Page 21 of The Fantasy League
I’ll pick you up at seven.
- A
I wasn’t sure whether I was more shocked at our first official outing happening sooner than I had anticipated or the fact that Abel had better handwriting than I did.
Shoving the invitation back in the envelope, I picked up the box that was sitting at my feet before pulling my house key from my bag.
I opened the doors and walked down the hallway heading toward the kitchen where I sat the gorgeous golden box down on the island. My stomach turned thinking about what might lay inside the handcrafted box staring back at me.
What could Abel possibly have given me? The wrapping alone was probably more expensive than my monthly car payment.
The box taunted me as I paced back and forth across the kitchen a few times before perching myself on the barstool and timidly pulling the box across the counter so it sat in front of me.
My heart thumped loudly in my ears while I mustered up the courage to slowly, slowly open the box. Peeling away the tissue paper, my lungs tightened as I took in the most beautiful emerald-green dress I had ever laid eyes on. It was probably the most gorgeous piece of clothing I hadeverlaid eyes on.
Tears pricked the back of my eyes when I noticed it was the exact shade of my beloved ring that Mom had given me.
Oh. My. God.
I couldn’t fight my heart from swelling at the gesture of Abel picking out a dress for me to wear to tonight’s charity event. Specifically one that matched my ring.
Sure, I could have borrowed a gown from one of Mae’s closets, but him going out of his way to do this for me made it feel like an actual date.
But why?
I pulled my phone from my bag that rested on the barstool next to me and quickly shot a text to Mae.
Scarlett:Pool house. Immediately.
Mae:Aye, Aye, Captain!
My fingertips were hot as I removed the soft crepe material from the box and carried the dress to my bedroom. I hung it on the doorframe of the closet, marveling up at the floor-length gown with my jaw agape when I heard the front doors open.
I called for Mae to meet me in my bedroom and moments later she peered into the room from the doorway and her mouth formed a perfectOas she came and stood next to me. I handed her the invitation and turned it over so she could read Abel’s note too.
“So he did this all by himself? You didn’t ask him for this?” She picked up after a beat of silence.
“Never said a word,” I replied, still plagued with shock.
“I think I’m in love with him.”
“Mae!”
“Kidding, kidding! So, I take it you said yes to being his girlfriend?”
“Yeah…” I trailed off.
I still hadn’t told Mae that this whole thing with Abel was a ruse or that he would be giving me his house at the end of it. When she asked about our Socialgram posts, I told her that we were still feeling things out.
Pretty sure she thought I meant we were hooking up based on the smug grin she gave me when I told her. I probably should’ve shut down the idea, but at least this would stop her from trying to help me get laid.
“I can’t wear it. It’s got to cost my entire salary if not more.”
“Mine too.”
“Don’t say that! I’m already nervous enough. What if I spill something on it? What if I break the zipper?”
Mae took the dress off the door to look at the tag on the inside. Her face paled and her eyes grew wide as she looked up at me. “Um… do you remember that designer that stayed at Abel’s house the time he kicked you out…?” she questioned, waiting for my response.
