by Sadie Grubor
"True," I laughed.
"You don’t even want to know what she was going on about the other night at her house." I saw Lilli almost shudder.
"I’m probably going to regret this, but what?" I braced myself.
"Well, first it started off with her questioning our sex life and how it was," she shrugged "Then –"
"Wait, she was asking about our sex life?" I choked. Lilli nodded. "What did you say to her?"
"Nothing," she looked at me, her expression unreadable. "I ended up telling her that it was fine, but that’s not the point." She covered her face. After she removed her hands she continued. "She decided to tell me how Liam is a master in the bedroom…" She bent down to put on shoes, but shot back up. "Oh and in the living room, bathroom, dining room –"
"I get it!" I shuddered.
"Hey, you asked, remember?" She giggled and finished putting her shoes on. " I need to get going, I’ll see you later, okay?"
She started to walk past me, but I grabbed her arm.
"What?" She turned with question all over her face. I leaned over and kissed her firmly.
"Have a good day, but be back here in time to leave by six, okay?"
She seemed a little stunned.
"Um…okay." She smiled very briefly and then quickly left.
I spent the rest of the day handling some work issues and setting up for our ‘date’ tonight. I had thought over everything she said before our first date, especially her comment about being okay with McDonalds. So, I decided to do something a little less over-the-top, as she liked to call it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When five thirty came around and she wasn’t home yet, I was starting to get extremely anxious. She burst through the front door, apologizing the entire time.
"I am sooo sorry. I completely lost track of time!" She ran up the steps. I followed after her. "Give me twenty minutes and I will –"
I grabbed her by the waist as she was flitting around the bedroom.
"You look fine."
'What?" She looked herself over. "I’m in jeans and a blouse." She headed into her closet. "Just give me –"
"Lilli, just put this on." I pulled a sweater from the top shelf and started to put it over her head. She looked at me curiously as I pulled her oversized sweater down. "Come on," I grabbed her hand and pulled her through the house.
"What –?"
"Surprise," I sang out with a laugh as she growled at me.
"You and your damn…Aidan? When? Did…? Is this..?"
"This is for you…well, for us." I smiled and pulled her into my side as we headed to the large stone patio in the backyard.
The fire pit was lit and the loveseat covered with thick warm blankets. Earlier that day I had candles placed out around the patio and about twenty dozen yellow and orange roses arranged around the area.
"It’s great," she smiled up to me genuinely. "It really is."
"I’m glad you like it," I gestured for her to sit down on the small loveseat and sat down next to her.
She relaxed back into the pillows that were covering the seat and I wrapped a large thick blanket over us. We watched the fire crackle and looked up at the cold clear night.
"Now, for dinner," I announced after I saw the text on my cell, she started to get up. "Where are you going?"
"Uh…"
"Sit down. I have a special dinner planned for you." I smirked and she eyed me suspiciously.
Jay appeared and was walking toward us with a large white bag. He handed me the bag and I heard Lilli laughing.
"Thank you, Jay," I patted his arm as he moved back from me.
"Thanks, Jay," Lilli giggled. I turned to her. "I can’t believe you got McDonalds."
"Hey, I aim to please." I reached in and handed her a Hamburger and Fries. We sat eating our McDonalds as we talked, laughed. We, then, cuddled up together in complete silence.
Once again, I found myself contemplating what it would be like for me if she wasn’t in my life. Could I convince her that I didn’t need four years of marriage, instead, what I needed was a lifetime with her?
She shifted. I looked down to see her sleeping soundly against my chest, her hand lying almost over my heart. I placed my hand on top of hers and whispered.
"I love you, Lilli."
Chapter Eight
Black and White
Lilli
Aidan had been really being caring and romantic over the past couple of weeks, starting with our outdoor McDonald's dinner. I was silently cursing myself for allowing these feelings to creep over my body. I'm not sure of his intentions or what was driving him to do all these things. I mean, was it all driven by the arrangement? His need for an heir? Was it just for sex? Or was it because he was genuinely feeling something?
