Page 92 of Student Seduction
28
Emersyn
The next morning we had mimosas with breakfast to calm my nerves. Drew and James sent their friend Ivory over to do my hair and makeup. She was a gorgeous l South African goddess with the most melodic accent I’d ever heard.
The Vera Wang A-line dress I had planned to wear was simple and she and Drew both vetoed it the moment I showed it to them.
“Sweetheart, no,” Drew said shaking his head. “Just no.”
“It’s a beautiful dress,” James began, taking a gentler approach. “If you were going to be a guest at the Gala tonight it would be perfect. Think of yourself as art this evening. You will be on display as much as the artwork.”
I hadn’t thought of it like that. “I need another mimosa.”
James gave me a patient smile. “I’ll make a few calls and have something sent over.”
He disappeared down the hallway and I turned to Drew. “If he wasn’t so fantastic, I’d wonder if you married for money. But the more time I spend with him, the more I consider trying to steal him away.”
Drew tossed his head back and laughed. “You’re beautiful, darling. But that man is all mine.”
Less than an hour later, a box arrived and it felt like Christmas. Drew and James brought it to the massive bathroom where Ivory was touching up my hair, pinning the loose waves she’d created to one side and shellacking me with some type of glossy spray.
“Try to have an open mind,” James said. “Don’t make any snap judgements. Put it on and then decide. We have other options if you don’t love it.”
Drew shooed him out of the way, bringing the dress forward. “There are no other options worth looking at. This is the dress.”
My eyes fell on the fabric he held and my mouth dropped open. I’d never seen anything like it. The top was a-symmetrical one-sleeved sheer black with some type of black fabric floral appliqué covering the important parts. It was belted with what looked leather and the skirt was billowing black satin with a massive slit up the left leg, all the way to the waistline.
“It’s amazing.” I sat in awe of the fashion creation feeling like I should get on my knees and worship this dress. “Do you really think I can pull that off?”
“Every man there is going to want to pull it off,” Drew teased. “Well, except the two of us that is.”
My heart did a happy little flutter in my chest. “It really is beautiful. James, where did you find it?”
“It was no trouble. A friend owed me a favor. It’s Christian Siriano but it’s not out yet. It’s a preview piece from next year’s collection.” He downplayed his own awesomeness and I added humble to his list of traits I loved about him.
I jumped up and hugged them both. “I love you guys. If you want to formally adopt me, I can move my stuff in next week.”
Drew grinned. “Think of us as you’re fairy godfathers. We can fix you up, find the perfect dress, and also kick someone’s ass for you if needed.”
Ivory laughed. “Damn, I need some fairy godfathers. That really is some dress. You’re going to knock them dead tonight, love.”
I thanked her, then she ran the guys out and said she would help me put on the dress. As soon as they were gone, she pointed to the door where the toilet was. “Go empty your bladder. Now. Once we get that thing on, we’re going to need a team to help you go to the bathroom.”
I could see what she meant. The skirt was something right off the runway. Literally.
I did as I was told. Once I was finished, we began the five-step process of dressing me without touching my hair or makeup. It involved Ivory standing on a step-stool.
Before I made it to the full-length mirror, I knew the dress was a hit from the look on her face. She covered her mouth with one hand before I turned around.
Seeing it for myself was like looking at a stranger. A beautiful stranger I almost recognized but couldn’t quite place.
The black feathers on the shoulder with the sleeve had made me a little nervous, but once I saw it on, my nerves evaporated.
Suddenly I was Katniss Everdeen and this was my magic dress. If I twirled, I was likely to catch fire.
With the skin of my cleavage and one full leg showing, I felt like a sexy NSFW princess.
All morning, I’d been dreading seeing Aiden and his future wife. But now, seeing this adult version of myself and finally owning the years and struggles it had taken me to become her, I wanted to see him.
