Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Looking through her closet, Aria pulled out her favorite wrap dress, hoping it would be appropriate for a gallery opening. Shopping hadn’t been high on her list of priorities the last few years, so it would have to do.
Knowing that Corinna would most likely give her a hard time about it, she forced out a frustrated breath through her puckered lips and threw the dress on her bed before searching for some jewelry to make it look less casual.
As she walked over to her dresser, she hesitantly placed her hand on the ornate wooden jewelry box which sat on top of it.
Seeing her reflection in the mirror, Aria’s eyes registered the pain in them.
She knew what the box held, and her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing it again.
She avoided going into it as much as possible because she knew the outcome.
Lifting the lid, her fingers reverently traced her silver, diamond-encrusted wedding ring, causing her eyes to sting with fresh tears and her breath to hitch in her throat.
Taking off her wedding ring six months ago was a difficult decision. Something she vowed never to take off had become a point of pain and it now served as a reminder of what she had lost.
Forcing herself to leave it alone, she started looking through her other jewelry in search of a necklace she hadn’t worn in a long time.
A loud knock made her jump as her eyebrows pinched together, wondering who could be at the door.
When Aria opened it to find Corinna standing there with a garment bag in her hand and an evil smile on her face, she wasn’t completely surprised.
“Well, you look stunning, but what are you doing here? I thought we were meeting at the gallery.”
Her friend was wearing a forest green asymmetrical dress that made her green eyes look like vibrant gemstones and her coppery red hair glow.
“Well, I came to make sure you didn’t change your mind. And I wanted to surprise you. I bought a dress I thought you would look amazing in because I know what your closet consists of, Aria.”
“Are you serious?”
Aria scoffed as she let her in and closed the door, heading to her bedroom. Corrina followed, her high heels clomping on the floor loudly.
“Don't tell me. You planned to wear the long flower wrap dress?”
“I was not,” Aria said gruffly as she stuffed the dress under her pillow.
“Well, look no more. Here, open it,” Corinna prompted as she ceremoniously laid the bag on Aria's bed like it was the crown jewels.
Aria knew this was going to be a mistake. She could only imagine what her bold, fashionable friend had in mind. Picking up the garment bag, she undid the bag’s zipper while Corinna headed for the kitchen.
Pulling the dress out and turning it around to inspect it, Aria’s eyes went wide.
“Where's the rest of it, Corinna?” Aria yelled. “There's no way I can wear this dress. I’ll look ridiculous. Absolutely not,” she continued as she shook her head vehemently, causing pieces of her hair to fall from the confines of her long ponytail.
Corinna walked back into the bedroom holding a glass of wine, feigning surprise over her friend’s reaction.
“What?” she asked with a shoulder shrug, making Aria scowl.
They stood there, facing off as if in a Western showdown; Aria holding up the stunning, garnet-colored dress with a determined look, Corinna narrowing her eyes and putting her free hand on her hip-
“You’re still young and need to stop dressing like an old woman. I won't take no for an answer. I can't return it and it's too small for me. I bought it expressly for you and that's that.”
“I cannot wear this and you know it, yet you bought it anyway and now you’re trying to guilt me into it?” Aria said, her voice rising in tone.
Sighing heavily, Corinna answered, “I know this a stretch for you, but wearing this dress will boost your confidence. Trust me.”
Several silent moments went by as Aria spun the dress around again, looking at it more intently. The dress was gorgeous but one she’d never choose for herself.
“Fine,” Aria said with a growl, knowing she’d never change Corinna's mind once it was made up anyway.
She slipped the silky dress on and as it slid down her body, she marveled at how it hugged her curves. Corinna’s face lit up as Aria turned to face the mirror.
The front of the dress had a square halter neckline. The bodice was fitted at her waist, then flared out, the bottom hitting right below her knees.
“Aria, you look gorgeous. You’re going to turn heads tonight. Here, I brought you some shoes too.”
Gaping at the four-inch black heels Corinna was holding, she replied, “Well at least let me get a wrap to put over the dress so my entire back isn’t exposed.”
Corinna laughed as she freed Aria’s hair from its ponytail, brushing it so her locks fell in waves. She also fixed her makeup, adding dark, smokey eyeshadow to make Aria’s hazel eyes pop.
Aria had to admit she felt fierce and feminine, though a little self-conscious about showing so much skin.
All those Pilates classes have paid off, she thought as she barely recognized herself in the mirror.
It was the second time in two days that she had experienced this feeling.
“You’re ready, Aria,” Corinna whispered before gathering her purse.
Aria wondered if her friend meant she was ready for more than just the event. She was glad that one of them was confident.