Page 33 of Ask No Questions

Talia sat analyzing it before nodding. “Yeah, that’s the one! Sean will melt when he sees you!”

“Well, you two are done at least.” Alexis winked at me. “Looks like it’s just you and me, Aubrey. Go try another one.”

I picked a unique black and white geometric print next, but it was shapeless and fit more like a tent. I heard the other doors open, so I peeked out and saw Alexis in a beautiful teal cap sleeve gown. I stepped out and watched Mckayla and Talia study her silently for a moment. Finally, Mckayla spoke.

“It’s perfect!”

“I agree, the color is amazing with your tan and stands out against your hair. I’m concerned about the neckline though. It might not pass the inspectors.”

She was right. The modest cap sleeves were offset with a plunging v-neckline that met at the empire waist.

“Yeah, I noticed that, but I thought I could just alter it to close a little higher. Plus, you guys haven’t noticed this yet.” She stuck out her right leg and a slit appeared up to her thigh showing off her slim, toned leg.

“Oh, secretly sexy, love it!”

“That did it, it was made for you!” Talia was the deciding voice, so it was just me that needed a dress now.

I turned back into my room and stood staring at my section, wishing one would speak to me. I saw a bit of emerald tulle and pushed aside the dresses to show a flawless gown I hadn’t noticed before. I slipped it on and looked in the mirror. The deep jewel tone brought out the auburn color of my hair and complimented my fair skin. It had a sweetheart neckline, but a layer of tulle stretched across from the left creating a sheer one shoulder strap that connected again in the back. I twisted back and forth a few times admiring how the fabric flowed around me. Confident this was my dress, I opened the door. The girls looked back at me, stunned.

“Aubrey, that dress was made for you!” Mckayla stood up to feel the fabric.

Talia sat with narrowed eyes as Alexis stood. “It fits you perfectly! I’m so jealous now.” She turned me, so I was facing the mirror and pointed out how the fitted silhouette hugged my curves then flowed out at my knees.

Finally, Talia spoke. “With the one shoulder sleeve, you’ll have to wear your hair up or pinned to one side. I see Old Hollywood glamour for you!”

Realizing that everyone approved, I smiled and allowed myself to get excited for my first dance with them.

After buying our dresses, we decided lunch was next. We sat down at a café, still high from our shopping spree. I was reading the menu when I heard them collectively gasp. I looked up and saw the three of them looking in the same direction. I followed their gaze and saw Gage walking away from us, down the hall of the mall. Not understanding what the big deal was, I tried to get their attention.

“Why is that gasp-worthy? It’s just a guy walking around the mall, not the most extraordinary thing to happen today.”

Talia was still watching him leave, so Alexis answered. “Gage Vincent isn’t the type to hang out at the mall. He’s way too antisocial. What on earth would he be doing here?”

Her rhetorical question was actually answered by Mckayla. “Maybe he does have a soul. I guess he has to get his black jeans and shirts from somewhere.”

“You guys are ridiculous! He’s just a guy. An arrogant jerk, but still a guy. I still don’t know what his story is. Are you guys ever going to tell me?”

Talia finally joined our conversation. “He’s been to juvy, and rehab… twice. He was arrested on campus freshman year in front of the whole school. No one knows what for, though. Stupid minor privacy laws.”

“That’s it? That could be for anything, late parking tickets or a fight. It doesn’t mean he’s a felon.”

“The police wouldn’t arrest you at school for a minor offense, Aubrey. It had to be something big.”

No wonder the guy was so rude at the beach, everyone assumed the worst about him. Not that he did much to contradict his reputation. I couldn’t help thinking about him as we ate lunch and moved on to different topics. I wanted to know more about him, the truth rather than the rumors that went around.

I came back into the conversation just as they began talking about dates again. Great. I wanted to enjoy a girls’ day without having to talk about guys anymore, but I was the only one.

Alexis was moving her salad around her plate. “I know I broke up with Paul only a month ago, but don’t you think that’s enough time? He wouldn’t be too mad if I asked Justin even if they are both on the team. What do you guys think I should do?”

Talia answered first. “I’m going to ask Mark and they’re best friends, so it would make sense for you to ask Justin. I don’t see a problem with it. Plus, I heard Paul has been out with Malory a few times, so they’re probably going together.”

Mckayla entered leader mode and began planning. “Okay, it’s settled! You guys should ask them at the same time. It’s more casual that way…” She paused, and I could almost see the wheels turn in her head as she formed her plan.

“We should surprise them after practice one day! You guys can write on their cars asking them to the dance and tell them to look for something to show them who asked them. Do they know your cars?” They both nodded. “Perfect, we can color code it, so they know who asked each of them. How am I going to ask Sean? I don’t know if it would be better to do something at school that people see or to do something at his house. Thoughts?”

I could tell Mckayla was nervous about this, but I didn’t want her to take the easy way out. “I think he would really appreciate it being at school. It’s a public declaration that you like him.”

“I guess that’s true. I don’t want him to think I’m embarrassed or something if I do something at his house. So, what should I do?”