by S. E. Akers
“Close your eyes,” Beatrix called out from the hall. I did as she asked and waited patiently through the sound of a zipper whizzing down its track. One “whoosh” later, Beatrix announced, “Open them up!”
I let out a gasp and shot straight to my feet, stunned by the sight of the midnight blue dress I’d seen when trying on outfits at Snooty Hootie’s. “No way! How did you—”
“I bought it that day. I had them ship it out to me the next week,” Beatrix admitted. “I’d hoped you would change your mind…and I wanted this to be the dress you wore,” she stressed emphatically, almost like it was life and death.
I ran my hand down the shimmery taffeta bodice. “It’s perfect,” I whispered.
“That it is, my dear,” Beatrix agreed. “That. It. Is.” Beatrix nodded to the clock on the wall. “And I think it’s time you start getting ready.”
“Can I still wear the other shoes?”
Beatrix seemed to be giving my question her utmost thought. I didn’t think she was ever going to answer. I mean, really? They were just a pair of clear-crystal embellished heels. They looked like they would go with anything.
Beatrix finally rendered her ruling. “Yes,” she answered slowly. “Those don’t matter.”
They ‘don’t matter’? What kind of reply is that? From her? Ms. Freakin’ Tim Gunn? I smiled back, still baffled, and blazed a trail to the guest bedroom. I ought to come strutting out in my worn-out old sneakers. See if my choice ‘matters’ then?
I ended up soaking in the tub for about an hour, dreading getting ready without my wisecracking stylist at the helm. It wasn’t going to be the same. Not even the most beautiful dress in the world could change that fact. My make-up turned out okay. I basically used the same colors Katie had applied for my last school soirée and prayed Bea would tell me straight-up if I’d accidentally overshot “hot” and ended up at “ho”. I had a gut feeling she would…gladly. Beatrix polished my nails for me, even my toes. They looked great. My hair, however, was another story. I tried to recreate the way Katie had fashioned it before. Instead of full and bouncy, mine looked like I was going for “Best-In-Show”. It would have been perfect, if “the 80’s” had been the prom’s theme this year. It was manageable enough to attempt another crack at styling it, after about a gazillion brushes later. I had to laugh. Even my hair wasn’t up to a high school dance tonight, but it sure looked high enough to hug a curve on the daggone full moon!
Beatrix rapped on the doorframe and then glided into the room. She was looking exceptionally elegant this evening in her buttercream silk shirt and tailored cinnamon-hued flaring dress slacks. A beautiful golden brooch was fastened to a sweeping paisley scarf that draped around her neck and up onto her shoulder.
“Are you going to the prom too?” I teased.
Beatrix grinned. “Can’t a lady look nice for no particular reason?” she scolded playfully.
“That’s quite striking,” I remarked, pointing to the ornate and scrolly pin.
Beatrix patted the antique gold brooch proudly. “Thank you, dear. I found it when I was digging this out for you.” Straightaway, she handed me a small clutch beaded with a monochromatic blend of blue and gray crystals that sparkled under the lights. “I thought this would compliment your dress nicely, though it may not possess the same hidden charms as your purse.” Beatrix opened the dainty bag and tucked my hilt snugly inside it. “Your wand fits…and there’s still some space for your wallet. Maybe a smidgen of room for a tube of lipstick too?”
“What else does a girl need?” I teased. Killer shade… Killer weapon…
Beatrix picked up the brush and started running it through my hair. “Hmmm… Why don’t you use this to tame those locks.” Resting in the palm of Beatrix’s hand was a jewel-less, silver hair comb with ivory white teeth. “This is my favorite comb.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“I think it would look lovely in your hair, especially with the color of your dress,” Beatrix insisted. “May I?” she asked.
“Go ahead,” I replied. Beatrix gently swept the sides of my hair up and secured them with the simple, yet elegant comb. After a little tweaking and a couple of spritzes, she revealed a stylish cascading do.
“That looks very pretty…finally. Thank you, Bea.”
Beatrix’s carefree smile shifted into a look of concern. “How are you holding up, dear? With Helio?” she clarified.
“Honestly?” I sighed.
Beatrix nodded.
