Complete Indelible Love Series

by Cee, DW

  “Emi, there’s no way I’m stepping into a department store with Donovan. You know you can buy whatever you want.”

  “That’s not the point,” she pressed.

  “Forget it. Clothes shopping is not my forté.”

  “Lucky for you, you have many other fortés.” She winked, and kissed Jake on the lips.

  I was still freefalling from the revelation that Donovan purposefully went out and put together an outfit for me.

  The birthday dinner was a simple, but elegant affair, and as soon as the birthday cake was done, I went up with Emily to help put the kids down, while Jake entertained the family.

  “So you never finished telling me about last night.”

  “I don’t know if I should relive it. I told myself last night that I’d pretend I was Cinderella at the ball, but when the clock struck midnight, I’d go back to my real life and not live in fantasy anymore. Look at tonight. He’s barely acknowledged me. It hurts too much to pretend...I’ll just live in the present.” I wasn’t trying to get out of not telling Emily what happened. All day long, I had relived last night. That was until I saw Donovan at dinner. He grunted a hello, then sat next to the guys, and never looked my way again.

  “I think Donovan needs time to process all that’s going on in his heart and mind.”

  I smiled to appease Emily, but I knew the truth. Donovan would have never spent the evening with me had I not been a brat about the whole dating thing. “It’s all right Emily. I know he’s not interested in me. There’s no need to try and make me feel better.”

  Back at the party, I sat with my parents, then with Max and Jane for a while. I offered to walk Gram back home when she got tired and sat with her for a cup of tea.

  “Laney, are you sure you want to be so far away from home?”

  “Yes, Gram. I want to experience life in London and I want to be independent. My family life is ideal, but I desire to open myself up to new opportunities. Do you think I’m making a mistake?”

  “No, Dear. It’s not that I think you’re making a mistake living abroad. There’s a great deal to be learned when you’re on your own—especially coming from such a close family. I just hope you’re leaving for the right reasons. I don’t want you to be running away.”

  How did Gram know I was running away?

  “You know the story of your grandfather and me. I ran away to Paris, almost married Roland, and wouldn’t have had any of you in my life.”

  “But Grandpa came after you and everything worked out well. And even if he hadn’t chased after you, you would’ve married Grandfather Roland and lived a different, but no less a happy life. I might be running away, a bit, but I also want to spread my wings and fly independently. I hope you’ll understand, Gram. I enjoy being completely immersed in a different culture.”

  “I wanted to make sure you were doing this because you wanted to move. Always know that you are welcomed back home, no matter if the year is fulfilled or not.”

  “I know, Gram. And thank you. I’m very happy you and Grandfather Roland decided to stay here on the cul-de-sac with us. I hope you’ll see me get married and have kids as well.”

  “I believe those days aren’t too far away.” Gram had a knowing smile only she could decipher.

  Laughter came from Emily’s backyard when I crossed the street from Uncle Bobby’s home, after my tea with Gram. I decided not to go back in, and slowly walked home. It was such a beautiful night; I sat on my swing and thought about what I’d like to do when I got to London. Last time I was there, I was a teenager and not very impressed with the gloomy city. Now as a twenty-something-er, I was sure I’d like the city much more.

  “That looks comfortable. Why haven’t you come back to Emily’s party?”

  “I was just sitting, contemplating the things I should do when I got to London.”

  “And what did you want to do, Delaney? I go there often enough. I could help you sort out your thoughts. In fact, I could probably help you find the places as well. When do you leave? I’ll get there soon after and be your guide.” He waited for me to answer, but I wasn’t going to do so. “What?”

  “Nothing.” I said with a broken heart. “I’m going to go in. I’ll see you around?”

  I got up to leave, but he held my wrist.

  “I asked when you leave so I can come visit you.”

  “You don’t have to visit...” I lightly twisted my wrist so I could walk away.

  “Why not? Why don’t you want me to visit?”

  “You don’t have to come all the way to London to pretend to be my friend. I’ll do OK finding new friends there.”

  “Delaney. What the hell is this? What do you mean, pretend to be your friend?”

  “One day, you’re my Prince Charming at the ball—holding my hand, paying court, and dancing with me. The next day, you’re my wicked stepmother—ignoring me, embarrassed to be with me, and hurting me. I don’t need that, so no thank you on the tour guide offer.”

  He let me go.

  Tonight was definitely back to reality.

  May 23, 2013 Matching Outfits

  School work DONE! I turned in my last paper today, and I had exactly a week now to get my butt in gear to move. I’d shipped some of my belongings already, and I needed to make sure all the i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed. Mom was becoming more of a mess as the days went on, and I didn’t know how to explain any further that I just needed this time away. At Bee’s request, I dropped by once again to help her with her spring collection.

  “What beautiful creations can I try on today?” I asked when she opened the door.

  Bee looked haggard. “I’ve been up all night sewing this one gown, but something still isn’t right. Maybe when I see it on an actual person, I’ll know what I need to change.”

