by Aimee Laine
On day five of the week, Lexi started to wonder and worry and let her mind travel to a place her mother would argue it shouldn’t have gone.
“I think we should go home, or rather, I should.” She propped herself up on her elbows. The poolside nap worked wonders for a lazy day in the rain.
“All right. I’m pretty sure Jill’s wedding tomorrow is going off without a hitch, so I’ll get us on the next plane to Raleigh.”
“How about we wait until morning?” She ran a hand over his thigh.
He winged up an eyebrow. “You’re insatiable. Tomorrow it is then, unless …”
She sat up. “Unless what?”
“In all this time here, we didn’t hit Broadway. We could go see a show. I hear there’s an early evening performance of Chicago tomorrow. We could leave after that.”
“I thought the newspapers said all the shows were sold out?”
“I have an in with a guy I did some business with. He told me if ever I wanted to see something to just let him know.” Tripp shrugged.
“No way! That would be awesome.” Lexi’s voice reflected a youthful exuberance. “Oh! I need to go shopping unless you think we can get in with jeans.” She bumped his shoulder with hers.
He smiled. “What do you think?”
Lexi laughed. “I want to be all dressed up.” She whined like a little kid without her toys. “I want to see you in a tux. You know, the works. Aside from this extended separation from my sister and leeching off of your generosity in this hotel, I’m usually a really cheap date.”
“I’ve heard that one before.” He smirked at her. “You could borrow something from Jill. She’s got an army of people—”
“No, no. I’ll go shopping. All by my lonesome.” Lexi batted her lashes at him.
“Better plan. I’ll drop you at Missy’s favorite shop, which happens to be next to a salon that costs me a fortune every time she comes up here. I’ll go home and get my tux, and we’ll meet up with tickets to the play and the plane in hand. What do you think?”
“Perfect.”
Tripp leaned back against the chaise and closed his eyes. “Perfect.”
• • •
When Lexi disappeared into their room’s bathroom a few hours later, Tripp grabbed his phone and dialed Ian.
“What took you so long, man?” Ian’s gripe bore the resemblance of a man with an inbred impatience. “We’ve got it all set up. Emma talked with Lexi earlier, and I expected to hear from you way sooner than this.”
“I had to get some time alone, Ian. Took her a while to decide she was ready to go home.”
“I know you said you wanted to give her some stress relief, so do I get that, too? Your foreman out at the house—rather forewoman—is a slave driver. A supremely hot one, I should add, but fucking demanding, too.”
“And it’s all—”
“Yes, it’s done. They put final touches on everything this morning. Emma’s been running the show in the office. All the appropriate people are accounted for, except you and Lexi of course. I still can’t believe you’re going to do this.”
“It’s the only way.”
“You keep saying that—”
“Because it’s true,” Tripp said. “So cross your fingers I don’t piss her off so much she gives up on me.”
“Based on what Emma has said, from their conversations, she’s more in love with you than when you started.”
“That was my plan. You suggested it, what … the night after I met her?”
Ian chuckled. “I believe I did. If this doesn’t work, nothing will.”
“I hope to God it does.”
“It better, or you’re out of one hell of a shit-load of money. We’re takin’ bets down here. Of course, running it all at the last minute is just typical Fox.”
“Gotta go.” Tripp hung up and flipped through channels on the television as Lexi walked out, her hair in the only towel left in the bathroom. “Nice getup.”
She waved her arms down her body. “You like?”
Tripp jumped off the bed, making the ten feet to her in two steps. “More than you know. And I want to keep it all for myself.”
“You can have me, Tripp. All of me.”
“Good. You remember that.” He crushed his lips to hers. “Because you are all I want.”
• • •
Lexi couldn’t believe her luck. She walked into Savvy at exactly ten in the morning to be greeted by Missy’s favorite hair stylist. Claire told Lexi Missy wouldn’t let her get away with not helping on such a big day.
