Chapter 13 #2
“What is it?”
“I don’t know. I don’t have x-ray vision. Open it.”
I turned toward it and tucked my left leg under me before pulling the top off.
It was like something out of a movie. The girl opened the big white box and pulled back the tissue paper to find her dream princess dress before going to the school dance or some party.
That was precisely what I experienced as I looked at the dress neatly folded to preserve its integrity.
I grabbed the little white card tucked along the edge and read it aloud.
If you don’t show up in this dress, it will mean two things:
1. You didn’t show and
2. I’m pissed at you.
See you soon,
Liam
My mom laughed. “That boy always had a funny sense of humor. I swore you two were going to grow old together, and I would have little fashion designer grand-babies.”
I joined her in her amusement. “Too bad you’ll be stuck with someone else. Liam and I aren’t like that.”
An image of Damien flashed through my mind, and I choked on my laughter.
What kind of fuckery was that? Why would he pop into my mind right at that moment?
Lately, Damien had become a constant reminder that there were good guys out there who wouldn’t see me as an afterthought.
He appeared interested in me, and not because I was deemed attractive by society’s standards, but he actually wanted to understand my thoughts and emotions.
To see me, the one underneath the pretty face.
It wasn’t uncommon for a stranger to hit on me because they considered me ‘hot’. But it was rare for someone to find me appealing because of what I was saying.
As Cristina Yang once said on Grey’s Anatomy, “Screw beautiful. I’m brilliant. If you want to appease me, compliment my brain.”
“Well,” my mom said, pulling me from my musings.
“At least now you won’t have to worry about what to wear.
I, on the other hand, have no clue what is acceptable to wear to a fashion show.
” She leaned against the door frame and crossed her arms. “I still can’t believe Liam moved away and started his own business.
Who’d have thought he’d be the famous one out of all ya’ll? ”
“We did. He talked about designing throughout high school. He knew what he wanted and worked for it. He was also the one who would constantly nitpick at our outfits and kept us up in style.” I stood. “Come on, I’ll help you pick something.”
Once again, Liam knew exactly what would look good on me. Between this dress and the one from the Gala, I needed to take him shopping with me.
It was his superpower.
The dress hugged my body perfectly, flowing flawlessly as I entered the Cape Fear Gardens and found our seats.
Made from hunter-green silk fabric, it clung gracefully to my frame.
The deep v-neckline was alarming at first, but it elegantly highlighted my figure.
Once again, Liam’s design filled me with an unshakable confidence.
The most captivating part of the dress was a delicate composition of see-through lace, layered over strategically positioned silk lining that covered my breasts to preserve some modesty.
It mimicked a corset style, but transitioned flawlessly into the skirt.
The slit that extended mid-thigh added another touch of allure, but maintained that sophisticated elegance for a formal outing.
It only proved why he was an international superstar.
I was imbued with self-assurance, and I could crush anyone who looked at me wrong. Maybe I could even figure out what I wanted with my life.
This dress was magic.
Mom had settled on a navy-blue cocktail-length dress. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was just enough to show off her long legs and curves.
I glanced around the crowd, trying to locate any of my friends. I didn’t find them, but I figured I’d meet up with them later.
Once the show began, my mom and I had the best time ‘ooo’ing and ‘ahh’ing at the clothes. Again, it was no surprise that Liam Knight Creations was popular. Liam had an eye for styles and fabrics.
When it ended, Jamie walked on stage.
“Hi, everyone,” he said into the microphone.
“Thank you for coming out today to support something so near and dear to my heart. For those of you who don’t know who I am, I’m Tech Sergeant Jamie MacIntyre, and I grew up here in Fayetteville.
I know many of you in the crowd came out to see a Liam Knight Creations fashion show, but I thank you for coming, anyway.
I’m here to raise awareness for the service members who experience combat overseas and come home feeling lost. The ones that have trouble sleeping or have difficulty moving on, or…
” he paused. “Who are alive after watching their best friend die. The Phoenix Foundation was named after one of my best friends who was there for me during my rock bottom, Noah Richey—Air Force Combat Controller, whose call sign was Phoenix. He picked me up and set me on the path to find peace and to heal. This foundation is here to help those service members in need, to be there for them through the transition back into everyday life. To help them find a way to heal. Anything from a simple phone call in the middle of the night, to helping them find peace through different forms of therapy. Whatever it is, we are here to help those who need it. So, thank you for all your donations tonight, and a big thank you to Liam. I couldn’t have done this without you, buddy. ”
Jamie grinned at Liam offstage, and my hand moved to my mouth. I had no idea Jamie’s project was an ode to Noah. As I fought to keep the tears in my eyes from falling, I was both overjoyed to be here, and furious I’d missed so much of my friends’ lives.
