11. Eleven
Eleven
Lila
Emily calls just as I’m finishing my shift at the bakery: “Hi, Lila. Are you free tomorrow afternoon? I have a shopping emergency!”
“Is everything okay?? I ask, wondering what constitutes a shopping emergency for someone who could probably buy the entire store if she wanted.
“There’s a charity event this weekend, and Kendrick and I both need a new dress. You need one, too, because you’re coming with us!”
I blink. “I am?” I stammer.
“Yes! Wild’s annual children’s hospital benefit. No arguments—I already have your ticket.”
Before I can protest, she states firmly, “Don’t worry about the dress. It’s my treat. Consider it payment for all the amazing pastries you’ve been feeding us.’
“Emily, that’s too much. You’ve already helped me with the apartment as well as some catering connections.”
“Please? Kendrick and I need someone normal there. These events can be... pretentious.”
I think about declining, but honestly, the thought of getting dressed up sounds fun. And maybe a tiny part of me wants to see Luke in a tux.
“Okay,” I respond. “But I’m buying lunch.”
“It’s a deal! We’ll pick you up at 1 o’clock. Wear comfortable shoes!”
The next day, Kendrick’s sleek SUV pulls into my driveway right on time. She and Emily both look effortlessly chic in their designer jeans and fitted shirts.
“Ready for some retail therapy?” Emily asks as I climb in .
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I say quietly, as what red-blooded American girl doesn’t like to go clothes shopping?
“So, we were thinking San Marco,” Kendrick says as she pulls into the street. “There’s this boutique that has the most amazing selection.”
“The stylists there are miracle workers,” Emily says, turning to look at me in the back seat. “I was there last month looking like a sleep-deprived mom zombie, and somehow, they made me look like a human being again.”
Kendrick snorts, and I laugh, relaxing into the comfortable leather seat, stating, “I could use some of that magic. I tried to jog the other morning and ended up only speed walking instead. So much for getting in shape.”
“Oh please,” Emily rolls her eyes. “Your curves look amazing. Meanwhile, I’m still trying to lose these last few baby pounds, and soon Presley will be a year old.”
We share a laugh, and the drive quickly passes as we chat about everything and nothing. They both have a way of making me feel comfortable, as if I’ve known them forever. By the time we pull into San Marco’s upscale shopping district, I’ve almost forgotten to be nervous about the prices.
Almost .
The boutique looks exactly like the place where I’d normally press my nose against the window and keep walking. But Kendrick and Emily march right in, obviously regular customers.
“Emily and Kendrick.” A woman glides toward us. “What can I help you with today?”
“Hi, Caroline. This is our friend Lila. We each need a gown for Saturday’s gala.”
Caroline’s professional assessment makes me want to stand up straighter. “Lovely. We have some new pieces that would be perfect.”
What follows is like a scene from a movie. Caroline and another stylist named Janet bring dress after dress into our private fitting rooms. They instinctively understand what works for different body types.
“Try this one,” Janet says, holding up a deep emerald gown. “The ruching will highlight your curves beautifully.”
I take the dress. It’s gorgeous, but the idea of wearing it—of owning a dress like this—makes my stomach twist. I glance nervously at Emily. “I don’t know... ”
“Lila, just try it on,” she says, giving me a gentle nudge toward the fitting room.
I step into the dress, the fabric cool and smooth against my skin. When I catch sight of myself in the mirror, I barely recognize the woman staring back at me.
“Holy shit,” Emily breathes as I emerge.
“Wow,” Kendrick says, her eyes widening as she takes me in. “Lila, you look incredible.”
The gown hugs every curve without being tight. The color makes my skin glow, and my eyes look more green than hazel. The sweetheart neckline shows just enough cleavage to be sexy but still elegant.
“This is probably way too expensive,” I smooth my hands over the silk.
“It’s perfect is what it is,” Emily declares. “We’ll take it.”
“Emily—“
“Nope. Not hearing it. You look amazing, and if certain people’s jaws don’t hit the floor when they see you in this, I’ll eat my designer clutch.”
I blush, knowing exactly which ‘certain people’ she means .
“Your turn,” I say quickly, turning to her and Kendrick and changing the subject.
Emily tries on several dresses before finding ‘the one’—a sapphire blue goddess gown that makes her look like she just stepped off a red carpet.
“Blue’s always been my favorite,” she says, twirling in front of the mirror. “Makes me feel like myself.”
“It’s stunning,” I agree. “Sam won’t know what hit him.”
She grins. “That’s the idea.”
Kendrick’s willowy figure looks great in whatever she tries on, but when she steps out in a black gown with a high slit up the side, we’re all in agreement that it’s the perfect gown for her.
Kendrick grins. “Yes, I’ll take it.” As the sales clerk walks away, Kendrick’s grin spreads wider. “Ladies, we need shoes!”
Two hours later, we collapsed at a café with numerous shopping bags at our feet.
“Thank you,” I say softly, looking at both of them. “Not just for the dress, but for... including me in all this.”
Emily reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “Thank you for coming. These events can be dull, with lots of fake smiles and politics. It’s nice having someone real there. Right, Kendrick?”
“Absolutely,” Kendrick nods in agreement, giving me a warm smile.
I think about Luke, Crystal, and her father and all the complications I don’t understand about his life.
“How do you guys deal with it?” I ask. “The spotlight, the expectations?”
Both are quiet for a moment. It’s Kendrick who answers softly, “You find your truth and hold onto it. The rest is just noise.”
“And if you’re not sure what your truth is?”
