Page 68 of Beyond Expectations

“Ah, I see,” she said.

“What do you mean you see?”

I anxiously waited for her to enlighten me on what apparently she could see that I couldn’t.

“You’re apprehensive about the relationship and don’t want to admit your feelings because deep down you’re still hurt about what happened during college. I’m sorry to tell you this, but you do this every time you start seeing a guy. You always compare, looking for every possible flaw. And it’s understandable, given what you went through, but I can promise you now Rhett isn’t like that douchebag. If he was, I would have told you. The fact that you haven’t met his family isn’t because he doesn’t want you to. It’s because, like you’ve told me, both of you have crazy work schedules.”

“Wow, you’re just laying it all out there, aren’t you?”

“That’s what best friends are for.”

Leaning my head back, I took a deep breath, accepting that everything she had said was right. I was scared. I was scared of being hurt again and with how much I thought about Rhett and what he meant to me, the fear of being hurt by him terrified me.

“Listen, I love you, but you over-analyze everything. The fact that he’s inviting you to this fundraiser should show that he wants everyone to know you guys are together. Don’t get caught up thinking about the past. Enjoy the present. And enjoy this fundraiser. So now tell me what you’re gonna wear?”

I let her words soothe my trepidation, and I mentally started going through the potential dresses I could wear in my wardrobe, but nothing felt like it would be right.

“I have no idea. I think I need to buy something new. And I may need your help.”

Ruby’s cheers burst through the phone, and I laughed as she was a serious shopaholic.

“Okay, how about tomorrow after work? We’ll do shopping followed by dinner?”

“That sounds perfect.”

As we said our goodbyes, I remembered I hadn’t yet responded to Rhett. With my phone still in my hand, I rushed out a text.

Thank you for my lovely flowers. They are beautiful. My receptionist was eager to know who they were from…

Regarding your invitation, I would love to go with you.

I am looking forward to Thursday.

What time should I be ready?

X

***

I left work early on Wednesday and met Ruby in Saks Fifth Avenue. Having spent most of the previous evening ransacking my wardrobe, looking for a dress. I was utterly annoyed that I couldn’t find anything. I needed the perfect dress, and I knew Ruby would be the best person to help me find it.

“Oh, my God, you look beautiful.”

Ruby clasped her hands together when she saw the lovely Balmain gown I had on as I twirled in front of the three-way mirror outside the dressing room. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that the dress was too sexy.

“Rubs, I’m not sure.”

“What do you mean? The dress is gorgeous and you look beautiful. What’s wrong with this one?”

“Nothing’s wrong with it. It’s beautiful. But…”

“But what?”

I could feel her growing impatient.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for a hospital gala.”

“Oh, come on, I’ve been to loads of these kinds of events, and I’ve seen women in much less than that countless times.”

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