“How about a big round of applause for one of my best friends, Liam Knight and LKC?” Jamie shouted into the mic.
Liam held his head high as he walked toward Jamie, but I could tell from the line on his forehead that he wanted to be anywhere else. He’d always hated the spotlight.
They hugged before waving and walking off stage together while the crowd stood and clapped.
Mom and I followed the mass of guests to the after-party, where we were promised drinks and appetizers. I grabbed a flute of champagne off a server’s tray as they walked by.
I was getting that nervous, giddy energy that settled in your stomach when you were excited. I couldn’t wait to see my friends. It had been too long.
And when I saw a pair of familiar broad shoulders adorned with shaggy, dark brown hair, I moved without thinking. I wrapped my arms around Liam’s waist. Manners be damned. He was in the middle of a conversation, and I definitely interrupted, but I didn’t care.
Liam twisted, and when he laid his eyes on me, his look of absolute disgust morphed into the euphoria I felt.
“You’re here!” he said as he folded me in a tight hug. I did my best not to spill my champagne all over the two of us.
“I couldn’t miss this. Not after missing Noah’s funeral.”
“I’m just happy Elijah decided to let you out of his sight… unless… ” Liam looked over his shoulder. “He’s here somewhere.”
“No. He’s not here. I… kinda just left without telling him.”
“Sounds like something you’d do.”
Liam was right. I used to pull stunts like this all the time as a kid.
Always in my own world and disappearing without telling anyone.
When had that changed? Maybe because I grew up?
Or was there something else behind it? I used to be notorious for giving in to any whim I’d had.
If I wanted to go somewhere, I just went.
And Liam had always tagged along with me to make sure I stayed out of trouble. Perhaps that was why Elijah disliked him so much. We had a special bond. I’m sure Liam being way more successful than Elijah didn’t help, but Liam and I had always been close.
At least… until recently.
“This is amazing, Liam. I can’t believe you threw all this together.”
He lifted his shoulder. “This was easy. The one doing the hard stuff is Jamie. Right now, actually.”
I covered my mouth with my hands. “Omigod. You mean he’s proposing right now?!”
Liam nodded. “He seemed okay, though. Only a little nervous. But they’ve already done this. So, it’s not anything new.”
“I’m still so confused about how it even happened.”
“If you’d been able to come home for Noah’s funeral, you would understand. We could all see it then. Even if the two of them were too stubborn to admit it.”
It was something I’d never get back. I’d missed it, and the guilt churned in my stomach like acid. “I’m assuming the rest of the gang is here, too.”
“They are. Somewhere around here. I think Wes still has his leash on, so just find Olivia, and you’ll find him. Erik was chasing the skirt of one of the cocktail waitresses a few minutes ago.”
“Are Noah’s parents here?”
“Yeah, I saw them before the show.”
“I want to offer my condolences.”
“I’m sure they’ll appreciate that.”
My clutch vibrated in my hand and I pulled my phone out.
Elijah
You’re at that fashion show right now, right?
I looked up and around, a weird sensation falling over me like I was being watched. The idea of Elijah showing up unexpectedly was unsettling.
Why did he text me? What did he want?
I didn’t message him back. Instead, I shoved my phone back into my clutch.
“The dress suits you. I knew it would. That shade of green is your color.”
I held my arms out. “Thank you for this. It’s a gorgeous dress.”
“It’s nothing. I had to supply a bunch of outfits tonight. The least I could do was make sure my two favorite girls were dressed for the occasion.”
“Blake has more of a reason to be wearing a pretty dress than I do. It’s her night!”
“I’m sure Elijah would love to see you dressed up like that. Did you get a picture?”
I shook my head. There might be one person who would appreciate the effort put in for this night, and it wasn’t Elijah.
Liam hooked his arm in mine and pulled me to the edge of the room. “Hand me your phone.” I rolled my eyes at his business tone and handed it to him. “Now, try to not let the beauty of the dress overtake you. Work it for me.”