  Bee didn’t even let me go behind the screen this time. She had me strip out of my shorts and t-shirt and try on this insanely gorgeous ball gown. The dress reminded me of Anne Hathaway’s pink satin Academy Award’s dress, except this one had small pearl beads and crystals sewn-in to the top part of the bodice and it was midnight blue. It shimmered from all angles, but not so much that I looked like a disco ball. It fit me like a glove.

  “Did you make this for me? I feel like a movie star going to an awards ceremony. This is so stunning.”

  “Those are Swarovski crystals and beads on there. You can’t comfortably put your arm to the side because of the crystals.” She laughed. “Gorgeous, but not functional.”

  “I have a pair of Swarovski glass ‘slippers’ that would go perfectly with this dress. They’re made of glass but the weird thing is, depending upon what you wear, they reflect that color, so if I wore this dress, the shoes would look a shade of dark blue.”

  “I need you to go home and bring the shoes. In the meanwhile, I’m going to fix what’s wrong with this dress. I’ve figured it out.”

  “Nothing’s wrong with this dress. It’s perfect!”

  “And while you’re gone, I’ll order some lunch for us. How long will it take you?”

  “Half an hour?”

  “Perfect. See you.”

  Bee was lost in her world again. She began taking apart the dress as I left. The dress looked perfect, but I guess she’d know better.

  “Laney?” Emily called me from her house as I parked in my driveway. I walked over to her. “What are you doing this long weekend?”

  “Packing?”

  “You want to go to Texas with us? We weren’t going to go to Ashley’s wedding, but since it’s so close to my parents’ gravesite, I’d thought we’d go one more time before this baby came. I just got the approval to fly from my OB. Any chance I can ask you to come with us and help with the twins?”

  “Sure. You know I’m always happy to help you.”

  “I’m sorry. I know it’s a great imposition since you’re leaving in a week.”

  “No it’s all right. Mom and Dad are going as well. It�
��ll give me a chance to spend more time with them. When do we leave?”

  “Tomorrow?” Emily smiled apologetically. “We’d like to see my parents on Saturday, then attend the wedding on Sunday, and leisurely get home on Monday. Would that work?”

  “Sure, Emily. I’ll make sure to get all my packing done tonight.”

  “Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” Emily hugged me and walked back in the house. “Oh, by the way,” she mentioned, “we’re having an impromptu barbecue tonight. Can you stop by?”

  “I think so. I’ll let you know later.”

  I got my shoes, my list of items to be purchased before leaving, and a shopping list from Emily. I offered to pick up supplies Emily might need for this trip.

  I ran all my errands first, after getting an OK from Bee, and I left the rest of the afternoon to hang out with her. Though our friendship was young, we’d become fast friends and I really enjoyed her company.

  “The dress is done.” Bee was so excited when she saw me. “I need you to try it on before we sit down to eat lunch.”

  “All right,” I said. She handed me the most insanely gorgeous lingerie to go underneath the dress. “Oh Bee, these are so beautiful,” I stressed. “By looking at the lingerie, I take it it’s supposed to peek out of the dress slightly?”

  “Exactly,” she said with a smile. “You understand the designer in me!”

  “Wow!” I exclaimed when I saw the dress on me. I could not do the dress justice.

  Bee had the same expression of wonder, amazement, and satisfaction when she saw the dress on me.

  “I feel like a movie star.” I said, “I wish there was some place I could go where it was fancy enough to wear something this gorgeous. I’d ask to borrow the dress.”

  “Aren’t you all going to a wedding this weekend? I know Becky was talking about being in Texas this weekend for her best friend’s wedding.”

  “I don’t really know Ashley very well, though my parents will be there since they are good friends with her parents. Originally, I wasn’t going, but Emily just asked me if I could come along and help with the two kids. So I guess I’m going.”

  “Then take the dress and the lingerie and model it for me at the wedding. You can tell me where this dress goes wrong when you have to be in it for five hours.”

  “Oh no, Bee. I’m not going to take the dress. I’ll probably just stay in the hotel room with the twins during the wedding and reception. I highly doubt I’m attending anything. There’s really no reason for me to be there.”

  “Regardless, take the dress and the shoes and borrow some jewelry from your grandmother. If you do end up at the black-tie reception, wear my dress.”

  “How do you know it’s black tie?”

  “Donovan told me. He needed a little adjusting on his suit, so he brought it by before he left for London. In fact, you think you can take this with you and give it to Donovan? I think he comes home tonight.” She went over to where a stylish black suit was hanging and put it back in its Prada suit bag.

  “Yeah. He looks as good in it as you are imagining right now.” How the hell did she know? “It’s written all over your face. If you continue to look like that every time my nephew’s name is spoken, your secret’s going to be headline news in the Reid and Taylor family.”

  “No!” I cried. “I’ve got to learn to school my emotions and expressions better. In any case, there’s no reason for me to hold onto it. If he comes home tonight, I’m sure he’ll stop by your place to pick up his suit.”

  “I won’t be home tonight. I have a date.” She gave a devilish grin.

  “Any Reid I know?”

  “Maybe,” she was being cryptic.

  “You don’t get away with a maybe after making me confess that I had a secret crush on your nephew for the last twelve years.”

  “I’m having dinner with Nick.” That’s all she would divulge.