It felt genuine, but, in our situation, I was completely confused and frustrated with the way I was feeling.
I sighed heavily at my internal struggle and finished up in the shower. Phoebe and Celia would be here in about an hour. We were heading over to Viola's to get the last fittings completed for our gowns as well as looking at the masks that would match our dresses. I shook off my confusion and got out of the shower to finish getting ready.
Once I was dressed, I headed down to the study, knowing that Aidan was in there working. I wanted to tell him that I was heading out soon. However, when I got to the door I couldn't help but over hear his loud frustrated voice.
"I am not going to discuss this with you any further." His voice was annoyed and stern. "I already told you that I had taken care of it." He sighed heavily. "It has been taken care of, now drop it." I jumped as a thud sounded behind the door.
"I realize that you are concerned. Obviously, I know the repercussions for the company and the family. Things are taken care of and I've already taken the steps toward the final security of the company." He sounded defeated now and tired. My mind was reeling from his words. Clearly it was something to do with losing the company. Could it be the inheritance terms? And what did he mean by arranged and taken care of?
When I heard him end the call I took a deep breath and a couple of steps back. Walking back towards the door, I lightly knocked on the door.
"Aidan?" I swallowed my suspicious feelings and leaned in.
"Lilli," he smiled and stood from his seat. He looked so tired.
"Um...are you okay?"
He immediately looked nervous. Was that guilt?
"Of course," he forced a smile. "Just work getting crazy again." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
"Oh..." I could almost see the word liar flashing across his forehead.
"Well, I'm going to be heading out soon. Don't forget that you’re supposed to meet Liam and the guys at the tux shop." I forced a quick smile and then quickly tried removing myself from the room. I couldn't help the way that I was feeling about his actions and the conversation that I overheard.
"Lilli?" I turned around as he walked closer to me. He didn't say anything, just wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead. I pulled back before he was ready to let go and headed out of the room without saying a word.
"Mrs. Iverson, Miss Phoebe and Celia have arrived and are waiting..."
"Come on, Lilli!" Phoebe interrupted Jay and he rolled his eyes. "We've got gowns to put on. Yeah!"
"Calm down, midget!" Celia growled at Phoebe, earning her a glare.
"I'm coming, I'm coming. Are we ready?" I pulled on my coat and grabbed my purse.
"Of course," Phoebe smiled widely.
"Then let's go." I smiled back and gestured for her to walk out the door.
We pulled up to Viola's and slowly climbed out of the car.
"What's going on?" I turned my head to see a curious Celia looking at me.
"Nothing," I mumbled out.
"Uh-uh, that’s not going to work," It was Phoebe's turn to look me over.
"I just overheard a conversation that Aidan was having before we left and, well, it just sounded weird." I shrugged. "I don't know wh
y I'm letting it bother me." I took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Come on," I motioned my head toward the front door and started walking.
"You know you can talk to us about anything, Lilli. No matter how small or stupid you think that it is." Phoebe spoke as she wrapped her arm in mine.
I leaned my head against the side of hers.
"I know," I sighed out.
Maggie met us at the door and, after greeting us with hugs, she tugged Phoebe along with her.
"It's scary how alike they are.” Celia giggled as she wrapped her arm over my shoulder.
I laughed.
Walking into the should-be-living room, we were greeted with a large lunch table covered in white linens. There was a long table pressed against an empty wall that had sandwiches, salad, breads, fruit, and vegetables. Then, I saw the large pitcher of what looked to be orange juice; however, I knew better. That glass pitcher was filled with mimosas.
"Lilli, Celia, come on!" Maggie ran up and pulled us further into the room.
At the other end of the room were the large floor length mirrors and garment racks. Viola was standing in her dress while Madeline, the seamstress, was walking around her admiring her work.
