Page 73 of Smooth Talk

Chapter 32

Poppy

“You look beautiful Harp,” I say when I see my daughter twirling in front of the full-length mirror in a sparkly ivory dress and fairy wings. The dress and wings have lavender accents. She has lavender ribbons and baby’s breath winding through her braided hair. Glittery makeup and shoes finish the ensemble. She looks like a real fairy. Well, a giant-sized one at least. I haven’t put on my getup for tonight, yet. We’re attending The Maxwell Masquerade Ball (a fundraising event they put on annually for cancer research at the country club). My hair and make-up are done, but I’m rocking a black tunic and purple and black striped leggings. What? They’re festive. And so comfortable. I didn’t want to ruin my gown walking around downtown in it (the hemline would be full of leaves before we got half-way down Main Street).

All the shops decorate their storefronts and pass out candy. I might be more excited than Harp about the grave-yard cups Fro-Yolo hands out if I’m completely honest. (It’s death by chocolate frozen yogurt with a layer of hot fudge and chocolate cookie crumbles, topped with green sprinkles. A cookie, with ‘RIP’ iced onto it, is half-way stuffed down into the layers to look like a headstone. I use the cookie as a spoon— don’t judge.) There’s live music, games, festival food and booths set up for local artists and artisans. I’ll be lucky if I fit into my dang dress after we’re done.

Harper couldn’t be more excited. Halloween is her second favorite holiday and it’s her very first ‘grown-ups’ party. (My mom’s taking her home long before the party ends at midnight—she’d never make it that long anyway.) I asked her what she’s most excited about and she told me, ‘finding a prince.” Apparently, that’s what she thinks happens at adult dress-up parties. That’s what movies have taught us to believe anyway. Every lady finds a prince. I don’t want to douse her hopes this early in life, but we’re all not so fortunate. Most of us kiss our fair share of toads before we find our prince. If we’re lucky enough to find him. I’m one of the lucky ones.

I think back to the conversation I had with Sara before all this started. I wasn’t looking for a prince; I was looking for a candidate. That’s the word she used. She couldn’t have been more spot on (As he’s now the only candidate in the running for mayor. Sanders’ shady dealings have been exposed—thanks to Becks’ investigative piece in The Willow Weekly— and he’s not only dropped out of the race but stepped down from the council as well). I needed a man skilled in the ancient art of the bedroom. I was looking for some light-hearted fun, but I’ve gotten so much more with Grayson. He’s thoughtful and kind, makes me laugh, he’s good to Harper, he loves his family and cares about our town. He’s charming and real and smart and sexy. And he loves me. And he’s exceptional at showing that affection. I still have moments of apprehension, with my history with men it’s hard not to. But I’m getting better. I honestly, didn’t think I’d ever find someone like him. Someone I can trust, and that’s the most important thing. Gray’s a good man. Practically the perfect man. Perfect for me.

He’ll be here any minute. He’s coming trick-or-treating with us before the ball tonight. I doubt he really has the time to spare. Even when he doesn’t, he makes time for us. When we first met, I could only see the similarities between him and Reed. Now that I know him, I see there is no comparison.

There he is now, right on time. Harper opens the door and flings herself at him before he can even knock. He has his own key now, but he still always knocks first. We talked with Harp a few weeks ago about our relationship. She was thrilled that we were dating. She said, and I quote, ‘I knew you were getting married!’ We explained that we had discussed those plans being in our future but hadn’t made any decisions yet. But I know what my answer will be if he asks. When he asks.

“Hey Harp, or should I say Fairy Princess Harper? Wow. You look gorgeous. Do a spin for me,” he says as he puts her down. She obliges. Okay Harp, you can stop spinning now. We don’t need you getting dizzy and throwing up on your dress. He’s just smiling at her like she’s the best thing in the world. I happen to agree. That girl is the sweetest, most precious thing in my life, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the loving relationship Gray has with her. He steps in and kisses my cheek. “Y’all ready? I brought my suit for tonight so I could change here when we get back. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Of course not. It’d be silly for you to run all the way across town again. Harp is so excited about tonight. She hasn’t stopped talking about it.”

He just smiles, ushering us out and into his car, “come on.”

We walk downtown, people everywhere are congratulating Gray on his win, he keeps reminding them he hasn’t won yet, and they need to actually go out and vote for him next Tuesday in order for him to do so. There are several of Harp’s friends running around, hitting up the ‘good candy’ storefronts more than once and I let her go so I can stop by Fro-Yolo for a second trip. Okay, fine; it’s my third. The first two times I shared with Harper and Grayson. I want one cup all to myself. Don’t judge me! I need chocolatey goodness, and I left a $20 in the tip jar.

