Page 31 of Arranging Ayra
“Thanks, Jai. I really enjoyed working with you, too.”
“It really makes me feel like a part of the crew.”
We both glanced at the bag of trash and laughed.
“You know what I mean,” Jai said.
“It may not look like it now,” I said, glancing once again at the garbage bag, “but I happen to know that the cast and crew really appreciate you and are happy to have you here, too.”
EIGHT
My eyes popped wide open, and I bolted out of my bed. Six o’clock, the clock read. Perfect. A perfect hundred and twenty minutes, to take a shower, wash my hair, and get ready for my date... that is my day with Barn.
I stripped out of my pajamas then headed to the shower where I lingered a little longer than usual under the hot water as I tried to calm my nerves. I washed myself with apricot scented soap and washed my hair with kiwi scented shampoo, rinsed thoroughly and turned off the water.
As I reached for my towel, I caught a whiff of myself.
Damn. You smell like a freaking fruit salad.
I turned the water back on and rinsed even more thoroughly. Finally satisfied, I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. I toweled off, combed out my hair and returned to my room.
Dress casually.Barn’s words resonated in my head. How casual is casual? I’d heard plenty of horror stories of people going to a ‘casual get together’ only to find everyone dressed up.
I looked through my closet knowing full well that I would start with basic jeans. No matter how casual the event, jeans would be appropriate.
But which jeans? Skinny? Black? Faded denim? Then I put my hands on my comfy, supple denim baggy jeans. Yes. Perfect. Only slightly frayed at the hem, two small, dime-sized holes had begun to work their way through at the knee... so fully organic and not manufactured.
I paired the jeans with a faded plum colored peasant blouse hemmed with a lacy frill, then looked at myself in the dresser mirror.
Good enough. Feminine casual.
I quickly blow dried my hair, tied it back into a loose ponytail and threw on a bucket hat.
Looking once again at my reflection, I was surprised to see the rosy hue of my cheeks. A healthy glow? No. I suspect my upcoming day with Mr. Darcy was more to blame than my health.
Nonetheless, I smeared some rose-colored gloss over my lips to enhance the look.