“I feel like I’m knocked-up,” I sulked, “but I keep checking my panties, praying I’ve started my period.”
“Hopefully it won’t be too much longer,” my mentor laughed.
I lowered my head with a shake. “Yeah…Hopefully.”
“Don’t fret, dear. I’m sure he’s probably chomping at the bit to get back inside his stone. Maybe tonight’s moon will sway him to do just that? Stranger things have happened on the night of a full moon.”
“Don’t remind me,” I groaned. “I don’t think he’s EVER leaving.”
“Why would the supreme one who reigns over fire want to hang around inside the body of a willful eighteen year-old girl? I’m sure he’s sick to death of all the young-adult drama.”
I sprang to my feet. “You’re right!” I cheered in a perky tone. “I don’t need magic or a full moon. I can perform my own exorcism with a Jersey Shore marathon!”
Beatrix swatted me with the hard side of the brush and threw her eyes into a harsh roll. “That would do it, but the Kardashians might work quicker,” she grumbled as she strutted out of the room.
With my shoes securely strapped in place, I grabbed my dress from off its hanger and stepped into it ever so carefully. I pulled on the zipper, but sadly I could only get it over my rear (even after numerous contorting stretches and several borderline-acrobatic twists). Despite my dress being half-fastened, I anxiously turned to the full-length mirror for a quick peek. Though my bosom friend wasn’t here to physically give her “thumbs up” this time, I was pleased with how my attempt had turned out — but it still wasn’t the same.
Not bad.
“Hey, Bea… Could you help zip me up the rest of the way?” I called out. I heard her reenter as I adjusted the bottom of my dress. She positioned herself behind me and took a hold of the zipper, or so I thought. The way the hand rested on my waist while a surge of stirring bliss thrilled my senses clued me in on who was actually laying the tracks slowly up my spine. Tanner. I looked up and into the full-length mirror, catching a glimpse of violet swirling in his eyes.
I averted my grin. I’m passed out when he takes them off, and awake when he helps me put them on.
“What’s so amusing?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I laughed. Tanner failed to mention anything about coming to town when we’d spoken last night. Maybe he’s a fan of the “pop-in” too? “What are you doing here?”
“I remembered how much fun your Homecoming dance turned out to be. I couldn’t bare the thought of missing another one.”
“I don’t plan on falling into any secret caverns tonight…or being chased by a possessed date. No snakes either! That’s why I’m going stag,” I remarked as I turned to face him.
“No date?” Tanner posed.
“No, not officially. We’re all going in the limo together and out to eat, but that’s it.” Part of me felt the need to make that fact perfectly clear.
Tanner backed up, his eyes etching me with an indelible sweep from head to toe. “Looking like that, you’re bound to find yourself in someone’s arms before the evening ends.”
“Like how, exactly?” I probed, feeling a towering boost of confidence (then again, it could have been my five-inch heels).
“So-so,” he dismissed, shrugging his shoulders.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or scowl, so I played offended and arched my brow. “So-so?”
His violet eyes narrowed. “Tolerable,” Tanner rephrased as he edged closer.
“Tolerable
?” I countered as I twisted closer.
With one more step, the air between us disappeared. His hands grazed my shoulders as he adjusted the straps on my dress and then guided them gently down my arms with the tips of his fingers, sending an arousing vibe tingling throughout my entire body. Tanner immersed himself in my eyes while his fervent gaze cast a tantalizing spell over me, fueling my soul with passionate thoughts until my last breath had been helplessly captured.
“Irresistible,” Tanner said in a surrendering whisper. An ache rolled through me that stemmed from my panting lips. The heat from his desire came at me in waves, mirroring every morsel of mine.
The sound of two harsh “taps” echoed through the room, but it took Bea’s voice to break our captive pose. My gaze fell to floor. Ugh… And that perfect mouth of his looked and smelled so sweet, like sinfully-rich whipped icing drizzled with buttery warm caramel, just waiting to melt against my lips.
And I desperately wanted a taste too…
“Your limousine is here,” Beatrix announced, sounding almost chipper. I abandoned my desires with a defeated lick of my lips and reached for the diamond necklace. Tanner started to help me fasten it, but Beatrix brushed him away. “I’ll get that, Tanner. That’s not part of your duties tonight…or is it?”
