Chapter 37
Icheck myself one last time in the mirror and then head downstairs. Today is the Thanksgiving event at the medical center. Mom and dad have set up an entire feast for anyone that wants to join. Investors, donors, people of the community. They expect it to be a huge success.
I look over my dress. The dress sparkles like stardust spilled from the sky, shimmering with every shift of my body.
The glitter catches the light in waves, like moonlight dancing across water.
It’s not sequins, and not rhinestones, just a thousand tiny flecks of shimmer woven right into the fabric.
The color is somewhere between champagne and starlight.
Not quite silver, not quite gold. Something in between.
The bodice drapes gently across my chest, the neckline dipping just enough to feel a little dangerous.
One strap ties in a delicate knot on my shoulder, barely holding the dress in place.
Every curve is kissed with light, every inch of fabric designed to glow.
Then there’s the slit. It slices up the side of my leg. One small shift of my weight, and my entire thigh is on display. It should make me nervous. But it doesn’t. It makes me feel powerful.
My fingers trail down the side of my hip, brushing over the glittering fabric, tracing the edge of the slit. I’ve worn flowy, easy things before. Safe silhouettes. But this dress? It’s the complete opposite.
I decide everything is as good as it’s going to get and I head down stairs. My dress trails behind me on the stairs as I descend. Evan and dad are waiting in the front room.
Evan is messing with every part of his suit. He looks so uncomfortable. He’s used to wearing baggy jeans and hoodies. I laugh under my breath and that catches their attention.
“Wow sweetheart. You look beautiful. That’s an amazing dress.” Dad says as he stands. He takes my hand and spins me.
I laugh at the spin. “Thanks dad.”
Evan stands and covers his mouth as he smiles. “That’s…That’s a lot.”
“Oh hush.” I tell him gently smacking his shoulder.
Mom enters the room and stops, looking at the dress. “Liv. What happened to the pink dress?”
I look down and run my hands along my stomach. “Well I thought this was more festive.”
I can’t believe it but mom actually looks hurt. “I was really hoping you’d wear the pink dress. It’s the newest fashion. I thought you liked it?”
I sigh defeated but paste on a smile. “I’ll go change.”
I come back down stairs in the pink train wreck that is my birthday present. I opted for flats instead of heels.
Once I enter the room Evan slams his hand over his mouth, his eyes crinkling at the corners, his face turning deep red. I glare at him and look at dad who purses his mouth and steps out of the room.
“Oh you look darling!” My mom squeals at me pulling me into a hug by my shoulders. “Ok. I’ll be in the car!” She hollers as she steps out the front door.
“Why isn’t she wearing pink?” I ask, throwing my thumb over my shoulder in the direction of the front door.
Dad reenters the room and steps in front of Evan facing him. A bit of motion happens and then he steps away. Evan is now sporting a bright pink bowtie.
“There.” Dad says. “Now you won't be the only one in pink.” He says as he walks by and out the front door. “Hurry up. Your mom’s ready to go.”
Evan walks to the door, holding it open and ushers me out then follows behind. We climb in the car and head off to my doom. Because there is no way someone isn’t going to see me in this dress.
The entire medical center is full. It’s almost as if everyone in town showed up. This makes my parents extremely happy. All they’ve ever wanted was to help people.
“Huge turn out.” Evan says turning to me, a drink in one hand , the other hand in his pocket. He still looks super uncomfortable in his suit. I can tell he’s been fidgeting because his bowtie is crooked.
I sigh and wave him closer. I hand him my drink and fix the bowtie laughing. “Would you stop messing with everything.” I tell him.
“I can’t help it. I'm uncomfortable.” He complains. He looks down at his suit and then back up at me. For a brief moment he has a smile on his face but then it fades. He's frowning now and looking past me.
“I saw those guys at the ice rink. The skinny one does not look too happy to be here.” He points just behind me.
I turn to find Silas, Archer, Rafe and Morella staring.
Morella looks at me apologetically. Rafe looks annoyed as usual.
Archer with his typical nonchalant look.
Silas looks pissed. He's glaring in our direction.
I roll my eyes but wave to Morella. She waves back, gives the guys a once over and then walks our way. Of course the guys follow.
“Who are they?” Evan asks.
“Well you know Morella. The skinny one is Silas.” I tell him.
“Oh damn.” Evan says quietly.
“The grumpy one, that’s Rafe.” I say. “And the one who looks bored out of his mind. That’s Archer.”
“Ah. I see.” Is all he says.