“Do most people go to such lengths for a Broadway play?”
Claire smiled. “Sometimes.” She fussed and meddled with Lexi’s hair until she scooped up the entirety of it into one hand, held it out and twisted so that small tendrils fell from the top. “You know what you need?”
“What?” Lexi said to Claire’s reflection.
“A facial, some minor waxing and a little princess tiara.”
“I’m not getting married, Claire, just going to a play.”
“Well, still. You have the hair up, and if he’s in a tux, you should be just as gorgeous. Let’s do this. Go find a dress, come back. I don’t care what time, I’ll kick out my clients because I so want to play with this.”
Lexi stood after Claire clipped her hair back for her. “Are you sure? I mean, I can shop later.”
“Go on, now. Missy’s favorite place is right around the corner. It’s called The Velvet Rose. You’ll love it. Find the perfect dress, come back, we’ll work it all up.”
She tried Tripp’s cell to let him know of the slight change in plans, but her call went straight to voice mail. With her destination only two blocks from the first, she meandered, window-shopping in two other places until she found the door to The Velvet Rose. A gorgeous cobalt blue gown greeted her via a headless manikin.
“Good morning.” A woman in an impeccable suit approached, her long fingers outstretched in welcome.
“Hi,” Lexi said as she breathed the scent of roses amidst, what she took to be, new carpet and starch. “I’m looking for a dress for a play tonight.”
“On Broadway?” The woman’s eyes sparkled as if Lexi would be an easy sale.
“Yes. It doesn’t have to be super fancy, but we are going black tie.”
“Well, then, let’s find you something.”
Lexi pointed to the dress in the window. “I kinda like that one.”
The lady pursed her lips, narrowed her eyes. “It’s nice, but I’m not sure it suits you, dear. Might I make a few suggestions based on your coloring and figure?”
Given Lexi wore her jeans and a T-shirt, she didn’t think her form very obvious. “Uh, sure.” If she humored the woman, she’d probably get better service and could pick her own dress—eventually.
“Excellent.” The woman’s gaze ran up and down the length of Lexi’s body. She ran her hands along Lexi’s shoulders and held her arms out like a scarecrow. “I have the perfect dress.”
“That fast?”
The woman’s eyes sparkled again as the ding of the door signaled another customer. Lexi figured she’d wanted to push her out.
“Yes, come with me.”
They walked to the back rack, to the last dress, under the size twelve tag.
“That’s not my—”
“Oh, I know, dear. I hadn’t gotten around to re-hanging this one.”
She held out a gown of flowing silk in a cross between teal and green with a cream shimmer to the fabric. It tapered at the waist, draped over both shoulders and tucked in a ‘v’ right down to where her breasts would fit.
“Wow,” she said.
“You like it?”
Lexi fingered the silk. “I love it.” She slid down to the price tag, flipped it over. She kept her reaction in check despite the excitement at the number. A red line through the tag marked it down half off as a previous year’s style. Why they even had it surprised her. “This is … perfect.”
“Come try
it on.”
The dress slid on as if it had been made for her. It tucked where it should, pinched in the right places and enhanced the best spots.
“I can see why Missy loves this store if you guys can find stuff so quickly.” She stood in front of the mirror. “You sure this isn’t too much for a play?”
“Not at all. It’s lovely on you. Your young man will fall to the floor in love with you, if he isn’t already. And that pendant around your neck—look how the color has changed to match.”
Lexi spun once, the material flowing out from her. “I’ll take it then.”
• • •
At the vibration, Tripp checked the identification on his cell. As long as Lexi’s number didn’t show up, he answered. “Tripp Fox.”
“This is Kathleen from The Velvet Rose. I just wanted to tell you that your young woman has departed and is on her way to her next destination. The dress your friend selected for her was absolutely perfect. You were right as well about the price. She giggled like a laughing hyena at the mark down.”
Tripp smiled. “Thank you, Kathleen. I appreciate your assistance with this project.”