Tanner threw Beatrix a dry smirk and strode out the room, leaving a scorching trail and a detectible note of tension in the air.
“Why didn’t you tell me that he was coming?” I asked.
“I’m just as surprised as you,” Beatrix grumbled.
Maybe she’s not a fan of the “pop-in”?
“Why is he here?”
“Oh, this is his idea of baby-sitting,” Beatrix replied.
“Is he going to be at the dance?” Beatrix didn’t answer. “I don’t need a ‘baby-sitter’,” I protested. “I promised I wouldn’t do anything without knowing where Katie’s body is first, and I’m not looking for any trouble tonight…regardless of what’s hanging in the sky.”
“No, but it sure seems to find you,” Beatrix chuckled as she fastened the gold chain. I positioned the diamond in the center of my chest. “Katie understands it may not happen, but she hasn’t lost hope. At least we have the fire opal back. That’s something.”
“That’s right,” Katie encouraged.
“Would you give me a minute with Katie, please?” Beatrix smiled and stepped out of the bedroom.
“You know I’m only going because of you,” I reiterated.
“I know,” Katie replied. “I just wish I could actually be there, but I can’t think of anyone else’s neck I’d rather be hanging around.”
“That’s sweet.”
“Well, maybe Channing Tatum’s,” Katie added dreamily.
I rolled my eyes. “Good thing he wasn’t available.”
“He would’ve been if you’d have put some thought into it,” Katie hinted in a mumble.
“What was that?” I posed.
“Nothin’,” Katie laughed. “Just thinkin’ creatively.”
“Sorry. You’re stuck with me.”
“You know,” Katie began with a soft quiver, “I don’t think I ever thanked you for saving my life. Well, my soul,” she corrected.
“You didn’t have to,” I replied. “Hearing your voice when I put on your diamond was ‘thank you’ enough…and every day since then.”
“Even in spite of the bitching?” she laughed.
“Of course,” I agreed. “I would’ve thought you had permanent brain damage if you hadn’t bitched a little.”
“Seriously, Shi… I’ve had time to do some thinking…a lot of time,” Katie stressed, “and I truly believe I was trapped in this rock for some reason. I’d like to think it was to help protect you. That’s one thing being friends with you all these years has made me realize. I want more for you than I do my own self. I’m not thrilled that I’m stuck in here, but I would rather it be me than you.”
I sniffled back a tear as I picked up my clutch. “We’d better get going before I look like a raccoon.” I pulled the amethyst out of my purse with a stirring graze and tucked it inside the loaner clutch. After a quick recheck of my reflection, I headed out the door.
Beatrix called me into the living room. “Tanner, you come too,” she added. “I want you to take a picture of us before she leaves.” Beatrix handed him her camera and then positioned me in front of her fireplace. With her arm around my shoulder, she pulled me into a tight, endearing hug. As soon as the light from the camera flashed, she asked Tanner, “Did it take?”
He checked the screen. “Yes.”
“Excellent.” Beatrix pointed her finger knowingly. “Now you have another memory to put in your book.”
“Yeah. I’m supposed to be halfway finished with that thing,” I groaned, knowing it was just a matter of time before I had to come clean to Naomi about only filling three of its pages. And those were mostly buildings in New Orleans, which I took for Katie, not me.
Beatrix picked up something that looked like a scrap of bark. “Shiloh, before you go, would you toss this in the fire for me. It’s a new incense I’ve been meaning to try.”
“Sure.” I strolled over to the roaring fire and pitched it into the flames. The makings of a rancid smell wafted out of the hearth immediately. Ugh! “What is that?”
“A blend of some rare herbs,” Beatrix replied, seeming unfazed.
“It smells kind of like Ms. Lá Léo’s voodoo shop,” I remarked with a sneer. “Times ten.”
“It does possess a distinct scent,” Tanner griped.
Beatrix took in an exaggerated breath of the stout air, beaming. “I find it earthy and sweet.” She flashed us a cheeky grin. “You’ll get used to it.”
