Page 173 of Beneath the Blue Moon
“Nothing bad, I hope?”
“Oh, heavens no!Come, let’s get started.”
Started on what?I look to Sam, and he gestures for me tofollow her.She leads me to a back room, and I stop in my tracks.Beautifuldresses line all four walls.In the middle of the room, there is a floor-to-ceilingmirror.I stare at it all in awe.
“First thing’s first.”
She hands me a small, square envelope and I stare at itblankly.My name is printed on it.I open it and remove the card inside.
Miss Casey Bryan,
Mr.Ethan McKenzie requests your company for dinner thisevening at the Bistro Lune, 7:00 p.m.
Dress Code: Formal
Oh, Ethan!Well, now I know why I’m here.I need topick a dress that will totally floor him.
“Ready?”Madelaine asks.
“Yes, Madelaine.I am.”
The next two hours fly by as I try on gown after gown.A fewI had to axe because they were too revealing; Ethan would have a heart attackand lock me in our bedroom if I attempted to wear any one of them.Madelainethrew designer after designer at me—Elie Saab, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta,Vera Wang, and a few others I’ve never even heard of.I finally settle on agorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown.Madelaine helps me into the matching shoes,and I stand before the mirror.
“This is it.”
“Excellent choice, Casey.The green matches your eyes, andthe malachite print breaks the monotony.The draping compliments your figureperfectly!”
“It does, doesn’t it?”I say as I check my reflection fromdifferent angles.
“It’s chiffon, so it will be light and airy, and I dare sayEthan shouldn’t object to a little bare shoulder and leg.”
The gown is strapless and has a high slit on the left, whichreminds me of our little bet at the fundraiser.I wonder if he would be up for anotherone tonight.
After she’s packaged my dress and shoes, Madelaine hands meanother envelope.This one contains a key to a hotel room.
“The rest of your things have already been delivered to yourroom,” she says.
“The rest of my things?”
“Yes, dear.Ethan did a little shopping himself.You’ll seewhen you get to the hotel.”
“Okay.Thank you, Madelaine.”
“No.Thank you, my dear.”
The look in her eyes tells me Ethan has spent a smallfortune here today.No wonder she could afford to close up shop just for me.
“I’m starving, Sam.Can we get something before we go to thehotel?”
“Sure, but we’re not going there just yet.”
“Why not?”
“One more surprise.”
Another one?I grab my phone from my purse and decide totext Ethan.
Casey: You’ve been a busy man, Sheriff McKenzie.
