AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She dreamed of him.
* * *
Leaving the shower following a week of grueling rehearsals for a play she regretted auditioning for, Nina wrapped a towel around her. Wiping the steam from the mirror, she took in her appearance.
Too thin.
Too pale.
She hadn’t seen James in four months, three days, and nineteen hours. When he texted her, she always responded. When he called, she ignored it. Instead of leaving her a voicemail, he’d send her an immediate text.
Chicken.
Lotioning her skin, she blow-dried her hair. Her phone rang and she was surprised to see Rowan’s name.
Her old friend had taken to sending Nina cards and letters every week or two since her party. She’d enclose photos of her adventures with Bennett.
Nina could tell by the locations that they were completing her husband’s bucket list. They hadn’t spoken on the phone.
Picking it up, she said, “Rowan, is everything alright?”
She laughed. “Of course! Bennett and I just got into town. We’re staying at the New York apartment before we fly to Iceland day after tomorrow. We’re going whale watching!”
Nina smiled. “That sounds incredible.”
“The last time we were in the city, I had back to back meetings with shareholders and Bennett came down with a nasty flu. I hated not being able to see you. I know it’s last minute but have dinner with us.”
Heart racing, Nina said, “I...alright.”
“I’ll send a car to pick you up!”
“How should I dress…?”
There was a pause on Rowan’s side and then she said quietly, “Wear whatever you want, Nina. You’re always beautiful and appropriate - no matter your outfit.”
Clearing her throat, Nina asked, “What areyouwearing?”
“Bennett has chosen a lovely Jackie O ensemble in pale blue for me this evening. He loves classic styles on me and I find they suit. Is an hour enough or do you need more time?”
“Th-that’s fine.”
“I can’t wait to see you.”
After disconnecting, Nina walked to the long, narrow closet she’d had installed after the success of her first play. It was the reason she didn’t have a dining area, but sacrifices had to be made when you were often in the public eye.
Sliding back the triple doors, she stared at the racks of clothing and shoes organized neatly below them in boxes.
“Not yet. Makeup and hair first.”
She carefully pulled her hair into a sleek French twist and smudged her eyes to make them pop. Applying a nude lipstick, a bit of concealer to the circles under her eyes, she stepped into panties and a bra barely visible against her skin. Returning to her closet, she selected a chocolate sheath that clung to her figure and matching suede shoes that gave her four inches of height.
Staring at herself in the mirror that extended from the back of her closet, she pronounced herself good enough.
Other than the house key she tucked into her bra, she left her apartment empty-handed. As she emerged on the sidewalk, a limo waited at the curb.
An attractive older man held the door for her with a smile. “Miss Adams.”
She slid in the back, crossed her hands on her thigh, her ankles at the appropriate angle, and tried to school her thoughts before arriving at the restaurant.
