41. Dan
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
DAN
Ally
I love the dresses. You’re amazing.
Dan
Which dress have you decided to wear?
That’s a surprise you’ll have to wait for. See you tonight.
I reread our messages from earlier, smiling as I return my phone to my suit jacket, waiting at the street front for Ally’s arrival. The hour is eight p.m., and she should be here at the restaurant any moment. It’s a strange feeling, going on a date with Ally and finally being able to act affectionate with her in public. On top of that newness, I can’t deny feeling nervous, having never asked a girl on a date before. At least, a date that means something.
Ally deserves the world and I want this to be a memorable occasion for her. While she was out today with Jordan at another wedding dress fitting, I purchased two dresses for Ally and wrapped them in a box, leaving them on our bed for her to find when she returned home. I took off to The Scarlet Mirage for a game of poker, leaving behind a letter for Ally to find with the details of tonight.
Two dresses. Choose the one that makes you feel the most beautiful and wear it tonight because I’m taking you on a date. A car service will pick you up at 7:30.
I straighten my jacket and readjust the bouquet of red roses in my hands. It’s been a week since our relationship became public news. We’ve mostly stayed inside to avoid being hounded by paparazzi. The few times we ventured out, it was chaotic, with photographers following our every move, shouting questions about our relationship and Forever Families. We did our best to ignore them and made no comments.
The third time out of the apartment wasn’t quite so intense. The photographers were still around but lurking at a distance. I have no clue what the tabloids are saying about us, nor do I care. Neither does Ally, which is impressive.
Violet, on the other hand, is thoroughly invested in the gossip articles and visited us mid-week, proudly insisting we see the paparazzi shots and how happy we look together in them. She showed us several supposed viral images. Me and Ally sharing an ice cream. Kissing in the street. Walking hand in hand. Laughing. There are even photos of me with my hand unapologetically on Ally’s ass. We look good together, I won’t lie. I’m glad Ally has a friend in Violet.
A Lexus pulls up in front of the building and the driver opens the back passenger door. I see Ally’s smooth, bare legs first, as she places a jeweled stiletto on the sidewalk. The question runs through my mind of which dress she chose, both polar opposites in style. The first one is full of bows and ribbons, a pastel pink, as she’s always loved.
The second is black satin, more sophisticated and with a deep thigh split. If she doesn’t feel comfortable wearing it in public, no issues here, I’ll enjoy the dress on her in private.
The driver steps out of the way, and I have to work hard to keep my thoughts under control when I get a full view of Ally standing in front of the car. I fail terribly and blood rushes to my cock.
She chose the black dress and she looks so goddamn fuckable in it.
My girl’s lips are a bright red, her hair is styled in loose waves, and she has a thick shawl wrapped around her shoulders for warmth in the cold night. Staring at her, I can’t form a single word. A camera flash goes off somewhere nearby. If that photo finds its way onto the internet, I can only imagine what the public will say.
Ally smirks, stepping up to me and planting a kiss to my lips, her mouth lingering on mine. “Cat got your tongue?”
“I didn’t expect you to choose this dress. You’re getting fucked senseless when we return home.” She giggles when I place a soft smack on her ass before raising the bouquet of roses between us. “For you. A perfect match to your lips.”
Ally grins and takes the flowers, bringing them to her nose. “They’re beautiful. Thank you. I love them.”
I grab her hand, weaving our fingers, and lead her inside the building for the elevator. When we arrive at the enclosed rooftop restaurant, Ally gasps at the 360-degree city views.
The restaurant is an intimate setting, with soft chandelier lighting cast over the dining area. Each patron is dressed in formal attire, sipping on champagne and engaged in quiet conversation at their table. A pianist sits in the corner playing background music. A seating hostess guides us to our table, taking our drink order before leaving us to read the dinner menu.
“How’s the wedding prep coming along?” I ask as Ally places her roses on the table.
“Jordan looks so beautiful in her dress. Just over two months till the big day.” She thrums her fingers on the table, silently watching them. “I’ve been thinking… This wedding will be awkward if we haven’t cleared things up with Mom and Josh by then.”
It will be. Despite Ally’s angst toward our parents, there’s a touch of sadness in her eyes. We haven’t attempted to speak with Dad and Amabella in a week. Nor have they contacted us. We’ve barely spoken to Tyler and Killian either. It feels weird, considering Thanksgiving is in a couple of days.
I place my hand over Ally’s. “Don’t stress too much about the wedding. All we can do is take things one day at a time.”
“I know. You’re right.” She watches our two hands, quiet for another long moment. I’m about to ask where her thoughts have traveled to, but she clears her throat and beats me to it. “I made a decision today.” A nervous smile accompanies the words. “I’m going to start seeing a therapist again so I can… eventually audition for Juilliard.”
I suck in a quick breath. My eyes widen and I’m suddenly smiling from ear to ear. “Fuck, Ally, I’m so proud of you. This is what you want?”
“Yes.” She meets my gaze, laughing softly. Any sadness that she felt a moment ago has vanished from her beautiful face. “I lost my way for a while. These last few days have made me realize that I can have what I want, even if it seems unattainable. There’ll be a lot of hard work ahead of me, but if I get into Juilliard—” She stops herself and smiles again. “ When I get into Juilliard, it will be competitive but I’m letting go of this idea that I need to be the best and always perfect. I won’t let fear and panic attacks hold me back. You believe in me and so do I.”
I slide my chair around the table, positioning myself right next to Ally. We’re dining in a fancy restaurant, but I can’t resist kissing her just a little, not when she’s glowing with happiness right in front of me like the most brilliant fucking creature on this planet.
“You’ll get into Juilliard,” I murmur against her lips. “You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted. I’ll make sure of it, my Queen of Hearts.”