“Liam!” I shouted, but the smile that worked its way onto my lips was genuine.
“God, I’m good. Look at those lines, the way the fabric gathers and shows off the leg. Any man would be lucky to have their girl in that dress.”
“I see you are still full of yourself.”
Liam handed my phone back. “Eh, got to be when you work with the fashion world’s elite. If not, they’d eat me alive.”
I glanced down at the photo Liam had taken, and I had to admit, he was right. I looked good, fabulous even. The confidence radiated from me.
“Thank you, Liam. For everything. I wouldn’t be here without you.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Of course. I’ll always be here for you.” Liam paused for a moment. “And the person you want to see the most just appeared, and looks extra glowy.”
I grinned. “Come congratulate them with me.”
“Naw, I’m good. I’d rather stay over here and try to blend into the wallpaper.”
“Liam Knight. Cocky, full of himself, but doesn’t like people. Runs a fashion business, but would do anything if it meant not having to talk to anyone.”
“Exactly. Now go have fun. Don’t tell anyone you saw me.”
I laughed as I made my way through the crowd, searching for Blake and Jamie. I nearly cried when I found her talking to Mr. Taylor, Jamie’s Mom’s next-door neighbor and her boss. I honestly didn’t realize how much I’d missed my best friend.
I approached as Mr. Taylor congratulated her on a promotion before walking away. When she turned to see me, I had to bite my lip to keep the tears from falling from my eyes.
We threw our arms around each other. Happiness filled every part of me.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“I had to come home to support my friends. Congratulations, by the way. Apparently, for both an engagement and promotion.”
She giggled as she waved her left hand, now adorned with a beautiful diamond ring. “Thank you.”
I couldn’t stop myself from looking over my shoulder. I still felt like someone’s eyes were watching me. It was unnerving.
“Where is Elijah?” Blake asked. “Is he here?”
I looked back at her, frowning. “No. We had a fight. It’s just me.”
“Is that why you keep looking around like he might pop out of the shadows like the boogie man?”
“I can’t help it. Elijah has a way of surprising me, and it’s not always in a good way.”
She reached out and touched my arm. “Did something happen?”
My shoulders sagged under the weight of my emotions. Should I tell her? Be open with my best friend? “No. Yes. I don’t know. I’m just tired of everything. It’s like he’s not who he used to be.”
“It’s not uncommon to change during a relationship, and you two have been together since your freshman year in college. I can’t imagine it’s not something you can’t work through. though.”
I bit the corner of my lip again, unable to answer her.
Do I explain to her how, instead of thinking about Elijah, I was thinking about someone else? That another person was finally seeing me for who I was, while Elijah continued to push me into a cage of his own making?
It only took a moment before Blake’s gaze turned serious. “Tell me.”
“What?”
“Cadence Copeland! What happened?”
I bit my lip before answering. “I met someone.”
Blake blinked a few times before taking a step closer to me. “I’m sorry. I think I misheard you. Can you repeat that?”
I took a deep breath. “I met someone, Blake. Someone who makes me see things I didn’t before.”
She leaned in close to me and whisper-shouted, “Did you cheat on Elijah?”
“God no! Geez. It’s not like that. We’re… friends. It’s just…” I couldn’t put words together to describe what we were. Friends seemed like such a simple word, and we were beyond that.
“Well, damn.”
“What?”
“It’s rare you’re rendered speechless. This must be a big deal. You like him. Let’s get a drink and talk. I want to hear every detail.”
She made a move to walk away, and I grabbed her arm. “No. I refuse to do this now. Not when we need to celebrate your engagement and shout to the world that you and Jamie are finally back together. We are not hashing out my drama.”
“But…”
I held up my hand. “Absolutely not. Tomorrow. Okay?”
She nodded before hugging me again. “I’ll always be here for you, Cay. You know that, right?”
I rested my chin on her shoulder. “Yeah. Thank you.”
She pulled back and smiled. “I’m not sure if I can wait until tomorrow to hear about this new guy. I’m on the edge of my seat over here.”
I snagged two glasses of champagne from a server and handed her one. “Here, alcohol will help.”
She grabbed it and took a sip. “Come on, let’s go say hi to the guys.” She looped her free hand through my arm, and we walked through the crowd. “Back together at last.”
“Finally.”