I set the box down and pull out my phone to text him back.
Frankie:
I’ll be ready.
I stare at myself, fiddling with my hair a bit more to make it look perfect. I didn’t spend years learning how to tame the frizz for it to look bad tonight. I want to feel pretty for them.
The dress fits like it was cut to me. The bodice hugs my ribs, neckline dipping into a clean sweetheart curve. Off-the-shoulder sleeves frame my shoulders. The waist draws in, then flares out into a skirt that stops just above my calves. It floats when I turn.
Beneath it, the structured lace lingerie fits like a second skin: supportive, delicate, and just hidden enough to feel like a secret. I’ve never been super feminine, but today is an exception. It makes me wonder which one of them picked it out and how they know my measurements well enough to get the right size.
I’ve pinned my hair to one side, the rest left down in loose waves over my right shoulder. Bronze eyeshadow lines my lids, fading into a medium brown at the outer corners. The lipstick is darker than I usually go for, but it suits the dress and matchesthe stones. It was only by chance I bought it on a whim years ago. Now it’s coming in handy. Almost like I planned for this.
I lift the necklace and fasten it at the nape of my neck. The chain settles softly against my skin. The pendant rests a few inches above my breasts.
The earrings pair nicely with it, letting it be the centerpiece.
Outside, the sunlight shifts and catches the glitter in my dress, sending specks of light dancing over the wall behind me.
Ford will be here soon.
I smooth the skirt, then let my hands fall.
Part of me is nervous. I feel like I know what’s coming next, and I’m excited for it. What if I’m wrong, and this is just a date? I shake my head. I won’t let myself feel that disappointment until it happens.
The front door opens downstairs and I turn my head toward it. I grab my phone.
My heart quickens even though I know everything is going to be fine.
I move into the hall and start toward the stairs. I place one hand on the railing and descend, heels loud on the wood.
Ford walks in just as I reach the middle step. He’s styled his hair with gel. It looks good.
He stops short, eyes dragging up from the floor to find me.“Damn, love.”
I don’t slow. I take the rest of the stairs at an even pace, each step measured.“Is it too much?”
By the time I reach him, his hand curves around my waist and pulls me closer. The other hovers near my cheek, like he’s holding back so he won’t ruin my makeup.
“You’re perfect.”He kisses me.
His mouth moves with certainty, lips warm, and his body close. My fingers curl lightly at the edge of his tucked light blue satin button-up.
When he pulls back, he clears his throat.“Ready?”
I nod.
He reaches for my hand and leads me outside, pressing the button for the lock before we head down the steps. The sun hangs low, casting long shadows over the lawn. The SUV idles at the curb.
There’s no sign of the others.
I glance around. “Where are the guys?”
His mouth tugs into a knowing smirk. “You’ll have to wait and see.”
He opens the passenger door, and I slide in, my dress rustling as I gather it behind me. He closes it gently.
We’ve been driving for over an hour.
