“I was not,” Aria said gruffly as she stuffed the dress under her pillow.
“Well, look no more. Here, open it,” Corinna prompted as she ceremoniously laid the bag on Aria's bed like it was the crown jewels.
Aria knew this was going to be a mistake. She could only imagine what her bold, fashionable friend had in mind. Picking up the garment bag, she undid the bag’s zipper while Corinna headed for the kitchen.
Pulling the dress out and turning it around to inspect it, Aria’s eyes went wide.
“Where's the rest of it, Corinna?” Aria yelled. “There's no way I can wear this dress. I’ll look ridiculous. Absolutely not,” she continued as she shook her head vehemently, causing pieces of her hair to fall from the confines of her long ponytail.
Corinna walked back into the bedroom holding a glass of wine, feigning surprise over her friend’s reaction.
“What?” she asked with a shoulder shrug, making Aria scowl.
They stood there, facing off as if in a Western showdown; Aria holding up the stunning, garnet-colored dress with a determined look, Corinna narrowing her eyes and putting her free hand on her hip-
“You’re still young and need to stop dressing like an old woman. I won't take no for an answer. I can't return it and it's too small for me. I bought it expressly for you and that's that.”
“I cannot wear this and you know it, yet you bought it anyway and now you’re trying to guilt me into it?” Aria said, her voice rising in tone.
Sighing heavily, Corinna answered, “I know this a stretch for you, but wearing this dress will boost your confidence. Trust me.”
Several silent moments went by as Aria spun the dress around again, looking at it more intently. The dress was gorgeous but one she’d never choose for herself.
“Fine,” Aria said with a growl, knowing she’d never change Corinna's mind once it was made up anyway.
She slipped the silky dress on and as it slid down her body, she marveled at how it hugged her curves. Corinna’s face lit up as Aria turned to face the mirror.
The front of the dress had a square halter neckline. The bodice was fitted at her waist, then flared out, the bottom hitting right below her knees.
“Aria, you look gorgeous. You’re going to turn heads tonight. Here, I brought you some shoes too.”
Gaping at the four-inch black heels Corinna was holding, she replied, “Well at least let me get a wrap to put over the dress so my entire back isn’t exposed.”
Corinna laughed as she freed Aria’s hair from its ponytail, brushing it so her locks fell in waves. She also fixed her makeup, adding dark, smokey eyeshadow to make Aria’s hazel eyes pop.
Aria had to admit she felt fierce and feminine, though a little self-conscious about showing so much skin.
All those Pilates classes have paid off, she thought as she barely recognized herself in the mirror.
It was the second time in two days that she had experienced this feeling.
“You’re ready, Aria,” Corinna whispered before gathering her purse.
Aria wondered if her friend meant she was ready for more than just the event. She was glad that one of them was confident.
Chapter Nine
When Ariaand Corinna walked into the gallery, Aria’s eyes widened at the sight of the crowd. Upbeat music played in the background. Laughter and conversation echoed in the long, wide venue. Servers in black uniforms glided through the crowd with their offerings.
This was so different from her usual quiet and solitary nights. Suddenly, the dress felt too tight and constricting. Smoothing it down nervously, she tried hard to force a smile to appease Corinna.
“Stop fidgeting,” Corinna whispered. “You look gorgeous. Relax and let’s try to have some fun. We’ll grab a drink, some food and enjoy the art. It’s all from our area so I know you’ll love it.”
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Aria answered, scanning the room for another exit point.
“What? The dress or the exhibit?”
“Both,” Aria hissed.
