Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Eva
What should I wear to this fancy event with Kain? I stared at my closet and browsed the three nicest dresses I had. They were more like pretty sundresses, too casual for a banquet. I should’ve gone shopping yesterday.
Not wanting to embarrass Kain or myself, I called Stori, who should’ve been back from New York.
“Hey. You busy?” I asked.
“No, I took a couple of days off. Been working my butt off. What’s up?”
“Can I borrow a gown?”
“Sure. Where are you going?”
“A banquet at some hotel.”
“With whom?”
“Remember the guy who asked me out at the flower shop?”
“Yes! Oh, I want all the details! Be right over! I’ll bring all the dresses that would look good on you!”
Twenty minutes later, Stori arrived in jeans and a T-shirt with the words C-Drama and K-Drama Fan splashed across it. A stylized sketch of an antique fan with cherry blossoms punctuated the phrase. Her dark hair was in two French braids, making her look as if she were still a college student.
With one hand clasping a bulky garment bag, she offered my grandfather a one-armed hug. “Hi, Grandpa Collins!”
All my friends referred to him that way, and he loved that endearment.
“You’re more beautiful every time I see you,” he said.
The last time he saw her was a year ago when she accompanied me to New Hampshire.
“Thank you.” She twirled a braid, smiling. “And you look younger every time I see you.”
“You’re such a sweetheart.” He laughed and continued watching his MacGyver episode.
We entered my bedroom and shut the door. I made some space in my closet for Stori to hang up her garment bag. She pulled out seven dresses, spacing them out.
She glanced at me, then reached for a black dress. “Try this on.”
I slipped on the silky dress with a scooped neckline and gold accents on the thin straps. The fabric was gathered at the waist, opening to a split at the thigh, allowing me to walk easily. The back draped low, offering an elegant appearance.
“I don’t think you need to try on another dress. This one fits you perfectly. I bought it last month and haven’t worn it yet.”
“I can’t do that. You bought it, so you need to wear it first.”
Stori stared at me. “I’ve got dresses for days. I’ve got plenty in my closet I haven’t worn.” She flicked a hand. “Some I’ve even forgotten about.”
“Then why did you buy them?”
“I got these from designer sample sales. I can’t pass up a good deal on a gorgeous gown. Besides, my best friend gets to benefit from my shopaholic ways.”
“You’ll save a lot of money if you don’t spend it all on shopping.”
Though Stori’s brother Hudson was a successful entrepreneur owning several businesses, she worked hard for her money and never took advantage of his wealth. He’d offer to help her with anything she needed, but she was content with what she had.
I admired that about her. I didn’t even know she had a billionaire brother until I saw him on a news segment discussing the construction of a car dealership. Their parents died when she was sixteen, and Hudson took care of her from then on.
I tried on an off-the-shoulder burgundy dress and a white strapless dress, but my heart was already set on the black one. “You’re right. The black dress it is. Thank you so much.” I gave her a hug. “I should probably go shopping more. Just to have more options in my closet.”
“We’ll go together. I have some friends who work in fashion. I’ll take you the next time I go.”
“Perfect.” I took out black heels to match the dress. “To be honest, I don’t mind shopping, but I need to save the money for my future flower shop.”
“I know.” Her eyes gleamed. “Your dream will come true soon.”
“Thanks.” I held up the gold earrings Hannah got me. “These go with the dress, right?”
“Absolutely! They were made for that outfit.” She held them to my face, studying me. “Hannah sent me a picture of the pair she got me. I can’t wait to get them.”
“I’m sure you have a ton of jewelry,” I said.
“Shopping is my therapy. It helps me think of the perfect plot for my books.” Her eyes crinkled with amusement. “Like how to kill my enemies or get back at cheating boyfriends.”
“I can’t wait to read your book! Is it done yet?”
“Nope. Still drafting. I’ll give you a signed copy when it’s ready.” She grabbed the black dress. “Time for you to get dressed. Your date will be here before you know it. What’s his name?”
“Kain Kessler. He owns a gym and a tattoo parlor.”
“I know Kain!” she squealed. “He’s buddies with Hudson. What a small world.”
Like I did with Hannah, I briefed her on my studio rendezvous without too many details.
She stared at me with an open mouth. “He corrupted you!”
I laughed, remembering how I hadn’t exactly stopped him. “Maybe I needed it.”
“You did.” Stori patted my cheek. “I’m loving this glow on you.”
“We’re not dating officially yet,” I said.
“He’s gonna want you for himself. Ask him so you know where you stand.”
“I plan on it tonight.” The nerves in my stomach subsided, knowing my best friend knew Kain.
“If I’d known he was the guy who asked you out at the shop, I would’ve told you to give it a shot.
As far as I know, he’s never dated anyone for longer than two months.
I didn’t meet any of his previous girlfriends,” she said.
“Not that I know a lot about his personal life, but I would have seen him with a girlfriend when he hung out with Hudson and the boys.”
“I’ve seen images of them,” I said, slipping on the dress and heels.
She shrugged. “Kain is the oldest of all the boys. He’s like their big brother.” A wicked gleam sparked in her eyes. “There are advantages to being with an experienced man who’s seen so much of the world.” She looped an arm around my shoulders. “Do share when it’s time.”
Oh, he’s experienced all right. That tantalizing tongue and those curious fingers knew how to please a woman.
Stori curled my hair with a hot iron, creating soft waves cascading down my shoulders. Then she gathered a portion of my hair, pulling it back and securing it with a gold clip. I added the dangling earrings with no necklace.
Stepping back, Stori crossed her arms, studying me. “You’re going to make him salivate. Let’s get your makeup done.”
Twenty minutes later, a knock sounded at the door, and we both glanced at each other, smiling.
“I’ll go out first.” Stori winked.