll be working, but I’m sure Piper would love some help with her vision. She’s refusing any input from us guys, even Parker.”
That actually sounds kind of fun, and I love hanging out with his sisters. “What do you think Lexi?”
“I’m totally in. I can even bring a book to read if I get bored.”
“Or, your homework.” I glance at her.
“Yeah, yeah.” She waves me off. “If I have homework, I’ll bring it. Just suck all the fun out of it.”
“Homework should come first.” Peter adds.
“As if you ever stayed on top of it.” I shake my head at him. “How many times did you turn in late assignments and have to do extra credit so you wouldn’t upset your mom?”
“Which is why I said it comes first.” He sticks his tongue out at me.
“Are you staying the night again?” Lexi asks before taking her plate to the sink.
“I’m not sure.”
“Please. I want to show you the stuff I got to take to Abby’s. And maybe watch a movie.”
Peter glances over at me to see if it’s okay. He may take care of me in every other way, but he lets me know this choice will always remain with me.
“I’m fine with it. But I get to pick the movie.”
These are the nights I’m beginning to love. Nothing extravagant, just a quiet evening with two of my favorite people.
