Page 77 of Love's Bloom
They went upstairs to Crystal’s bedroom. Crystal opened her suitcase to show Misty some of her purchases. They squealed excitedly as her sister unwrapped each one like a special Christmas package.
“And this is for you,” said Crystal, handing her a small, soft package.
Misty opened it and gasped with pleasure. “I’ve read about Hermes scarves but never thought I’d own one. I love it!” She held up the red floral scarf and wrapped it around her neck.
Crystal kissed her. “In Paris, women wear scarves in a variety of ways. They add elegance to any outfit. I want you to enjoy this bit of luxury.”
“Every time I wear it, I’ll feel like a princess,” said Misty, staring at herself with the scarf in the mirror.
“And one more thing.” Crystal handed her another larger package. “You’ll get a ton of wear out of this.”
Misty unwrapped the tissue, stared at the simple, sleeveless, black sheath, and grinned. “My own little black dress. Thank you. Thank you.”
“I enjoyed picking these out for you. Wear them with health and joy,” said Crystal. “Now, I suppose I should do some laundry. How’s that for a dramatic change?”
Misty laughed. “From riches to rags.”
“Are you going to Jake’s tonight?” Crystal asked.
“I’m not sure. David is taking me out to dinner.”
Crystal smiled. “He’s perfect for you.”
“We’ve decided to let our relationship develop. I had a bit of a setback and needed to figure some things out, but I feel better about us now. I’ll tell you about it another time. I know you’re anxious to get unpacked and settled. I’m glad you had such a marvelous time.”
“Me, too,” said Crystal. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Misty carried her gifts to her car, overwhelmed by Crystal’s generosity. She intended to put the dress to use by wearing it this evening, along with her scarf.
###
Misty spent the remainder of the afternoon anxiously awaiting a call from David to confirm a time for dinner. She knew that as long as fair weather held, he’d be busy with the landscaping business. Today was no exception.
When he finally called to say he’d pick her up at seven, she laid her new black dress on her bed. It was cool enough to wear the scarf Crystal had given her. That, and simple gold earrings would make the outfit. Misty thought of the evening as a new beginning with David and wanted to look especially nice.
Later, when David picked her up, she was rewarded for her efforts by a long, low whistle from him.
“You look amazing,” David said as he bent to kiss her.
She looked up at him and grinned. “Do I look Parisian?”
At his look of confusion, she laughed. “Crystal brought me the dress and scarf from Paris. I’m supposed to feel very special in them.”
He gave her an impish look. “I think you’d look very special without any of it. We can give it a try later.”
She chuckled as heat rose to her cheeks. Maybe this was more than a simple new beginning. The thought intrigued her.
###
They left the house, and David helped her get into his truck.
She hooked her seat belt and turned to him in the driver’s seat. “Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d eat at Fresh. The owners have started construction on their new restaurant here in town, and I wanted a chance to taste their food at their other place.”
“What a treat! I’ve eaten there once before. Though their menu is on the pricey side, their fresh selections are worth it.”
“I thought it was the perfect spot for our first real date in a while,” said David.
