Page 45 of Finding a Melody
My selection narrowed down to three dresses, and then deciding I needed to be a showoff for Bryan, I went with the teal dress that when pulled down over my body, created beautiful curves where they didn’t normally belong. I ran my hands over the silky fabric, liking the way the top was a fitted V-neck with thick straps that accentuated my collarbones. The wrap design ended with a silver brooch on the left side of my waist, giving the dress more shape and leaving the bottom to flare out slightly. The front of the dress ended down at just above my knees while the back end went down to just below.
The dress was fun, but still fancy enough to fit in at a dinner party for the socialites. I showed off skin, but didn’t have everything hanging like I knew some of the younger crowd preferred. It also had a designer name attached that would be easily accepted among the other girls. I matched the dress with strappy, black two-inch heels to show off my legs, then dug out the purses I shoved in the back of my closet, forgotten in boxes.
After going through my options, I settled on a silver crystal embellished Chanel clutch with their CC logo on the front embedded in diamonds. I knew the thing went for a few thousand dollars and so I grabbed it and tossed in essentials, extra makeup for touch-ups, money, ID, and my phone. I even tossed in some of my business cards because people really enjoyed exchanging those at these kinds of events.
Doing a double check, I looked into the full body mirror in my room to get the full picture. My brown hair fell around my shoulders in soft waves, and my makeup was light to rely more on my natural features. I wore a simple set of diamond earrings and a matching necklace for a little extra touch.
Taking in a deep breath, I slowly released it. Tonight was about Bryan, making him comfortable, keeping him relaxed. I could do this.
I had to admit, I was nervous though. Bryan and I didn’t exactly start on good footing and frankly, sometimes, we still griped at each other, but it was different than the hostility he used to have. It felt more like silly banter just to do it and tease each other. Now I was about to spend an entire evening with him. I had a feeling the guys were betting how long it’d take before we started arguing again.
After double-checking myself, I headed downstairs, listening to the guys’ voices as they talked and goofed off. I went to my sad living room and stood in the doorway, staring at everyone.
Paxon and Seth sat on one of the couches, bent over Seth’s phone as they did something on it while Toby looked over the decorative bookshelf I had finally managed to put up during the week. There were even books on them, though I couldn’t say offhand what kind. They were in a box, so I tossed them up more for decoration than anything else. Justin was flipping through one of the books with a small frown. Bryan paced back and forth between the couch and the large window. I watched him for a bit, just taking in the moment.
He looked good.
His black hair was swept back away from his face, and with the touch of his glasses, it made him look more mature despite his baby cheeks. His tall frame fit wonderfully underneath his dark gray suit. Underneath the jacket was a black shirt and dark gray tie, the entire ensemble making him look sleek and perfect.
I allowed myself to drool for a few seconds while everyone was distracted. These were the people I was slowly learning to cherish. These guys. Once again, I felt my heart trying to expand at that thought, like it knew it needed to make more room for them.
Toby was the first to notice me when I stepped into the room.
“You’re gorgeous,” he said, coming over and drawing me into a hug. He rocked us from side to side for a moment before backing off. I looked at everyone else and suddenly grew shy as they stared at me with expressions I wasn’t used to seeing.
I gave them a shy smile before focusing on Bryan, suddenly wanting fresh air.
“Ready?” I asked.
“Ye-yeah,” he croaked out, his cheeks turning pink as he cleared his throat.
I smiled as he walked over.
“Now,” Toby said, clearing his throat and drawing himself up to his full height, which, unfortunately, was still shorter than Bryan. But that didn’t stop him. He cleared his throat again and when he spoke, it was deeper and in a mock serious tone. “Now, Bryan, make sure you have her back by midnight. She’s a special girl and I don’t need you corrupting her with your gallivanting ways. No getting her pre—”
“Enough,” Seth said, chuckling as he whacked the back of Toby’s head playfully. My face had to be bright red because I was pretty sure I knew what he was about to say. Bryan glared at Toby while Paxon laughed and Justin smiled.
I tried to smile back at it. It was pretty funny, but slowly, thoughts of my dad came to mind. How would he have reacted, watching me go out on my first date? What would he have said? My heart twisted at another moment gone that should have involved my dad, knowing I’d never get the chance.
Bryan sensed something wrong with me and grabbed my hand, giving it a squeeze. “If I survive this, you all better be ready to do something I want to do.”
“As always, we’ll be more than ready,” Toby said, smiling. “Behave.”
Bryan grumbled something as he pulled me gently with him out the door to where a limo was curbside waiting for us. I cocked an eyebrow at Bryan, who just shrugged as the driver opened the door. Bryan helped me into the limo and then climbed in behind me.
“ ‘As always.’ What does that mean?”
“Huh?” Bryan had been looking out the window, but he turned to me.
“For everyone to be ready to do something you want.”
“Oh.” Realization dawned on him. “I despise these functions, but if I want to keep my parents happy, I need to go. So it’s our deal. I suffer through this and if it goes smoothly, the guys treat me to something I want to do. It gives me something to look forward to and afterward to relax and put the party behind me.”
“You hate it that much?”
“These parties are a joke. Hating it is too simple a description.”
“Oh.” I let the conversation drop off, not wanting to push him too far. I could only do my best to be at his side for the night, making it the best that it could be for him.