Morella reaches us, giving Evan a quick hug making Rafe look utterly disturbed.
“What the fuck are you wearing?” Rafe says. I look at him and see that he has directed the question at me. “Did you make that?” He scowls.
“Liv hon, I could’ve helped.” Morella mumbles.
I’m shocked. That’s what Rafe has to say to me?
Silas is still glaring at Evan but finally decides to look at me. He looks me up and down, then again, and again. “Your shoes are nice.” He says.
“You all have got to be kidding me.” I throw my arms up in exasperation. “That’s what you all have to say?” I try not to yell.
“Why are you two matching?” Rafe questions, his murderous glare now on Evans bowtie.
“Because I didn’t want to come to this party being the only one in this god awful pink.” I say, placing my hands on my hips. These guys are starting to get on my nerves.
“Could’ve asked me. Could’ve asked Archer. Hey you could’ve even asked Rafe!” Silas snaps back.
“Excuse me?!” I'm completely taken aback. “After the shit I dealt with? After the things he said to me?” There’s no way in hell I would ask Rafe to match me at this party.
“I didn’t peg you for a pink person.” Archer has finally decided to grace us with his voice.
“That’s because I'm not.” I say crossing my arms.
“So what’s with the hideous dress then? And why are you matching the damn janitor?” Rafe questions.
“Why do you care?” I take a step toward him. “Who cares if I'm matching…the janitor?” He doesn't deserve to know who Evan is. Screw him.
“Because you keep stringing my friend along. Meanwhile you’ve got this,” He motions to Evan in an up and down manner with his hand, “On stand by.”
I blink at him. I look between all their faces. Anger, hurt, nothing. “You’re still on about that?”
I clench my jaw, holding the tears at bay and stomp out of the hall.
I head straight to the front doors and outside.
I make my way around to the backside of the building and take a seat on some stacked palettes.
I let a few tears start to fall when I hear foot steps come up next to me.
I wipe my cheeks and turn, expecting to see Evan or Morella.
I sigh. “What do you want, Silas?” I ask turning away from him.
“I want to know why you’re matching the janitor.” His hands are in his pockets.
I look up to the sky, willing the tears away. Then I jump down from the palettes and face him.
“Because of this.” I fan out the skirt of my dress and look down at it.
He looks down at the dress. “I don’t understand.”
“Silas, just look at it.”
“Oh I'm looking at it. What were you thinking?” He asks, trying to stifle a laugh.
“I was thinking, long, champagne color, sparkly.” I drop the skirt and it brushes my thighs. “My mother was thinking this.” I hang my head. “I didn’t want to upset her.”
“Ok. But that doesn't explain the jan-”
“If you call him the janitor one more time Silas, I swear to God, I’m going to fucking lose it.” I cut him off.
“Liv.” He says firmly. “Why do you match? Do you like him? Are you guys dating?”
At this point I have noticed Morella and Evan have made their way outside. Probably to make sure Silas doesn't lose his cool.
“Do you like him?!” He yells.
I don’t think, I just do. I grab him by his lapels and pull him down to my level slamming my lips onto his. For a moment he's off balance, arms out to his sides, and not kissing me back. Then it registers what’s happening.
His arms wrap around my waist and he pulls me into him. His tongue grazes my lips and they part allowing him inside. I pull harder on his lapels, wishing I could bring him closer. Our tongues tangle for a moment before someone behind Silas starts to slow clap.
We pull apart and look over to see Evan with a wide grin, clapping. Morella looks like she's just seen the ending to a perfect, happily ever after movie.
Silas turns back to look at me and I can’t help but smile.
“I like you, you goof.” I tell him, releasing him.
His eyes light up like the northern lights. “You like, Me?” He says breathless.
“Yes.” I confirm.
“Then who’s…?” He jabs his thumb over his shoulder at Evan.
“That’s Evan. My best friend from California.”
“Oh shit.” Silas whispers. “Liv, I'm so sorry.” He tells me.
I shake my head and just kiss him again. He doesn't argue and kisses me back and it’s the most right feeling thing I have ever done.
“Let’s go get you out of this dress.” He tells me as he pulls away.
I look at Evan, concerned.
“Girl, go get that man. I'm good here.” Evan says waving me off with one hand.
“I knew I liked this guy.” Silas says as he picks me up and slings me over his shoulder and smacks my ass.
“Hey!” I squeal.
Morella is shaking her head but smiling. “Have fun!” She says as Silas carries me in the direction of the parking lot.