“Relax, baby Brey! I didn’t tell him with whom, and I said you wouldn’t tell me either. He wanted to come help, but I told him this was your first date, that you were nervous and that it would be best to let you deal with this—withoutthe pressure of your older brother. I also reminded him that you’re a grown woman and you’re allowed to date.”
She begins to unzip the garment bags, pulling out three different beautiful dresses. “Since you said it’s nothing really public and he told you to wear whatever you wanted. My guess is he’s bringing you somewhere familiar, like his house or a place he knows no one will be, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress nicely.”
I eye the dresses with hesitation. They truly are beautiful, but they aren’t me at all. “Em, I’m really grateful that you’re here helping me out, but I can’t wear those dresses. They’re way too… revealing,” I tell her with a blush. I know Shane has seen me naked, but I still want to be myself around him.
“I had a feeling you were going to say that. Which is why…” She puts those dresses aside and digs at the bottom of one of the bags, pulling out another dress. “I brought this one also.” It’s a very simple velvet-like dark green bodycon dress with wide shoulder straps, a square neckline, a small slit at the thigh, and ends right at the knee.
I instantly smile seeing it, it’s pretty and elegant, but still doesn’t scream,‘Look at me, I want all the attention!’which is what I try to avoid. “Yes, that’s the one.”
“Good. This pretty number with those black round-toe stiletto pumps will look amazing together.” She points to a pair of shoes in the suitcase I’ve just opened. “Now, how much time do you have before he gets here?”
“Umm…” I rush over to my phone, checking the time. “Just under an hour.”
“Okay, well, hurry up and get in the shower. I want you back out here in ten minutes max. Then we’ll keep it simple, just a simple blow-dry to your hair and no makeup. You’ll be ready in no time.”
“Thank you.” I take her hand in mine.
“You don’t need to thank me, we’re family. Now go!” She smiles and shoos me away.
Forty-five minutes later, I’m dressed, my shoes are on, and my hair has been dried in its natural waves while my face is bare of makeup, except for the lip balm I just applied. With the cold weather, there’s nothing worse than having chapped lips. I’ve also lathered my peach-scented cream all over, since I know Shane likes it, and the only piece of jewelry I’m wearing is the necklace he gave me.
My hands shake as I stare at myself in the mirror, taking a few calming deep breaths. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, it’s not like it will be the first time Shane and I are alone, but this feels like making everything official. We’ve said it was, but a date makes it real.
“You look beautiful, baby Brey.” Emma comes behind me, placing her hands on my arms.
“Do you think it’s too much? Or maybe not enough? What if he’s planning something super fancy…” My head starts filling with questions as my nerves take over. I bring my thumb to my mouth, needing to settle my anxiety a little. Emma wanted to do my nails, but I refused. I keep them clean and well-trimmed all the time, so they’re nice, but nail polish is a no-go for bakers since I use my hands a lot.
“Aubrey, you look perfect. You could even wear a paper bag and Shane would still lose his mind over you. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Okay, yeah, you’re right.” I nod, blowing out a breath.
The intercom goes off, indicating someone is at the front door. “Oh my God, he’s here.” I walk over to the intercom and buzz him in with a shaky finger. I swipe my hands down my dress, push my hair behind my ears, then pull it back, feeling childish.God, I’m a mess.
Emma quickly comes to stand before me, passing her fingers through my hair, then places only one side behind my ear. “There, perfect.”
A knock sounds at the door, I count to three in my head, then pull it open, revealing my handsome boyfriend.God, I can’t believe I get to call him my boyfriend. Pinch me somebody!He’s dressed in an open black peacoat with a baby-blue button-down underneath and black dress pants. In his hands, he holds another bouquet of flowers, this time purple roses.
“Angel,” he says as he steps in. His hand automatically wraps around my waist and pulls me in. “Jesus, you’re so beautiful, sometimes I wonder if I’m dreaming.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.Ugh! How is he so perfect?All these touches and compliments are still foreign to me, but I devour them all when it comes to him.
“Hi, Shane.” My blush activates on cue as my hand falls to his chest.I can’t help it. I love touching him.
“These are for you.” He passes me the bouquet that I take eagerly, smelling the beautiful flowers as I walk over to the kitchen to set them in a vase, alongside the red roses from last week.
“Hey, Shane.” Emma smiles at us both. “So, where are you taking our girl tonight?”
He grins, looking around the room. “Ah, a gentleman never tells. She’ll be in good hands; you have nothing to worry about.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that for a second.” She giggles.
“This is a beautiful place you have, Aubrey.” His hand glides over the turquoise-colored cushions and throw blanket on the couch. I blush harder when I realize just how much blue surrounds the room.
“It really is, did you notice all the bluish-green accents? I wonder where that inspiration came from.” Emma suppresses her laugh when my eyes widen.Oh my God, am I really that obvious?“It’s almost the same shade as your eyes, don’t you think?”
Shane chuckles as I almost drop the vase in my hands. “Okay, I think I’m ready to go!” I turn my gaze to Emma, telling her to stop talking. “Emma, don’t you have to go home now?”
“Yes, I probably should since my services are no longer needed. Let me just grab my things in your room.” She walks down the hall slowly, disappearing from view.
Shane comes over right away, wrapping his arms around my waist once more. “So… Why all the blue?” He’s mocking me, I can tell by the cocky smirk he wears.
