Imperfect Truth(14)

“$780,”

“Oh snap, it’s on sale,” she blurts out.

“Are you joking?”

“I never joke about clothes,” Jules deadpans. “No, but really, Ava. Do you want to stick it to him?”

“Yeah, but isn’t this a bit excessive?”

She shakes her head adamantly. “Nope.” It’s definitely excessive, but God the dress looks fabulous. There is no other way to say it; this dress is made for me. “You know what? Fuck it. Lenore said I should put myself together, so let’s do this.” I giggle to myself; Jules joins in.

“That will teach Alexandre not to stand up to his mom for you,” Jules says with a laugh, her face turning red from the exertions. She turns to me with a very serious look on her face. Oh God. What now? That face scares me.

“Okay killer, want to really stick it to him? Louboutin’s here we come.” With a quick nod of my head, I glance at myself one more time in the mirror. It’s incredible. This dress really is made for me, and I feel amazing in it.

Minutes later three pairs of the most exceptional shoes sit in front of me, but one in particular catches my eye. They are extraordinary…with a price tag to boot. At $1,195.00, these are the most beautiful shoes I’ve ever seen, and they are sky high. Probably five inches. The shoe is adorned with tiny little crystals in a nude shade. Slipping them on my feet, they make my legs look like they go on for days. I need them, and knowing Alexandre will have a coronary when he gets the bill, seals the deal.

“Holy shit, Ava! You have to get them! O.M.G., have you looked at your legs? Your legs alone will make your husband take notice.”

“I highly doubt anything I do could make him take notice, but here’s to trying.” There is no mistaking the sadness in my voice.

“Honestly, why…why do you stay with him, Av?”

I give her a weak smile. I’m not completely sure. I’m certainly not happy, but fear consumes me. The thought of being alone terrifies me, and the thought of never finding anyone else to love me chokes my heart.

Sensing my mood has gone somber, Jules reapplies her signature smile and chirps happily, “Okay, lunch time.”

“It’s a bit early for lunch, don’t you think?”

“Well, I didn’t eat breakfast.”

“I’m not hungry yet.”

“We can have cocktails first.” Her nose scrunches as she speaks. My eyes roll on instinct.

“It’s like eleven thirty in the morning, Jules.”

“It’s five o’clock somewhere.” She winks. Shrugging my shoulders, I turn to the sales associate, “I’ll take both the dress and the shoes. But first, any chance you can help me out of this bad boy?”

Once the dress is off we head to the restaurant located on the 6th floor and order a round of Bellinis. Bellinis are our signature drink. Sparkling wine mixed with white peach nectar; they are simply divine. We joke it’s the “Nectar of the Gods.”

We enjoy a leisurely lunch, which includes more cocktails and two Waldorf salads. While at the restaurant, I call the Plaza Hotel and make myself an appointment for hair and makeup at the beauty salon that’s located there. I then text Alexandre and let him know I will meet him at home dressed and ready to go at 7:45 pm. This is just what the doctor ordered.



THE DAY SPEEDS BY, and I’m standing in the beauty salon changing room. My hair, a rich shade of mahogany, has been blown out and flows with soft waves down the sway of my back. The makeup around my eyes is smoky, yet sexy. My eyelashes are long and lush making my sapphire eyes gleam brightly. Jules zips me up as I admire myself in the mirror. The transformation is complete, and for someone with a self-esteem problem I’ve got to admit I look smashing.

“Damn girl, if Alexandre doesn’t go nuts, I’ll kill him for you. You look amazing.”

“Here’s hoping,” I beam back at her.

“No Ava. You are perfect.”

I’m not perfect. I’ve just mastered my façade. The one I’ve got on tonight is just a front to hide my insecurities. Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I give myself one more look before I turn and leave.

Jules kisses my cheek as I leave her standing outside the Plaza Hotel. The ride home drags as anxiety pricks at me. The dread of having to spend the evening with Lenore penetrates my every thought. The cab pulls up to the curb, and I can see Alexandre waiting outside the building.

Rolling down the window I speak to him apologetically, “So sorry I’m late, why don’t you hop in and we’ll just take this cab to the event?”

He rolls his eyes at me in annoyance and moves to enter the cab. He looks dashing as always. His chocolate brown hair is short yet unruly, and his piercing green eyes brim with displeasure.