28. FAIRY TALE #2
I drew in a sharp breath as my gaze fell on the mesmerizing gown curled inside. The shimmering fabric almost glowed. Like I was in a trance, I moved closer and brushed my fingers across the sparkling material, bewitched by its sheer beauty.
“Please, mademoiselle,” Maurice said, holding out a rolled piece of paper tied with a red ribbon. “I give you this from the gentleman.”
My hands shook as I reached for it, on shaky legs, I walked to the bar, pulled out a stool, and sat down.
As I tugged the ribbon loose, the heavy paper uncoiled.
Firefly,
We have little time.
I’m so sorry for how I acted. Please forgive me. If you’ll allow me, I’ll spend a lifetime trying to make it up to you.
I know now that nothing else matters because I love you, Ivy.
Nothing can ever change that.
Maurice has brought you my invitation to the Moonlight Gala, along with a dress especially for you.
The gala has already begun, but if you accept, it would be my honor if you wore the dress I sent you and permitted Maurice to escort you there.
After tonight, if you never want to see me again, I promise never to ask again.
Please grant me this one wish, Ivy.
You have my heart,
City Boy xx
A quiver ran up my spine as the letter slipped from my fingers.
Dan strode over, scooped it off the floor, and placed it back into my shaking hand. I tilted it toward him, his hand rested on my shoulder as his eyes scanned the lines. With each sentence he read, the crinkles around his eyes deepened and his grin widened.
“Dan, I don’t know what to do—”
“I can help you there. Go! He’s completely in love with you,” he said emphatically. “If you don’t go, you’re fired!”
A nervous giggle escaped me. “Seriously, what should I do?” I whispered.
“GO!” Dan, Miki, and Maurice cried all at once.
“Right.” I nodded uncertainly as they glared at me. “Yep. I’m going. My mind’s made up,” I said weakly, trying to convince myself this was actually happening as they clapped with glee.
“Hurry, let’s get you ready,” Miki said. “Wait, should I check that bag?” She picked up the glossy white bag.
“Please,” I whispered, still in a trance-like state.
She reached inside and pulled out a gorgeous pair of chunky black boots with a note attached thanking me for wearing faux leather.
Heat radiated through my chest, melting me from the core.
Miki reached into the bag again and pulled out a gold-shimmer clutch.
“Wow!” I cried, pressing my hand to my heart.
I walked toward the box where the dress shimmered beneath the lights. Leaning over, I carefully lifted it out and watched it unravel. Pressing it against myself, I gasped as the hem spilled to the floor.
Miki’s hands flew into a namaste position as she stared in awe. Dan nodded rapidly, wearing a doting smile. Maurice flashed a beaming smile and muttered something in French.
I pulled the dress away. “I have to hurry!” I cried. I laid it back in the box before carrying it and the bag into the bathroom and placing them on the bench. I peeled off my tights and let them drop to the floor before tugging my crop top over my head.
I carefully unzipped the stunning gown and stepped into it, gazing at my reflection in the mirror.
Oh my gosh… I turned to the side, admiring it from another angle. It’s ethereal!
Surely this was how Cinderella felt after working all day before her fairy godmother conjured up a stunning gown for the ball so she could see her Prince Charming.
My fingers caressed the buttery fabric as I fastened the zip, the dress closing around me like a glove.
With each tiny movement, the delicate crystals sparkled. I peeked over my shoulder into the mirror to see the back of the dress. It shimmered like a star-studded sky.
Wow! Hitching up the skirt, I slipped one leg and then the other into the chic boots. I love these!
Laughing softly, I ran my hands down the front of the dress before squaring my shoulders and smiling as I did a final fit check in the mirror.
Miki called for me to hurry as I tipped my head upside down, shaking my hair into loose waves. Flipping upright, I smoothed my hair with my fingers, then hurried out of the bathroom.
“Whoa,” Miki beamed. “Ivy, you look like an actual princess in that dress.”
Dan pursed his lips and whistled. “She’s right. You look beautiful.”
“A true vision, mademoiselle,” Maurice added. “But it takes an hour to drive there. Now, we must go.”
Is this actually happening? Karson’s going to be waiting for me! I don’t know how this is going to go—
“Hold on a sec,” Miki said, running toward the storeroom before reappearing with my bag. “Supplies!”
I took it from her outstretched hand, pulling out a tube of lip gloss from the bottom and applying a thin layer before pressing my lips together and adding another layer. Next, I grabbed the mascara and swiped it over my lashes.
With one final search through my bag, I retrieved my phone and my cinnamon-and-vanilla rollerball fragrance—perfect for the tiny clutch—and tucked them into the shimmering pouch.
Miki nodded approvingly. “Now you’re ready!” She beamed. “Go get him!”
“Thank you. All of you.” I clasped my hands together. “But I still can’t believe this is happening.”
“It’s a real-life fairy tale,” Dan said, smiling at me fondly. “Now go! Or you’ll be late.” He waved me toward the door.
Maurice and I hurried outside to the car. He opened the rear door, I slipped onto the plush seat as Miki and Dan waved from the doorway.
I pinched myself as we pulled out onto the road… but I didn’t wake up. Oh my goodness. This is for real.
“Your name is on the guest list, of course. Sit back and relax, I’ll have you at the VIP entrance in no time, mademoiselle,” Maurice said, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.
I smiled. “Thank you so much, Maurice.”
Wrapped in the embrace of the exquisite gown, my fingers sank into the soft fabric as I gazed wide-eyed out the window. My stomach fluttered.
Oh my god…
I’m actually going to see him!