Tanner headed into the kitchen, fanning his nose, while Beatrix walked with me out to the limousine. I teased Katie with a few descriptive words about Ty looking awfully handsome in his black tuxedo, mainly to see if I could get a read on her emotions. I still couldn’t get over her not telling me about their kiss. But by the way a stifled flutter stirred from her diamond, I knew that right now, she longed for eyes of her own.
“Would you do me a favor, Michael?” Beatrix called out.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Mike replied.
Beatrix began waving her arms theatrically and pretending to follow the sound of his voice. “I want a picture with Tyler,” she declared, not giving one iota about how bizarre it sounded.
Baffled by the blind woman’s request, it took Mike a second to process it enough to take the camera out of her hand.
“To put on my mantle,” Beatrix clarified with a grin. “So my friends can see the face of the fine young man who has helped me all of these years.”
“Okay,” Mike shrugged, figuring her quirky demand made a lot more sense — now. Two clicks later, she was hugging me good-bye. Straightaway, the three of us piled into the limo and took off down the road to pick up Kara.
We arrived at Kara’s two-story house within about ten minutes. The limousine driver opted to park at the bottom of the extremely steep hillside drive. After a lengthy debate, Mike finally climbed out to “formally” pick her up (Yeah, I may have had a little something to do with that). But he wanted to. He just wouldn’t admit it. Within a few minutes, Mike came charging back down the sloped walk, oddly without his unofficial “date”, as well as the slightest care if he happened to bust his ass while making his high-speed run.
Mike threw open the door and looked me dead in the eyes. “Exactly how good-of-friends are the two of you now?” he posed, unable to contain his grin. His display prompted me to take a peek out the tinted window.
“OH NO!” I gasped.
“What’s wrong?” Katie demanded. I didn’t respond, but the guys’ guffawing only made her even more determined to get an answer. “Where’s my play-by-play, date? What’s so funny?”
“We’re wearing the same dress,” I admitted.
Katie burst out laughing. “Please get me an 8 by 10 of that! Maybe one day I can r
ate it? I’ll let you know who rocked it the best!” My bosom friend’s howls were actually louder than the guys.
“Y’all shut up before she gets in here!” I barked.
Kara was halfway inside the limousine when she spotted her “mirror image”. Her rosy cheeks started to pale, like she had fallen into a bad dream. The guys kept reasonably quiet, considering their chuckles were trying to burst through their tightly pressed lips.
“Snooty Hootie’s?” Kara finally asked.
“Good guess,” I replied as I straightened the bottom of our dress.
Kara lowered her head for a second, long enough for me to delve into her mind. She hopped in directly and plopped down in the seat beside mine. I leaned back and smiled. She honestly didn’t care and neither did I.
Kara kicked Mike’s leg. “Oh, go ahead,” she huffed, “before your head explodes all over your tux!”
We needed matching earplugs after that.
Our group’s first stop was Anthony’s Italian Restaurant. This was the only night of the year where reservations were required anywhere in our quaint redneck town. Anthony greeted us as soon as we walked in and escorted us to our booth. The restaurant looked particularly classy tonight, what with all the crisp white linens and fresh flowers on every table. Even all of their ficus trees were twinkling with tiny clear lights. The corners of my mouth slowly lifted as I scooted into my spot. It turned out to be the very one by the front row of windows I’d sat in months ago, when Tanner had intruded on my lunch.
Kara and I ate light, neither of us wanting to risk any drippy marinara sauce on our dresses — despite Mike’s crack about us “thinking ahead” and “bringing a spare”. I personally slammed the lid shut on his trap after that. A strange feeling crept over me throughout dinner. I glanced around the restaurant and even scanned the dimly lit street outside. I felt like someone was watching me. Not in a bad way. I didn’t feel threatened, just watched…closely. I lowered my head to hide my flushed cheeks (just in case my hunch was right and it actually was Tanner I sensed — “baby-sitting”).
Ty picked up my tab, like he had said, which made Mike uncomfortable enough to pay for Kara’s. So far everything was going as she had planned. The only thing left slated was the actual dance-part of her “non-date”. A déjà vu feeling emerged. I had a sneaky suspicion that two crowns were in their near future, which by my calculations would put her in the “home-stretch”.