Emily leans forward this time, her eyes knowing. “Then you wait until you are, Lila. The right path usually becomes clear, even if it’s not the easy one.”
I nod, thinking about green silk and light blue eyes and all the complicated feelings tangled up between them.
“Now,” Emily says brightly, “let’s talk about hair and makeup. We know this amazing stylist...”
The ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton sparkles like something out of a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over everything, making even the champagne bubbles seem to glitter. Emily wasn’t kidding about the glamour—I’ve never seen so many designer dresses and diamond necklaces in one place. I’m glad I’m walking in with Sam and Emily.
“You look amazing,” Emily whispers, squeezing my arm as we make our entrance. “Own it.”
I try to channel her confidence, keeping my spine straight and chin up. The emerald silk whispers against my skin with each step, and I have to admit, I feel beautiful.
—Until I see them.
Luke and Crystal are holding court near the back of the room. He’s devastating in a black tux that fits him like sin. Crystal, in a slinky red dress that draws attention, hangs on his arm, looking every inch the society princess she is.
They look perfect together, like they belong in this world of wealth and influence.
I turn away, forcing myself to smile as Emily and Sam introduce me to what feels like half of Jacksonville and Amelia Island’s elite. Most blur together in a parade of expensive suits until—
“And this is James Harrison,” Emily says. “James, this is my friend Lila Jeffers.”
The man before me is classically handsome. He has dark hair with just a touch of gray at the temples and a smile that suggests he’s used to getting what he wants. His eyes appreciate the way my dress fits without being sleazy about it.
“The chef Emily’s been raving about,” he says, taking my hand. “I hear your food is extraordinary.”
“That’s very kind.” I pull my hand back, but he holds on a moment longer than necessary.
“Not kind at all. Simply accurate.” His smile widens. “Would you care to dance?”
I hesitate, glancing involuntarily toward Luke. He’s watching us, his expression unreadable as Crystal chatters to someone beside him.
“I’d love to,” I hear myself say.
James leads me onto the dance floor as the band starts a slow jazz number. He’s an excellent dancer, guiding me smoothly through the steps.
“So tell me,” he says, “how did you end up in Amelia Island, or are you from Jacksonville? ”
I find myself relaxing into the conversation. James is charming and genuinely interested in hearing about my new business. When he mentions he sits on several charity boards, I feel a thrill of possibility.
“You should come by the bakery sometime,” I say. “Try our baked goods.”
“I’d like that.” His hand slides slightly lower on my back. “Perhaps we could discuss business opportunities over dinner afterward?”
From the corner of my eye, I see Luke watching us. His jaw is tight, and he’s barely paying attention to whatever Crystal is saying.
Good, some petty part of me thinks. Let him see what it feels like.
I laugh at something James says, tilting my head back just enough to show off my neck. Two can play this game of perfect couples and public appearances.
“You’re quite beautiful when you laugh,” James murmurs.
“And you’re quite good at giving compliments,” I counter.
“Years of practice.” He spins me in a gentle turn. “Though it’s easier when they’ re true.”
The song ends, but he doesn’t let go. “Another dance?”
I should say no. I should mingle, network, and do all the things I came here to do. Instead, I nod, letting him pull me closer as a new song begins.
“What about you?” I ask, tilting my head. “What brings you here tonight?”
He smiles, his gaze warm. “A little philanthropy, a little business. Mostly, I’m here to enjoy myself. And right now, I’d say I’m doing just that.”
There’s an appreciative glint in his eyes that helps soothe my battered ego. He’s attractive, sure, and clearly wants to get to know me. But even as we dance, I feel a pang of guilt. This isn’t about James—it’s about Luke. I can’t stop comparing myself to Crystal, and I can’t shake the jealousy that coils in my chest every time I see them together.
Still, I force myself to smile, laugh at James’ easy banter, and pretend I’m not watching Luke out of the corner of my eye.
“I have a table at Coast next weekend,” he says. “Best seafood on the island. Join me?”
Before I can answer, a familiar voice cuts in. “Mind if I steal my neighbor for a dance?”
Luke stands beside us, all careful polish and barely contained tension. James looks between us, reading something in Luke’s expression that makes him step back with a knowing smile.
“Of course.” He brings my hand to his lips. “Think about dinner, Lila. I’ll be in touch.”
Luke’s hand replaces James’s on my waist, and suddenly I can barely breathe. We move together like we’ve done this a thousand times, like our bodies remember each other even if we’re pretending they don’t.
“Having fun?” His voice is low, almost dangerous.
“Yes, actually. James is quite charming.”
“James is also quite connected to most of the well-known charities. As well as head of the Jacksonville Magazine.” His fingers tighten slightly. “I’m sure he’d be more than willing to promote your services—for a price.”
I feel heat creep up my neck, embarrassment mixing with anger. “Like you’re one to talk about complicated relationships.”
He flinches like I’ve slapped him. “That’s different. ”
“Is it?” I meet his eyes. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks pretty similar. Public appearances, calculated moves, everyone playing their parts.”
“Lila—“
“You should get back to Crystal,” I cut him off. “Wouldn’t want to start any tongues wagging.”
I pull away, ignoring the way my body protests the loss of contact. His hand catches my wrist.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he says softly. “That color... I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”
“I noticed… and probably so did your girlfriend.” I gentle my tone. “Let me go, Luke. Please.”
He does, physically, at least. But I feel his gaze following me as I weave through the crowd to join Emily and Sam.
I notice James subtly follow me. Am I setting him up for heartbreak, knowing I only want Luke, or am I the one destined to get hurt? No matter what, I decide that if James asked me to dance again—I’m not going to turn him down.