I turned to the side and the layers of chiffon flowed beneath me. My fingers traced the soft pink embroidered design on the champagne corseted top. Sara chose the same shade of pink to weave in my hair, resembling an inset headband, with a pile of soft curls artistically stacked at the nape of my neck. I picked up the finishing touch from the dresser and secured it around my neck, allowing my fingertips to brush the sparkling diamond as I did the day he'd given it to me.
As Sara stepped out of the bathroom, I turned toward the door with my cheeks aglow, ready to thank her for her ingenious transformation, but I was held speechless at the sight of her. The sapphire blue dress skimmed her body, brushing her curves in a shimmering dance. Large curls of red traipsed over her right shoulder. She looked … worshipable.
"Jared is in so much trouble," I gaped. "Sara, you look amazing." I wasn't sure why I was so in awe. She was the most desired girl in school for a reason, but I guess I forgot that most of the time because she was just Sara to me. There was no denying her modelesque figure and Hellenic beauty now.
Sara smiled vibrantly, revealing perfect white teeth behind her glossy red lips. "Maybe he is."
"Sara, please don't tell me you're going to sleep with him," I begged.
"Relax. I won't," she said with a roll of her eyes. "But it doesn't mean we can't have fun."
My phone beeped, distracting me from her comment. Spoke with Carl and we called Rachel. She's sweet, and I believe she wants this too. Meeting her on Saturday, but it looks like everything's all set for Sunday.
Sara handed me my jacket and the bag that held Evan's gift. "Your parents are letting me move in with her," I announced.
"Well, then I guess it's official." Sara held the door open for me to follow.
"I guess so," I returned, my stomach flipping with the realization.
I thought my knees might give out when we rounded the corner into the main lobby and I saw the back of the black tailored jacket. My eyes trailed to find his usually tousled light brown hair neatly swept to the side in a more distinguished look. He was caught up in a conversation with his brother and didn't notice as we approached.
Evan stopped mid-sentence when Jared's mouth dropped open. Jared was in trouble, and it was written all over his face as Sara sauntered toward him.
I couldn't feel my legs moving as Evan turned around. My heart stopped at the sight of his smoky blue eyes, and a rush of heat filled my cheeks when his mouth formed that perfect smile. It had only been two weeks since he'd left for his skiing trip, but for some reason it was like I was seeing him for the first time all over again.
"Hi," I whispered. He stepped up to take my hand, our connection unbroken since our eyes first met.
"Hi," he responded, still smiling. He tilted his head down to kiss me, but Sara interrupted.
"We need to go or we'll be late."
"Sure," Evan replied, instantly snapped back to the bustling lobby of formally dressed people, most likely attending the same event. He helped me slip on my jacket. I slid on black leather gloves in preparation for January's freeze and took his hand again.
"What's that?" Evan asked, gesturing toward the bag.
"A surprise," I grinned, having waited so long to give it to him it was killing me.
"I have one of those too," he smirked, holding the door open for me.
"One what?"
"A surprise," he revealed, smiling wider and sending another rush of color to my cheeks.
I ducked into the limo and slid in beside Sara, since she was sitting across from Jared. Evan was forced to sit next to his brother, leaving my hand empty. I glanced across at him, and we silently exchanged the I wish I were sitting next to you too look.
The limo pulled into a circular cobblestone driveway, and the driver came around to open the door. The restaurant resembled a mansion more than a dining establishment, with multiple eaves and glowing windows on each level.
We were escorted to a private patio that was glassed in for the winter season, offering a spectacular view of the dark rolling ocean.
"Wonderful! You're here," Vivian greeted brightly with open arms. She gripped each of her sons by the shoulders as they bent to kiss her on the cheek, then admired Sara and I after the guys helped remove our jackets.
"Exquisite," she declared, wrapping us each in her signature brief embrace with a brush of her lips on our cheeks. "Come. Sit down."
Stuart remained unmoved. Not giving us a glance since our arrival. He stoically gazed out at the ocean holding a glass of ice, filled with caramel colored liquor.
At Vivian's insistence, we each found a seat. I made certain to sit next to Evan at the rectangular table, with Jared and Sara across from us and Vivian and Stuart at each end. Evan took my hand under the draped table, instantly calming my nerves.