Page 31 of Pick Six
“I should get home.” She glances down at the phone in her hand. “I didn’t realize how late it was.”
“Okay. Just give me a sec to get my keys,” I say. I just need my keys and a second to fucking compose myself because I’m shellshocked from how fucking good that was, how easily we could pick up something we left off on years ago.
“No. It’s fine. I’ll just get a car. You’re already home for the night. Don’t worry.”
“I can take you home, Saint,” I protest but she’s already grabbing her purse and heading for the door.
I jump up to follow her, but she holds her hand out to stop me.
“I’ll text you about the gala. I’ll see if I can find a dress tomorrow.”
“Okay, but I’m serious about paying for it. I’m asking you to go as part of this whole thing. I don’t mind.”
This is the first time in a long fucking time a woman has made me feel awkward like I don’t have the right words. Like I’m out of practice and running on adrenaline instead of charm. I’m also really not used to them running out the door after they kiss me. So it’s new experiences all around.
“It’s fine. Maybe I’ll find something cheap anyway. I’ll text you,” she repeats and then her hand is on the door. She looks as flustered and confused as I feel right now. A moment later she’s gone, and I’m standing in my living room wondering what the hell just happened.
SIXTEEN
Harper
The next dayafter work I’m meeting Violet at a boutique she recommended. After I’d realized I was going to need a dress for this event and the advice of someone who’d attended it before, I’d called her for help. She’d happily agreed to go with me. It also bought me another day away from Alex because, after our kiss last night, I’m not ready to see him.
She’s running a few minutes late because of a client she was handing off conservation work to, so I’m mulling around window shopping. Staring at home décor and imagining what my new apartment is going to look like once we sell this house. It’s not long before I hear her call my name and turn around to see her hurrying in my direction.
She grins and gives me a hug when she’s on me. “I am so freaking glad you’re coming to this. Mac and Waylon had to cancel cause their little one has been sick all week and I need a friend there. So much snobbery in one room.”
“Yeah well. You’re not making me feel better about this. I’m nervous as hell, and I have no idea what to wear. Thank god you had time today. I have zero ideas of where to even start.”
“Yeah. Dressing up for these things is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get to dress up and be gorgeous, on the other you have to do all the work that entails.”
“Right. And I haven’t bought anything approaching a formal gown since… well my wedding I guess, not that that counts. Probably prom? Ugh.”
“It’s fine. I love this place. The owner is super sweet and she’s always happy to help find something that makes you feel good.”
“Can I get fitted in time for the gala though?”
“Yeah. She’ll have it ready. I already phoned ahead to be sure, and she said she can make it work. Especially for a charity event.”
She locks arms with me, and we head inside.
After trying on dozens and dozens of dresses, or at least what feels like it, we finally decide on a long dark red dress that I’ll have to wear heels and shapewear with, but that looks freaking amazing on. Complete with a long slit up the leg that makes me feel like some sort of Bond girl. It’s nothing I would usually wear but it feels appropriate given the company I’ll be in, and between Violet and the boutique owner Faye, I’m convinced to wear it. The best part is that it fits almost perfectly as-is, so now I’m working on having my measurements taken so she can do some minor tailoring before I pick it up later this week.
When she’s done with the measurements, Faye rings me up at the counter and then gives me a total that nearly knocks me over. I mean, I’m prepared given that I’ve already seen the price tag, but to actually pay it feels a little like being held for ransom. I start pulling my card out, telling myself I’ll find somewhere else to wear it someday. You know, the next time a gorgeous pro football player needs me on his arm at an event.
“I’ve got it!” Violet stands up and hurries over, opening her purse and pulling out a black card.
“What are you talking about? I’ve got it.” I frown at her. I loved her for all the selfless ways she was willing to help me and everyone else around her, but I wasn’t going to let her pay for my dress.
“Oh, it’s not mine. I guess when you told Alex we were going today, he gave the card to Ben to give to me after practice. He said to tell you to hold on to it and give it back to him.”
“I am not using his card.”
“He said you’d say that, and he said to remind you that he’s already bought you half the things you own so one more won’t hurt. I have no idea what that means but he said you would.”
“That ass.”
“I mean it’s kind of sweet that he wants to do this for you. I think he might be soft on you.” Violet gives me a look that says I should just play nice with him.
