“It's getting late,” he pointed out. “How long will it take you to get ready?”
“Probably no more than an hour. I wanted to get your opinion about whether I should wear my jewelry though. You said that this was formal but I don't want to look like I’m trying too hard.”
“What kind of jewelry did you bring?” He was giving me a curious look.
“My good stuff,” I replied and he looked amused.
“I’m sure it’s fine but I’ll give you my opinion if you want it.”
We went upstairs to his room. Now, in the daylight, when not distracted by other things, I saw that his walls were covered with framed photos of the Harvard rowing team, along with plenty of awards and even a set of oars. Braden really liked boats. I would have to remember that. I went over to my bag and removed the box to a lovely necklace that my mom and dad had given me.
“This was my graduation gift from my parents when I finished law school.” I held it up to show him. I glanced up and saw that he looked a little surprised.
“Are those diamonds?”
“Aren’t they pretty?” I loved seeing the stones sparkle in the light.
“They’re beautiful. You just tossed them in your overnight bag and brought them along?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Just asking.” He gave me a look I couldn’t interpret. “Do your parents worry about you a lot?” he asked out of the blue.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact they do,” I admitted. “Why?”
“Just wondering. Why don’t we take a trip to New York soon?”
“Maybe my parents should come to Philly. I told you that I have some rather eccentric relatives? Like my bubbe for instance. That's my grandmother. She's kind of…blunt.”
“She'll get along well with Drew.”
“My cousin Rachel, is a bit bitter about her divorce. She’s thirty-two and sleeps with guys in their early twenties.”
“She’ll get along really well with Drew.”
“And there's my uncle Ira, the King of Dry Cleaning. And my Aunt Ruth. She’s something like Fran Drescher, but with a more nasal voice and heavier New York accent.”
“Everybody has embarrassing relatives. You should meet my cousin Derek, the Larry Flint of the Main Line. Actually, on second thought, you shouldn’t meet my cousin Derek. Ever.”
“Braden, you’re going to meet these people and never want to even consider having children with me. I need to wait until you’re madly in love with me before I inflict my family upon you.”
“Gabrielle, don't worry so much.” He laughed. “I don’t care if you have eccentric relatives. I’m dating, and potentially breeding with you, not them.”
“Okay, okay we’ll take a trip to New York soon but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Going back to my original question though, is the necklace too much?”
“No. It'll be fine. It's very beautiful and tasteful. Just like you.” He smiled, walked over and cupped my face in his hands, leaning down to kiss me gently. I heard a knock at the door and Beth called out.
“Gabrielle? I’m sorry to bother you but the hairdresser and the cosmetologist are ready for you now.”
“Go ahead,” Braden encouraged me. “I’ll get dressed while you go see them.”
“Okay, I’ll be right there,” I called out. I quickly undressed and found my robe. I wrapped it around myself and I went out and followed Beth down the hall to her room. The stylist and the make-up professional worked on me for about half an hour and I had to admit that the results were very nice. My hair was piled on top of my head with loose tendrils flowing down and I had the “smoky eyes” that Jessica was always talking about. When I got back to Braden’s room he was in his bathroom and I stepped into my evening gown. Occasionally, I did splurge, and I had known from the minute that I had seen this dress that I had to have it. It was a shimmery light beige color with strips of fitted silk charmeuse making up the bodice and a flowing chiffon skirt. It was so soft that it felt almost sensual against my bare skin.
“Will you zip me, Braden?” I called out. He walked out of the bathroom and my mouth went dry. He was wearing a tux and he looked drop-dead gorgeous. This man was born to dress in formal wear. His eyes roamed over me from head to toe appreciatively.
“You look so beautiful.” He walked over to where I was standing and eased my zipper up slowly. Then as he helped me to fasten the clasp on my necklace there was another knock on the door.
“Yo Braden! Mom and Dad want to know if you’re ready,” Drew yelled.
“We’re not deaf,” Braden said swinging the door open.