It’s a warm, breezy evening; it couldn’t be more perfect. We ride back to the house, stuffed with treats; I give in to Harp’s pleas to have just one piece of candy, after a thorough investigation. Willow Creek is probably one of the safest places to live, but you can never be too careful. There’s no time to check the rest, so I put her bag in the top of my closet (So she won’t be tempted to sneak a few bites before I can check it all, not so I can steal all of her KitKats. Gah, what kind of mom do you take me for?!). I’m totally taking a couple though. Tomorrow. I have to be able to zip this dress tonight. And a pound of chocolate along with all the other sweets I consumed earlier will not make my booty any smaller.

I take the gown from the hanger and slide it on. It’s an aubergine chiffon halter dress, with a high, jewel-encrusted neckline. The material ruches and crisscrosses across the chest and hip, making my waist look tiny, then gently flows out. There’s a slit to mid-thigh, which is really only visible if I stick my leg out or cross my legs the wrong way when I sit. It looks modest from the front, but the back is super sexy. The jewels at my throat are heavy, so I kept things simple with some button earrings and a few bangles. Oh. And my mask of course. It’s black lace with a few deep purple gems around the outer edge of the eyes. I tie the black and violet ribbons around the back of my head, lacing them through my braided chignon and check my reflection. I just need shoes. Black stilettos that add a good three inches to my frame. Which should bring the height of my lips to right around Grayson’s jaw area. Perfect. I slap on a deep plum lip stain, grab my purse and head out.

I walk down the stairs and almost tumble down the rest of the way when my eyes land on Grayson, standing in my living room next to Harper. I’ve seen him in a suit before, but OMGeee; this one is all black. His shirt, tie, jacket, pants, shoes, mask, even his hair looks black. If my daughter weren’t here, the things I would do to that man. He hears my steps on the stairs and it’s his turn to falter. I watch his throat bob as he swallows and hear him gasp. The hazel eyes behind that mask darken. Yep, his mind is in the same place mine is—the gutter.

“Mama, you looks beautiful.” Her little voice is so soft and sweet. I look to see her holding Grayson’s hand. They’re my whole world. If we stayed in and watched princess movies and snuggled on the couch all night, I wouldn’t care. As long as I could do it with them. But since we’re dressed the part, we might as well go. I’d hate to disappoint CiCi or Mimi. And to be honest, I can’t wait to see Mimi cut a rug tonight. She’s fully recovered; you’d never know she had hip surgery just a few months ago.

“Remind me to thank my mother tonight.”

“For what?”

“Introducing us. She gives herself all the credit for our relationship. It may have seemed like a coincidence to you, but it was her plan all along to get us together that day at Nosh.”

I giggle a little, “With both of our mothers trying so hard, I’m surprised it took us so long to meet.”

“I’m just glad we did.’ His eyes twinkle as he looks at me. He manages to pull them away from my face to look down at my daughter. ‘I’m glad I met you both.”

“Me too! Can we goes dance now? Please.”

He nods to her but turns his attention back to me as we walk toward the door. “I tried to get Harper to dance the first dance with me tonight, but I was too late, apparently, Papa G already asked.’ He smiles down at her, ‘But she promised me the second.”

Grayson’s parents act as if they’re already her grandparents, and Harp treats them as such. We’ve been together such a short time, but I love how seamlessly we’ve joined each other’s lives. He’s gone fishing with my dad (and insisted Harper go along as well—I don’t think my dad would admit it, but he has more fun fishing with Harp than his buddies). I’ve even gone out with Lil and Vi a couple times. The second time I introduced them to my girls. It was an interesting ladies’ night. Especially because it morphed into something wholly different once Jake, Grayson and Knox got involved. But that’s a story for another time.

Grayson winks at me, “Maybe if I’m lucky, some other beautiful woman I know will let me take her for a spin.”

“Some other beautiful woman? Hmm. It’s a masquerade, how will you know her when you see her?”

“I’d know this woman anywhere.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, she’s about yay high in heels,’ he says holding his hand to his chin, ‘and I have a feeling tonight’s occasion calls for heels.” He smiles and that dimple pops. Yes, that dimple still gives me butterflies. Among other things. “She has turquoise eyes, beautiful auburn hair and soft, ivory skin with the most adorable freckles.” His gaze travels over my skin, burning a path from my face to my chest. His voice drops to a husky rasp, “and she smells like the ocean.” God, I want this man. Right now. But forever too.

“Mr. Max, why is your voice all funny?” Harper asks him and I almost laugh. Except it won’t come out. His deep voice had my mind a million miles away. He smiles sheepishly at my daughter.

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