Page 16 of Everything I Want

Tears start falling on my cheeks as I hear a soft knock on the door.

“Mom, are you okay in there?” I can’t answer with the sobs trapped in my throat. When I don’t answer I hear the door open, and Addy steps in.

“Oh, Mom. What’s wrong?” She motions for the other girls to come in and they all huddle around me, hugging me.

“Nothing is wrong. I was just remembering when your father insisted that I buy this dress for our trip to Paris. It feels so wrong to wear it for another man.”

“Stop right now. Dad would want you to wear this dress, wherever you want to. He’d also want you to be happy. So he won’t care that you’re wearing it for someone else,” Scarlett says, pulling my hair off my shoulders, draping her arms around me.

“You’re right. Dad would just be happy that I’m happy. I just miss him so much.” More tears fall while memories flood my mind.

We huddle together on the floor of my bathroom for a few more moments before I slip on the dress. It fits just as I remember.

Before I know it the girls are descending on me for hair and make up.

When they finish I feel more beautiful than I have in years. I stand in front of the full length mirror, twirling side to side as I admire my transformation.

The red dress fits me as well as it fit Scarlett, the soft silk cascading down my body. My hair is swept up off my neck in a low twist, showcasing my collarbone. The gold shoes Adelaide brought give the perfect amount of glamor to a simple dress.

I hope I can make you proud of me, Andrew, and live a life that honors you while being happy myself.

I glance at the clock and realize I’ve pushed my time limit. I need to get the girls out.

I go downstairs to try and rush them out before Scott gets here to pick me up, but I have no such luck.

All three girls are standing outside the foyer when Scott rings the doorbell and Lacey lunges forward to open the door.

“Hi Scott. It’s so nice to see you this fine evening. Would you like to come on in?” Lacey smiles ear to ear.

“Hi, Lacey, I’d love to.” God bless that man and his patience. From what I know of Keith and Jason, I suppose they have probably given him a lot of practice with patience over the years.

I come down the rest of the stairs and save Scott. “Oh girls, please leave him alone.”

Scott looks up the stairs towards me and stops in his tracks.

“You look . . .Wow.” He reaches out to take my hand as I come to the last step. “How did I get so lucky to have the most beautiful woman with me this evening?”

I know the blush is covering my cheeks. It’s been so long since another man has complimented me like this. The girls are all standing watching us, as Scott looks at me. “I’d say I’m lucky myself.”

And I am. Not only is Scott a good man, but he looks so good in that suit. I thought he was good looking in his normal lumberjack attire, as the girls call it, but in a suit he looks even better.

“Okay you two, have fun tonight. Remember it’s okay to get one hotel room not two,” Scarlett winks.

“Oh stop it girls. You’re embarrassing.” I grab my clutch and overnight bag, pushing Scott out the door to get away from them before they can embarrass me anymore.

They promised payback, and it seems they are following through and then some.

We're dancing to the last song of the night. I'm swaying in Scott's arms, resting my head against his chest. My heart feels tight, having to make a decision about where I'm spending the night. I want to skip my room and spend the night with him, but the thought of being with another man makes my chest constrict.

I lay in my own bed, thinking about the night.

The ball was everything I had hoped it would be. It was beautifully decorated, amazing food, and even better company.

Luckily, we were seated with some people from our senior center so I knew others besides Scott. We spent the night dancing and exchanging small touches. But despite that, I decided to forego Scarlett’s advice and stay in my own room.

I just don’t know if I’m ready to share a bed with Scott tonight, the memories of Andrew and this dress, so fresh in my memory. But now as I lay here unable to fall asleep I am regretting my decision.

Scott:I had a wonderful night with you tonight Lorelei. I wish it didn’t have to end.

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