Page 55 of Daring to Love You
“I don’t like that dress,” she said. “It shows too much skin, and I’m tempted to snatch it off you and sew up that split.”
Dorian knew she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help laughing, and she laughed even harder when Cree joined in.
“Mom, you’ve made your feelings known about the dress,” Cree said, shaking her head as she approached Dorian. “I think she looks beautiful.”
“Of course, you would because some of the dresses I’ve seen you in should be outlawed. I’m going to make coffee.”
She turned to leave, and Dorian called out after her. “You don’t need coffee because you guys aren’t staying!” She wasn’t sure if their mother heard her, but then Dorian looked at her sister. “Why’d you even bring her?”
“Like I had a choice. You’re the one who told her about attending the gala. Then she called, told me to pick her up, and bring her over.”
Dorian huffed. “Well, can you leave before Lynix gets here?”
Cree sat in the small, upholstered chair near the window and crossed her long legs. “Nope. He’s the main reason she wanted to come. I don’t think she likes you and Lynix dating.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because she said she didn’t.” They both laughed before Cree sobered. “Well, she didn’t actually come out and say it like that, but I think she’s worried about you, as usual. She still sees you as her little girl and is having trouble letting go. Just get married, have a few kids, and she’ll be fine.”
“Ha! Sure she will,” Dorian said and ran her hand down her stomach, trying to calm her nerves. Lynix would be there soon, and though she couldn’t wait to see him, she was nervous about meeting his family.
She adjusted the dress and sat on the bed. Hearing Cree mention kids made Dorian think about their time at the boutique the other day.
“Your updo is cute, but it looks like you might need a few more hair pins,” Cree said. She stood and grabbed a couple that were on the dresser and walked over.
“Are you ever going to tell me what happened at the boutique the other day? Who was the mystery man?” Dorian asked. She’d been trying to get info out of her sister since that day, but Cree’s lips were sealed.
“Leave it alone, Dee.”
“But you be all up in my business. I deserve to know a little of yours. Besides, it’s not like I’m going to blab to anyone. Whatever we discuss stops right here. So who was he? I’m assuming he plays football or basketball because the guy was huge. Is he an ex-boyfriend? Friend with benefits? Former client with benefits? What?”
As an entertainment lawyer, she represented entertainers as well as professional athletes. Him being a former client wasn’t a stretch.
Cree didn’t respond as she stuck another hairpin into Dorian’s hair and not too gently.
Dorian flinched. “Ouch! Cree! If you don’t want to tell me, then don’t, but don’t take your frustrations out on my head.”
“You keep talking, and I’m going to knock you upside the head. Or better yet, maybe I should get Mom in here and let her finish it up for you.”
“Please don’t,” Dorian murmured. “I’d rather you convince her to leave. I don’t want her to embarrass me in front of Lynix.”
“Girl, she lives to embarrass us. Just suck it up and deal with it.”
After the words left Cree’s mouth, a knock sounded on the apartment door, and Dorian’s pulse spiked.
“I’ll get it,” their mother called out.
“No!” Dorian and Cree said at the same time.
Dorian didn’t want her mother anywhere near Lynix. She hurried to stand up, but it was too late. She could hear Lynix’s deep voice as he greeted her mother.
“Gawd! I just can’t with her,” Dorian grumbled and looked at her sister. “Please take her and go.Please,and I promise I won’t ask anything else of you.”
Cree laughed and grabbed her oversized purse from the chair she’d been sitting in. “Fine. I’ll get her and go but let me give you a couple of tips for tonight.”
Dorian would willingly accept any advice her sister had to give on attending the gala. Cree had mentioned she’d attended the same fundraiser several times over the years and spoke highly of the event. Some of the people in attendance? Not so much.
“You walk into that ballroom like you own that bitch,” Cree said, and Dorian laughed at the fierceness in her tone. “As for Lynix’s parents, I’ve only met them in passing, but I heard Mr. Mathews is a real piece of work. Don’t let him intimidate you if he tries. Just because they have a shitload of money don’t make them better than you. Remember that. And because there will be some pampered princesses in attendance, stay close to your man. Don’t be afraid to get a little catty if you must.”
