Page 27 of Split Screen Scream
Chapter 8
Christie sat stunned.
Two weeks, and he doesn’t have a date yet? Does that mean he isn’t dating anyone else, right now?
“Yes, I’d love to go.” She tried to answer quickly to make up for the time lapse after being stunned. This was moving fast, she and Reed.
“Excellent.” Reed smiled.
“What’s the dress code? Are you wearing a tux?”
“Dress uniform.”
“Ooh.” Her eyes widened.
He’ll look so handsome in a dress uniform. I can’t wait to see him in it.
“The reception is formal.”
“Oh, I have just the dress.” Excitement filed her as she thought of the one hanging in the closet. Silver, with a low halter-style V and an open back. Like something a movie star would wear. The special dress she’d never had a place to wear, because her ex would never take her anywhere fancy. She loved dresses and dressing up and weddings. All the fancy things.
This date is going to be perfect.
* * *
Two weeks went by fast.Christie shopped for shoes and had her hair and nails done. The week of the wedding, Tanya came over to help her do a dress rehearsal the day before the big date.
Her hair was swept into an up do with curling tendrils down her back that tickled just a bit. Tanya put the last finishing touches on the hairdo, and then said, “If he doesn’t want to undo this up do, he’s not the healthy red-blooded male I think he is. Girl, this tempting hairdo looks like it might tumble down at any moment, though we know it won’t. Maybe he’ll want to tumble you before the evening ends.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to be tumbled,” Christie said.
“Reed isn’t Mitch,” Tanya said. “He isn’t even close to being like Mitch.” She moved in front of Christie and placed her hands on her shoulders. “Reed and you meeting was meant to be. Reed is your fresh start. Don’t get cold feet now.”
“Cold feet? This is just a date, not a marriage. Not a moving in together. Not even a ‘we’re not seeing anyone else’. This is just a date.”
“Just a date?” Tanya pulled back her head and made a face. “This is more than just a date. This is him introducing you to all his SEAL buddies; it’s his best friend’s wedding. This is where he sees if they approve of you, and if you approve of them. And you know how you get at weddings. Guys know how emotional we get at these events. Girl, this is far more than just a date.”
She grinned sheepishly. “Okay, so maybe it’s more than just a date. But we’re still just getting to know each other. This is only our second date.”
“Yes, butit’s a wedding. You’ll be meeting all his friends, and that means he’s letting you closer into his life. He may make a move after the wedding. Lots of guys want to get laid after weddings. And they know we’re feeling all emotional and wanting the romance. Just know what you want and, if you want him, go for it.”
“Okay, okay.” Christie put her earrings on. The long dangling earrings she chose swung when she moved her head.
“Now, those are some sexy earrings,” Tanya said. “They’re perfect. Go look in the long mirror.”
Christie opened the closet door and looked into the full-length mirror. “Wow.”
“Yeah, wow. And that’s just what we want him to think when you open the door to greet him.”
“I think this will do it.”
“Yeah, I think it will, too.” Tanya nodded. “Okay. I’ll be here an hour before, to get your hair and makeup ready, and then I’ll skedaddle before it’s even close to time for him to arrive.”
“Thanks, Tanya.”
“You got it, girl. Now, go shed your glamour, and then let’s get a pizza.”
“I think I’d better skip pizza this week. The dress is already very form-fitting, and if I gain more weight…”
