Sliding the long, dangling teardrop diamonds into my ears, I stepped back from the mirror to admire myself. The silky white material swished where it draped off me in layers of simple elegance. Soft curls framed my face, hanging loosely here and there from the half up-do Kisten had so expertly place on my head. My make up was fabulous and the glint of diamonds at my ears and throat only added to the glow I had around me.
I had been absolutely right. I did look just like a Grecian Goddess brought to life. And I felt like one, too. I couldn’t help but giggle like a schoolgirl as I twirled again, watching in the mirror. My fairytale was in full swing, and my prince charming would be here any moment, ready to whisk me away to our happily-ever-after.
I was in a daydream, wrapped in a fantasy, contained in a wish-come-true. I had to be, because this was almost too good to be true.
I took a deep breath to center myself, calming the nerves racing through me, and then grabbed my handbag. Ryan’s limo would be here any second and I didn’t plan on keeping him waiting. I wanted to meet him in the lobby. Too many bad things could happen if I let him come to my door. Like angry roommates and jealous guys-next-door. No, the sooner I got him away from here, the better.
I smiled at myself in the mirror, checking one last time for any embarrassing flaw in my look. Satisfied, I hurried from the room. Entering the living room, I glanced over at the couch as I did. Van was there, legs pulled up under her, her nose in a book.
I looked away, praying she was too involved to notice me. We still hadn’t spoken yet; and I didn’t feel like starting another argument right then. I know she had said sorry in the note, but I was still going out with Ryan and I knew that was a sore spot that wouldn’t go away so soon. As quietly as I could in my wedges, I tiptoed across the room.
“Wow, Max. That dress looks great on you.”
Great. No such luck. It looked like I wasn’t going to get out of the apartment that easily. I turned to face her, a friendly smile on my lips. “Thanks. Ryan has great taste, doesn’t he?” I stated, regretting the words the minute they left my mouth. Nothing like rubbing in the spoils of war.
She leaned forward, setting the book on the coffee table. “Yeah,” she said with a shrug. “I wouldn’t expect any less from someone like him.”
I started to say something about the “someone like him” remark, and then stopped myself. There was no point. Her mind was set. Another night of arguing wasn’t going to change that.
“I’m sorry,” Van said suddenly.
I glanced at her, surprised that she would offer a second apology.
“I am,” she continued, “I don’t want you to think I’m jealous about Ryan. Because I’m not. That’s not what this is about at all. It’s just…you deserve better than him.”
Better than Ryan Everheart? Was that even possible?
“But,” she hurried on when she sensed I was about to say something. “You have every right to make your own decisions. None of us can do that for you.” She looked at me with sincerity. “From now on, I will stay out of your personal life, no matter how much I want to interfere.”
I nodded slowly. That was more like it. I was a grown woman. I could make my own choices in life. I was just glad Van could let go. I’d hate to lose her friendship over this. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
She nodded and stood up from the couch. “Just keep one thing in mind. Ryan’s not like us. He will never be like us.”
I let out a sigh. Here we go again. She wasn’t ready to let it go after all. “Van…”
“You need to decide if this is really where you want your life to head. Are you really ready to accept everything that comes with dating him?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, confused as I ever was lately.
“Talk to Ryan. Ask him to tell you all his dirty little secrets,” she said. “You’re strong enough to handle him. You just need to believe you are.”
I smiled, not sure how else to respond to that. “Um, okay. Thanks.” I glanced over at the clock. “I better hurry. I don’t want to make us late.”
Van nodded solemnly. “Have a good time, Maxie. If…you need anything, call.”
“Okay,” I muttered and quickly swept out the door. I needed to get away from Van and the worried look in her eyes.
I used the elevator, nervously descending to the lobby. For one brief moment, as the elevator stopped at the bottom, I almost pushed the top floor button, the feeling of panic overwhelming me. I took a deep breath trying to calm my weary nerves. This was a big night for me. Anybody in my shoes would be absolutely terrified. How could I not be?
But my nerves didn’t settle as I stepped out of the elevator. The fear thickened in me with every step. I tried to laugh it off. Van had gotten to me with her doom and gloom. That was all it was. It made sense, but why did I suddenly feel like I was a vestal virgin instead of a Greek Goddess? And that I was headed to my own sacrifice?
Eighteen
Bell, Book, and Sandals Page 22