“You are more than welcome, and good luck to you.”
• • •
An hour and a half after Lexi left Claire, she returned with dress, shoes and a new handbag.
“Can I see?” Claire lifted the plastic cover. “Oh, my god, it’s stunning. Like something a princess would wear.”
Lexi didn’t see it quite like that, but princess-like worked for her. “So, what kind of hair goes with this dress?”
“Exactly what we were planning before. But first, I’m desperate for some lunch. Care to join me, then we’ll get started?”
“Ah, sure. Where can I put this?”
Claire brought her back to a massage room and had her hang everything within. After Lexi had tried Tripp again and he didn’t answer, she snapped a picture of the dress and sent it to Emma, tried a quick call so they could chat but didn’t catch her, either. For a moment, Lexi considered tracking him down but shook her head. She’d see him soon enough.
• • •
Claire provided much laughter and loads of inner details about Missy Fox, though apparently Missy only visited once a quarter or less since Claire had moved to New York.
Upon their return to the salon, Claire worked her magic, twisting Lexi’s hair to the upper back of her head and clipping a few tendrils that refused to stay put. “How are you getting to the theatre?”
“Ah, limo, I think.”
“Well, I’ve been keeping you so busy, why don’t we call it here? You can get dressed in the back and walk out perfect. What do you think?”
“I would, but I can’t seem to get a hold of Tripp.”
“Text him.” She said it as if it should be an easy fix.
Lexi hadn’t even though about the texting option. She opened her messenger app, typed in Tripp’s number and sent him a quick line: ‘Can you pick me up at the salon?’
Five minutes later, he responded, ‘Yes.’
“Cool.” Claire fluffed, curled and adjusted until she stopped and stared. “You are gorgeous, you know.”
A flush of heat raced to Lexi’s cheeks. “Thank you. It’s the dark hair, I think.”
“And the curls,” Claire said. “Can I give you something? I found it in the back—in one of our extra’s boxes.”
“What is it?”
Claire dug through the drawer in front of Lexi. In her hand, she held out a silver hair comb with a butterfly on it.
“It’s gorgeous,” Lexi said. “You’re sure it’s just an extra?”
“Yup.” She tucked it into the side of Lexi’s hair. “Perfect.”
“I have to agree.” Lexi caught sight of the time. “Oh, my! The limo will be here any minute. I gotta get dressed.”
Claire rushed Lexi to the back and helped her with her zipper and shoes. “You guys are going to have so much fun.”
“I hope so. This has been a really fun morning … and afternoon. Thanks for everything.”
“You’re so welcome. Be sure to say ‘hi’ to Missy for me.”
Lexi cocked her head.
“You know, the next time you see her.” Claire smiled. “If you do.”
“Okay.”
“Claire!” the receptionist called out. “There’s a limo outside.”
“That’s for you, Lexi.”
• • •
Tripp’s cell vibrated for what he thought might be the hundredth time. “Tripp Fox.”
“Hi, Tripp, this is Claire. Just wanted you to know she’s off in the limo. I guess that makes it T minus a couple hours, right?”
“Something like that, yup. You give her the hair pin?”
“Absolutely. It’s gorgeous, you know. Perfectly simple with her hair, and the silver is amazing. Where did you find it?”
“In Savannah at a store we spent some time in a few weeks ago. It was custom designed for her.”
“Awesome,” Claire said. “Good luck to you.”
• • •
The stretch limo resembled the one Ian set up for them at their arrival in New York. The black finish shone under the afternoon sun.
“Miss Shepherd?” A black-capped man held the door open for her and handed her an envelope.
“Thank you.” She slid onto the seat, but her heart fell when Tripp didn’t greet her.
The driver moved to the front and rolled down the middle panel of glass. “I’m sorry Mr. Fox has not joined you yet, Miss. He did send a note and asked me to wait until you read it before we proceed.”
