Page 109 of You and Me, For Real
An idea pops into my mind. “Maybe youcouldhave an opportunity to wear a dress like that.”
Her eyes widen, the greenish goop making her look like a ghoul. “What do you mean?”
“Well, the gala needs a theme. What if we themed it something within the Regency Era?”
She claps and bounces on the couch. “Oh my gosh, I love that idea. You could call it…Puppy Palace? Or, or Barkingham Palace?”
I laugh. “Those are creative.”
She gasps. “I’ve got it! What about, ‘The Royal Rescue?’” She runs her hand overhead as if a sign is glowing there.
“I love it.” I beam at her. “That’s perfect.”
“This is gonna be so much fun! I can’t wait to pick a dress!” She grabs her phone and immediately goes to google dress ideas.
Another idea surfaces. “There’s absolutely no pressure here—and it’s totally okay to say no, but would you be interested in singing for the event? I know it’s not your typical?—”
She smiles wide. “I’d absolutely love to!”
The dogs perk up at her excitement and leap into playful wrestle. Wren and I laugh and join them on the floor, playing until the doorbell rings. The dogs’ barking turns into a frenzy.
I look toward her entryway. “Any idea who that is?”
She picks up her phone, checks her security system, and the camera footage of the porch. “It’s Griffin.”
“Why is he here?”
She smirks. “Pretty sure he’s not here to see me.” She pulls me off the floor and shoves me toward the door. “Go, go. But make the man work to get into your good graces again.”
I open the door.
Griffin’s hands are shoved in his front pockets. “Hi, sorry, I hope I’m not interrupting…” He looks deliciously handsome in his grey slacks and blue button-down shirt, but his baffled expression brings me to realize I completely forgot my face is still covered in green goop.
I slap my hands over my face and try to close the door with my elbow, but Teddy pokes his nose out, forcing the door back open. “No! Wait.” It’s not a proper command and Teddy slips out.
With his tail wagging, Griffin bends to pet him. “Hey, buddy.”
While he’s distracted, I ease back into the darkness of the hallway. “I’ll be right back!”
“Okay,” Griffin says, confusion and worry in his tone.
I hurry to the bathroom, grab a wash rag, and begin scrubbing.
Wren pops her head in. “That was fast. What happened?”
“I couldn’t talk to him like this!” My face transforms from green to ripe red as I rub off the dried substance.
She crosses her arms and leans against the doorframe. “You’re right. Make him wait. Sweat it out a little.”
That wasn’t my intention, but maybe she’s right. I shouldn’t appear too eager to forgive his rudeness earlier. Though, every cell in my body craves to see him.
After at least two minutes of solid scrubbing, there’s still some small remnants of green here and there. Hopefully he won’t notice in the dim lighting.
I exit the bathroom and head toward the front door, Wren trailing behind me. Nervous jitters trickle through me and my hand shakes as I pull the door handle. Griffin sits on the porch step with his back to me, Teddy by his side. The two make an adorable pair.
“Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
He stands, brushing off the back of his slacks.
