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“Morning,” Donella said as she walked into Ellie’s bedroom.
Ellie smiled as she looked at her poor hungover friend.
“It’s afternoon, Donella,” Ellie replied. She stood in only a strapless bra and panties as she stared at three dresses lying on the bed.
“Yeah, well, I don’t even care what time it is. It’s Saturday, my day off.”
“Not mine. I can’t figure out what outfit to wear.”
Donella placed her mug down on the dresser and stood next to Ellie to stare at the dresses.
“Well, you said the business date is at Tratorra’s right?”
Ellie nodded.
“Is this business guy hot?”
“What does that matter? It’s business.”
“Did you land the deal already, or is it determined by the outcome of this meeting?”
“Well, I’m pretty sure we snagged it. I mean he did want to show me more ideas for the designs and artwork.”
“So it’s not a done deal. Go for the power play, the red number, with those black and red Jimmy Choos. The length is conservative for the red dress but the shoes say powerful, sexy, a woman of class and sophistication. You’re petite so you don’t want to come across as a pushover.”
“I don’t know. I think red is too sexy. The black one is more conservative and the red one really presses my breasts together causing a deeper cleavage.”
“That’s what you want, sexy. You said this guy is loaded, the deal isn’t sealed, so hit him with the big guns, and
who knows, maybe he can be a little business fling when the job is complete.”
“I’m not interested in him. He’s not even my type.”
“Girl, who is your type? You turned down four sexy brothers last night that most, if not all, the single ladies, me included, were drooling over.”
“I did not have a chance with them.”
“Keep lying to yourself. You’re gorgeous, you’re intelligent, classy and well built, and self-maintained. Those are characteristics of a woman who is not meant to be single.”
“Donella, please. We’ve been over this before. I’m not ready. Besides, you forget, I choose to be single.”
Ellie picked up the red dress and slipped it on. She had to readjust her boobs into the top, as Donella zipped up the back.
“Baby, you’ve been saying that for so long. It’s more than time to move on. You can’t stay scared forever. Don’t you want to find someone who could treat you right, and perhaps love you for who you are?”
Ellie lowered her eyes. “I do, but I am scared. There’s nothing I can do about it but wait. When I’m ready, I’ll know it.”
“I can understand the fear you still have. What Paul did to you was horrific, and I know you’re still trying to deal with that. I just don’t want you thinking that there’s something wrong with you. It was all him. He wasn’t right. You’re beautiful, you’re smart and classy, and you can have your choice of a man. You just need to take a chance. If you get that feeling inside that you’re attractive, then just go with it. Flirt a little, feel the guy out, and when you feel comfortable, accept a date. It’s a start,” Donella said with a smile. She really was a great friend.
“You make it sound so easy. I’m just not sure if I can handle everything that goes along with a date. Mostly being alone with a man. I just don’t think I’m ready, even though the desire to have someone, to be cared for or even loved is something I know I want one day.”
Donella squeezed her shoulders. “You’re more than ready now. Just take that leap of fate. I’m sure you’ll know when the time is right. Oh, and there are always double dates, group dates, or casual gatherings where we can accompany you so you feel more confident.” She winked and smiled.
Ellie pulled from her hold. “I can’t. I won’t. There’s too much to fear, too much to have to face.”
“God, Ellie. Paul really fucked up your head. I thought that therapist you were seeing told you it was time to move on and give dating a shot.”
“She said when I was ready. Don’t you understand that I’m the one who has to go through everything? The questioning of whether or not my instincts are right about a man. Not knowing what could set a man off and make him attack. Not knowing what it is I’m looking for in the right man or whether I’m asking too much or too little. It’s just overwhelming, and I haven’t even gotten into the intimacy aspect yet. I can’t. It’s too upsetting. How can I trust a man when I can’t even trust myself because I’m so scared?”