Viola's gown was actually two separate pieces. The bottom was a high waist skirt made of shiny black material, while the top was a billowy blouse made from sheer black and white polka dotted material. The fabric ruffled around her neck and down the low cut front. It was elegant, but flirty and sexy, just like Viola.
"You look fabulous!" Phoebe appraised with a large smile. "It's so perfect!" Phoebe looked around. "Where are the masks?"
"On the table there, Miss," Madeline pointed to a large table behind Phoebe.
"Oh, Viola, this one would be perfection!" Phoebe rushed over to her and helped her put on the mask.
As usual, where fashion is concerned, Phoebe was right. It was a gold mask lined with black sequins, large black braided thread, a large sequined flower design on the right side complete with feathers and long dangling black and gray beads. Viola turned to us in full dress.
"Gorgeous, mom!" Maggie smiled wide at her mother.
"Beautiful," Celia added.
"Perfect as usual," I smiled.
"I should have you guys around every time I get dressed. My ego loves it!" Viola giggled. "Okay, okay. Maggie your turn."
Maggie rushed to Madeline who was unzipping a large black garment bag.
"Here you go, Miss Maggie." Maggie took the black bundle of material and hurried behind the curtain of the changing area.
I looked around for Viola and, sure enough, found her with a mimosa in her hand as she sat down in a chair.
"Should you be eating and drinking in your gown?" I raised a brow as I sat down with a mimosa and croissant.
She waved me off and took a large sip.
"That's what the dry cleaners are for," she giggled.
"How many of those have you had?" Celia asked as she sat on the other side of Viola.
"Just a couple..." I raised an eyebrow at her. "Okay, so this is number four, but it's a girl brunch." She held out her glass. Celia and I raised ours and tapped glasses with her.
"I'm ready!" Maggie came out and stood on the small stage. Madeline quickly walked around her, ensuring that more alterations weren’t necessary.
"It's definitely you, Maggie. It's beautiful." I smiled at her and then turned to Phoebe. "I still can't believe that you created that from a white wedding gown, Phoebe." I said with amazement.
Phoebe beamed.
"What can I say...I am sooo good!" She laughed.
Maggie's dress was previously an off the shoulder, white, princess wedding gown; however, Phoebe had redesigned the dress for Maggie. It was now black, off the shoulder and fitted through the waist. The dress puffed out in layers of different textures of fabric at the waist; sheer black, heavy black stripe texture, black ruffled lace, black velvet strip texture, ending with a sheer striped back. To top off the dress, Phoebe had designed a black patent leather bodice that wrapped around like a corset, lacing up the front instead of the back. The top was done in uneven angles, along with wide stripes flowing out over the skirt of the dress. It was completely Maggie and amazing!
"I love it!" Maggie was bouncing and smiling a very toothy grin at Phoebe.
"I want you to try this mask with it," Phoebe handed Maggie a black velvet mask lined in black braided threading and frosted crystals. The mask almost looked as if it had horns, black ribbons and sequins hanging from each side.
"Oh, Margaret, you look so beautiful." Viola was off of her chair and walking around Maggie, pride and adoration beamed on her face.
"Thank you," Maggie replied with a large smile.
"Okay, Phoebe, your turn. Get in there!" Maggie climbed down and smacked her on the butt.
Phoebe giggled and hurried to change.
Phoebe stepped out in a long black, empire waist gown. It was solid black with a light sheer black fabric flowing over top. Black crystals and beading circled the empire waist, fitting her tiny little body with such perfection. The sheer fabric at her breast was pleated with small sheer ruffling around the edge.
"Here, this mask," Maggie handed her a black mask that almost looked as if black flames were rising from around her eyes. The mask was a flat black with black swirls that glittered and shined, and large black peacock looking feathers extending out on the right side.
"Wow, just wow!" I walked over and couldn't help but smile at her. As we were all appraising her, we heard voices coming toward us. I looked up to see Elora enter the room. I started to smile, but then Aunt Anne came in behind her and my smile faded. Let the fun begin.
"I'm so glad that you could make it," Viola greeted them.