Lexi dropped her bag to the seat, ripping into the envelope. She slid the card from within.
Find me. Now.
“Sir?” Lexi scooted to the edge of the bench, closer to the driver. “When did Mr. Fox give this to you?”
“Just a bit ago, Miss.” He rolled up the panel.
In the empty limo, Lexi drew in a deep breath. “Why does he want me to find him?” She shook her head, dialed his number and went straight to voice mail again. The scent of leather and emptiness hit her, and she nearly teared up but withheld since Claire spent so much time on her makeup.
No Tripp to share the first look. No Emma to check for nips and tucks. Not even Ian to ogle her and crack a joke.
She turned the note over. Even the blank space there, without a signature, left her with the same set of emotions she had the first time he walked away. After only two weeks together, the separation hit her. She’d expected him to be there and missed his presence so much her heart hurt.
The window rolled down an inch. “Miss? Do you need another minute?”
“Yes, please.”
Lexi reread the note.
Find me. Now.
She closed her eyes, bringing Tripp’s face to mind and connected with his image in less than a second. She backed out until she could watch as one arm slid into a black sleeve, and he shrugged the other arm into the second sleeve. A white cravat, undone, hung at his neck.
As Lexi smiled, he disappeared.
Two can play this game. She knocked on the panel between her and the driver.
It rolled down an inch.
“I’m ready,” she said.
A light bump and the limo began to roll.
• • •
“Tripp Fox,” he said for the tenth time in three minutes.
“Hello, Sir. We’re on our way.”
“Thank you.” He clicked off from the call with the limo driver, adjusting to face Ian. “She’s on her way.”
“I still can’t believe this is happening.”
Tripp grinned. “Thanks for the encouragement.”
Ian grabbed Tripp’s tie, adjusting it against his neck.
“When are you going to get ready?”
“I got time,” Ian said. “You’re the one who needs to be dressed three hours early.” He fell into one of the living room chairs. “This place is awesome, by the way.”
Tripp stared
at his reflection in the mirror over the mantel, working the knot of his tie to straighten it properly. “Taylor did a great job, as did Missy. You think she’s going to like it?”
“Missy already does. She’s been upstairs with your Mother and Lexi’s for the last ninety minutes.”
“I meant Lexi, idiot.”
“Oh, yeah. The woman of the hour, whenever that happens. You sure she’s going to get here in time?”
“Weather’s great. Winds are perfect.”
“There’s no question unless the plane crashes to the ground in a fiery ball of—” Ian stopped as Tripp glared at him. “I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
• • •
Lexi picked up the limo’s phone when the vehicle had rolled for over thirty minutes.
“Yes, Miss?”
“Where are we going? I assume it’s not the theater.”
“You’ll see momentarily, Miss.” He clicked off.
She leaned back into the seat, wishing Tripp rode with her. Rather than fret, she fingered the note again, closed her eyes and brought his face to mind. Each time she did, his image came faster, though with the latest attempt, she could picture the jacket and the tie, but not him.
When she tried to move up to his face, the picture in her mind remained blank.
The limo rolled to a stop, and a moment later, the door opened. Lexi slid to the edge of the seat with the hope Tripp would greet her.
“Are you all right, Miss?” The driver leaned down, offering his hand.
Lexi accepted, stepping out into the fading light. Alone. Again.
“This would be your next line of transport, Miss.”
He guided her to the stairs of a Gulfstream jet. Its interior lights burned, and the captain waved from the cockpit as she approached. Her dress billowed with the breeze as she clutched her purse and Tripp’s note in her hand.
“Come now, Miss. It’s time to go. The plane’s ready.”
A woman, a flight attendant based on her uniform, walked down to her. “Miss Shepherd?”
“Yes.” Lexi nodded, though her heart wanted to scream ‘what’s going on?’
“This is for you.” She held an envelope like the one Lexi had been given before. “He asked that you open this prior to boarding, Miss Shepherd.”
