Page 47 of Liberating Mia
“Thank you, Ms. Shore. That will be all for now. If we have any further questions, we’ll be in touch.”
Desai reached out to turn the recording off. Once off, he blew out a harsh breath. Mia studied his face and realized for the first time the stricken expression he now wore. “Mia … I have no words. I’m sorry you had to go through that, and at the hands of someone you loved and respected. I think you’re incredibly brave to have made it through that as well as you did.”
The lump that lodged in her throat threatened to choke her. In the end, she simply nodded acknowledgment of his words. He gathered his things to leave. On his way to the door, he stopped beside her chair and wordlessly squeezed her shoulder. The silence in the room was deafening. Neither she nor Finn moved. For long minutes, she sat trying to summon the energy to get up.
She had no idea how she was going to make it through an afternoon of shopping. All she wanted to do was go hide in their room.
“Mia, honey?”
“Hmm?”
“You sure you want to go shopping with Ms. O’Connor? I can call her and cancel if you want. She’ll understand. She’s been through her own shit.”
He was offering her the easy way out, and she could have kissed him for it. She didn’t have it in her to disappoint the other woman though.
Finally, she spoke. “No, it’s alright. I’ll go. Maybe it’ll take my mind off this depressing morning.”
In a fashion similar to how she’d studied Desai’s face minutes earlier, Finn studied her. Getting to his feet, he held out a hand. “Well, if you’re determined to do this …”
Taking his hand, Mia breathed a silent sigh of relief as she left the room. Maybe going shopping with Tahliawoulddo her good.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
From across the room, Mia could feel the nervous energy radiating off Tahlia. She watched as her new friend paced the room, worrying at a beautifully manicured nail. Pouring some orange juice into a champagne flute, she topped it up with the sparkling wine that gave the glass its name.
“Here you go. This might help to calm those nerves.” She smiled at the older woman.
“Thank you.” Tahlia reached for the glass and knocked back a healthy swig.
Mia snickered. “You keep knocking those back, and I’m going to have to carry you down the aisle.”
“Who would have thought, at my age, I’d be as nervous as an untried virgin?”
“You look amazing, you have the man of your dreams waiting to make you his, and everything is organized. Nothing to be nervous about.”
Tahlia took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “I know you’re right. It’s just Laurence and I have waited so long for this I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“Well, it’s not going to. So let’s get that gorgeous dress on you and get your special day started.” Noting the time, Mia continued, “The car will be here in about fifteen minutes. Ready?”
Draining the rest of her drink, Tahlia nodded. “Ready.”
Carefully, Mia eased the simple sheath dress over Tahlia’s head. Stepping back, Mia straightened it and surveyed her handiwork. The light satin dress was elegant in its simplicity, draping sensually over the other woman. It hugged her curves and accentuated her small waist.
“Wow. You look incredible. Larry’s not going to know what hit him when he gets an eyeful of you in that killer dress.”
The other woman’s eyes misted over. “Oh shoot. Don’t make me cry.” She reached for Mia’s hands. “Thank you. For everything.”
“It’s been my pleasure. I’m glad I could do this for you and stand in for your Maddie. I know she must be sad she can’t be here with you.”
Tahlia nodded. “Yes, but she has her hands full with her father’s affairs at the moment, poor child.”
“Well, I’m happy I can be here for you.”
The room phone rang. Since Mia was closer, she answered.
“Good day, this is Cheryl at the front desk. Your car has arrived, ma’am.”
“Thanks, Cheryl. We’ll be right down.” Hanging up, she turned to Tahlia. “Well, this is it. Time to go.”