"Thank you for including us, Viola." Elora smiled and hugged her.
"Viola," Anne nodded and Viola hugged her quickly.
"Anne," Viola smiled.
"I can't believe the ball is only a week away," Anne smiled excitedly. Her eyes fell on me and a blank face fell over her face. I sighed, turning my attention back to Phoebe.
"Hey there," Elora came up and bumped hips with me.
"Hey you. I'm glad you made it." I put my arm around her. "Why don't you go put on your dress and model for us?"
"Oh, well, I'm afraid that Anne has already started changing." She giggled and I rolled my eyes, giggling with her.
Anne walked out of the make-shift changing room. Now there was no denying that Anne was an attractive woman. She had golden blond hair that was cut in a chin length bob and fringed around her face. She had a thin straight nose, high cheekbones and full, nude lips. Her eyes were hazel and her eyebrows were plucked to perfection.
Anne's gown was simple and elegant. It was a black satin, strapless gown with a white satin sash that wrapped around her back to her right shoulder, pinning at her left hip. The white sash flowed down the left side of the dress to the floor.
"I think you should try this mask" Phoebe handed the mask to Anne hesitantly.
Anne looked the mask over for a moment, nodded, and then placed it on her face.
"Thank you...um..?"
"Phoebe," Phoebe reminded her. Again.
It was a very simple white mask. The white mask framed her eyes with lace and sequined flowers along each side. Long, white feathers stretched out from the right side of the mask across the top of her head, ending at the left. It was simple, but very complimentary to Anne and her dress.
"I think that this will do. Thank you, Phoebe." Phoebe smiled at Anne remembering her name as well as the positive feedback.
"You look stunning, Anne," Viola appraised her with a smile.
"I agree, you look wonderful." I added. Anne looked at me briefly and then smiled small and turned back to the mirror.
"Thank you," she said in general to the group and then stepped down. I really wasn't sure why she didn't like me, but it was evident that there was something about me.
I sighed and then turned to Elora.
> "Go get in that dress girl!"
Elora giggled and looked extremely anxious to get it on.
Once she was dressed, she stepped out and took her place in front of the mirror.
"Elora, it is so pretty." I smiled at her. "Try this mask" Phoebe stated.
Elora's dress looked like a black and white flower print. It hugged her curves tightly and was almost a halter like neckline. The right side of the halter strap wrapped back behind her right shoulder while the left came down over her chest. She looked stunning.
"Thanks, Phoebe," Elora put on the mask. It was a silver mask covered in black lace, clear crystals on each side with black feathers extending out of the right side. It complimented the dress really well.
"Oh, Elora, you look absolutely stunning," Anne gushed over her. "James won’t be able to keep his hands off of you."
Elora blushed.
"Oh my..." Viola said softly. "Elora you look beautiful, as always."
"Thank you, Viola." Elora headed to the table of food. I followed.
I poured her a mimosa.
"Drink up. It will make you feel better." I smiled wide. Elora hesitated and then the glass was out of my hand. Anne stood holding the glass, a scowl on her face.
"Elora will not be drinking." Anne grabbed a glass of water and handed it to Elora. "Here, my dear."
"I'm sorry...I didn't.—" I tried to apologize.
"It's fine, Lilli, really. The truth is… I just found out I'm pregnant—"
"That's right. Elora is with child." Anne announced proudly. "Looks like Aidan should have chosen a fertile wife." Anne smiled and sipped the mimosa.
With a disgusted look at Anne, I clenched my hands around the champagne flutes. "How dare you..."
"Anne!" Elora hissed.
Viola cleared her throat and appeared by my side.
"Anne, please apologize. We don’t know anything about Aidan and Lilli's personal affairs, so I think that we should mind our manners."
Anne snorted.
"If Elora had been his wife, we would be on our way to an heir and secure in the fact that we would not be losing the family company." She eyed me sternly.
"You know nothing about—" this time Viola squeezed my shoulders and interrupted.