Page 85 of State of Grace

“I can see it in your eyes, Lex.” Sophia’s hazel eyes narrowed at her. “You want to either change into your comfort clothes or cancel altogether, and neither is an option. You deserve this, Alexis. You deserve to go out with your girlfriend and look absolutely stunning. You deserve to be happy with her and to be happy in your own skin. Because you, mon amour, are beautiful.”

Taking hold of Alexis’s shoulders, Sophia walked her over to the full-length mirror.

“Starting at the top,” Sophia smirked, “you’re so much smarter than you give yourself credit for. And this face gives away more than words ever could, even though you fancy yourself a closed book. Your body brought a life into this world, and now you get to parade it around because it is amazing. And, Lex, honey, your boobs are phenomenal.”

Playfully, Sophia cupped her breasts in her hands as Alexis pretended to be annoyed.

“Don’t forget the legs,” Emily chimed in from her spot leaning on the bathroom door frame. She watched them with a look so full of love on her face, but Alexis knew it wasn’t for her. It was for Sophia.

“Right?” Sophia hiked up Alexis’s dress to reveal her toned legs that were sun-kissed from the summer sun. “Years of working on your feet have given you some killer legs, babe. So, don’t worry. You got this.”

Alexis believed Sophia, which surprised her. Instead of her usual instinct to wave Sophia’s encouraging words off, she felt them resonate in her heart. Everything in her life seemed to be going so well, and Alexis wanted to relish in the happiness as long as she could.

“So, like,” Alexis tilted her head side to side, “tonight might be the night.”

“Are we talking the night for sex?”

“We are indeed.” She took in a deep breath and held it. “I’m nervous but not scared, which is weird. I’d kinda assumed I’d never have sex again after Harper, and it’s been six years, so I don’t know if I even remember how and what if I…”

“Lex.” Sophia placed her hands on her shoulder, tilted her head slightly as she smiled at her best friend. “Stop overthinking everything and enjoy your fancy night out with Blake, and if the night ends with some sex, then hallelujah. You’ve been wound tighter than ever for weeks now. Let it go.”

The bedroom door creaked open slightly as Harper came in. She stopped in her tracks and gasped at the sight of Alexis.

“Mommy, you look like a princess.”

“Thank you, baby.” Alexis swayed, making the ends of the dress sashay around her legs.

“She does, doesn’t she, ma petite.” Sophia took hold of Alexis’s hand once more and twirled her around in a circle to show Harper the entire look. Harper excitedly jumped up and down as she ran over to Alexis, only to be intercepted by Sophia, who swung her up onto her hip. “Mommy’s all ready for her date, so let’s not mess up her dress, ok?”

Downstairs, the doorbell rang. Harper ran back down the stairs as Emily followed behind her with her nose in her phone to unlock the front door for Blake. Alexis looked at herself once more in the full-length mirror and let out a sigh as she twirled slightly in the dress. Behind her, Sophia slipped a necklace on her neck as Alexis moved her hair out the way. The necklace was a gorgeous silver A, and it occurred to Alexis that Sophia had also purchased it.

“You’re too much. You know that, right?”

“I love spoiling my best friend.” Sophia shrugged. “Sue me.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, go knock the socks off your woman.”

Mustering up all the confidence she could, Alexis headed out of the bedroom and looked out over the balcony overlooking the living room. Blake was dressed in a black pantsuit with an emerald green top underneath and a pair of Vans on her feet. Her eyes found Blake’s instantly, and Alexis saw her jaw hang open at the sight of her.

“Oh, this dress won’t be staying on long tonight,” Sophia whispered in her ear.

Alexis playfully swatted at her, but she didn’t bother to fight the grin she knew was on her own face. She tried to slowly and elegantly walk down the stairs in Sophia’s heels, and thankfully, she made the descent without a hitch. Walking across the room to Blake, Alexis couldn’t stop staring at her, and Blake was doing the same. They were both awestruck.

“Lex, you look…wow.” Blake was speechless, and it made Alexis blush.

“Twirl her around,” Sophia called out behind them and Blake did as she was told.

“I don’t know if I find you more sexy or more gorgeous.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Please do.”

“Mommy looks like a princess.” Harper grinned from between Sophia and Emily.

“She does, Harper.” She kissed Alexis’s cheek. “Shall we go, my princess?”

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