  “Come on! I need more details.” I begged. “Also, what’s with the nephew, auntie business? Explain that one.”

  “That’s easy. My dad, Donovan’s grandfather, remarried after his first wife died, and had me very late in life. And thus, I’m the auntie.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-nine.”

  “And my cousin, Nick? Where did you meet him? How long have you two been dating?”

  She didn’t give up this info easily. She sat on it till lunch was almost over. Only when I told her I wouldn’t come over any longer to help her model, did she divulge.

  “We met through friends. Initially, we didn’t give any last names so it didn’t register that our families were friends. We went out once and that’s when we realized we were bosom buddies without knowing it. That’s also when Nick never called for a second date, and I figured it wasn’t going anywhere.”

  “So...you wanted it to go somewhere? You’re interested in Nick?”

  “Interested? I don’t know. I wanted to see if it would go anywhere, but he obviously didn’t feel the same way.”

  “And tonight?”

  “Just two friends having dinner.”

  “Who asked whom?”

  “It was mutual...” She was being coy. “Let’s chat about something else.”

  “I want details when I get back from Texas, OK?”

  “Only if I get details about your date with Donovan the other night.”

  “There isn’t much to tell.” All I could think about was our conversation in front of my house. “It was the most beautiful night of my life, and then he completely ignored me the next day at Emily’s. The hot and cold from your nephew is something I need to get away from, and I’m mad at myself for being so affected by it. He’s just a man, no different from any other man. My head needs to get on straight and I can’t seem to do that when he’s always around.”

  “Donovan has never had to work for a girl. He doesn’t have his head on straight, either. Give him some time to come to terms with what he’s feeling. I do believe he has feelings for you, but he doesn’t know what to do with them.”

  This was the story the Taylor family kept feeding me, but I knew better than to believe it. “Bee. He doesn’t have any other feeling than that of a protective older brother. And that’s OK. That’s how it’s been all my life with him. I’ve accepted it. One day, I’ll look back on these years and know it was just a phase in my life.”

  There was an unfinished look on Bee’s face, but she didn’t pursue the topic any longer.

  I took an extra long time shopping. Donovan’s smart suit inspired me, or maybe better stated—gave me the boldness—to do a little shopping for him. That crazy side of me pretended we were attending this wedding as a couple. To match my midnight blue gown, I bought button covers made with the same dark blue and clear Swarovski Crystal rounds, set to resemble a camellia. Since I purchased these, I had to get the matching cufflinks and I knew the exact piece of jewelry I was going to borrow from Gram. Perhaps I was setting myself up for a fall, but it was fun to dream.

  I proceeded directly to Gram’s house, showed her my dress and shoes and asked if I could borrow her camellia necklace. It was perfect for my dress. This high neckline dress needed a short necklace that dangled long in the back because the back pretty much was...backless. There were beautiful delicate white and platinum camellias sitting at the base of my neck and one at the very end of the long chain that dangled almost to the top of my lower back. Better described, the camellia landed directly on the small of my back. Gram thought it was gorgeous. I agreed with her. The entire outfit was perfection. The beautiful dress hung right next to Donovan’s stylish suit, and as ridiculous as it sounded, it was the most impeccable pairing!

  A phone call brought me back to reality.

  “Hi Emily.”

  “Did you forget about the barbecue? You’ve been gone for a long time.”

  “I did a lot of little shopping for this weekend. Is Donovan there?”

  “Uh-huh. You want to
come over and see him?” she asked teasingly.

  “His Aunt Bee asked me to give his suit to him. I just wanted to know if he was there so I can take it over.”

  “Come on over,” she invited.

  “Emily?” I hesitated to ask this question.

  “Yes?”

  “I bought a little something for Donovan to wear with his suit this weekend at the wedding. Do you think it was forward and unwise of me to have purchased a gift for him?”

  “You did?” She sounded very surprised.

  “Maybe I won’t give it to him.” Now I was having serious second thoughts.

  “Come over, there’s somebody who would like to see you.” She added, “We can talk about it here. Oh and by the way,” she said before she hung up, “have your bathing suit on.”

  Afraid that my brother Doug might be at this barbecue and not wanting to hear him yelling at me, I put on my most modest one-piece as well as a cover-up and walked over to Emily’s.

  “Hello, everyone,” I said as I entered the backyard. James was dressed in the most adorable Superman swimsuit.

  “Are you my man of steel?” I asked, and he answered with his adorable yes and nodded his head. He pointed to the water before I got into any conversations with anyone, so I picked him up and took him in the pool.

  Ellie had her entourage of men swimming with her in the shallow end and I decided to jump in the deep end with James. James always enjoyed doing a piggyback ride on my back while I did the breaststroke, so I let him hang on me and listen to the commotion on the other end. It was hilarious once we all realized that Ellie had pooped on the other side and contaminated the pool. To James’s chagrin, I had to pull him out.

  Handing James back to his dad, I turned to Donovan and said, “Your aunt gave me your suit and it’s hanging in my room. Before you leave please stop by and pick it up?”

  He didn’t say much other than OK, and that was the extent of our conversation.

  So much for swimming and a barbecue, I went home to take a shower.