That day she’d told Ari that Bella was her soul mate and the gown had somehow contrived to have Gerard and Ari fall in love. Ari hadn’t bothered to point out that it was one sided.
She loved him. He didn’t want to have anything to do with her. Ever since she hadn’t been able to get him out of her thoughts.
Once she was finally home, she stowed the Love Machine and let herself into the building. As she approached her apartment, garlic invaded her senses, again. Man, she hoped that was coming from her place because her stomach just gave a growl in answer to the aroma.
Luck smiled on her because when she opened the door, Conner was busy in his kitchen. It was no longer hers. He’d taken control, and she was glad to let him.
“Smells divine, what’s for dinner?”
“Go relax, you’ll know soon enough.”
A knock on the door interrupted her progress to her room. Retracing her steps she pulled the door wide and then blinked. Was Gerard a cross dresser?
“Hi?” Maybe he had a twin sister? Oh, that was probably it. “You must be Gerard’s sister.”
“I’m Lacy his younger sister. Are you Ari?”
“Yes, come in.”
The girl stepped into the living room. Now, in the better light, Ari could see she was much younger than Gerard. When she saw Conner she frowned and stared accusingly at Ari.
“So that’s what happened.”
Bewildered Ari slanted her head. “How what happened?”
Conner had dried his hands and stood facing them both. A welcoming smile played over his face.
“You broke Gerry’s heart. My poor sweet brother, all his life girls have chased him. He never gave them a second thought. Then he falls for you and you’re in love with someone else.”
“What?” Ari and Conner asked at the same time.
“Oh this just keeps getting better. I wish I had some popcorn.” Conner’s comment sounded like nails running down the schoolroom chalkboard.
“You call Gerard, Gerry?” Somehow Ari could not picture her broad shouldered neighbor as a Gerry. And how in the hell had she broken his heart?
The girl looked at Conner and then back to Ari. “He doesn’t live here then?”
Ari gave a narrow-eyed glance in warning at Conner, then returned her attention to Lacy. “Conner is my roommate, we’re friends. Why would you think Gerard would care if Conner and I were dating anyway?”
She sighed as if Ari were dumb. “Because my brother is in love with you.”
Conner gave a bellow of laughter at that comment. Ari noticed that Lacy shot him the same disgruntled look she knew was on her face.
“Lacy, why don’t you stay for dinner? I’m cooking French. You can ask Gerry if he wants to join us. Ari, that’s okay with you, isn’t it?”
Ari didn’t know what to say. Of course, she wanted Gerard to come over. His sister had to be wrong. Over the month he’d been programming the mock up to present to Gertrude, they’d worked closely going over the details. Her heart had hammered and by the time he’d left she’d felt as if she’d run a marathon.
However, he’d been indifferent to her. Hardly glancing in her direction, professional and direct the entire time. Since his demonstration, when Ari had all but run from her bosses office, she hadn’t seen him.
The girl had misread the situation.
“Yes, please come for dinner. Conner’s meals are fabulous.”
“My sister Marla is here too.”
“Bring everyone, there’s plenty of food. It will be ready in about twenty minutes. You may want to bring some soda, we only have wine and beer.”
The girl stopped in the process of leaving and turned back, “I’m twenty-one and Marla is too. We can have a drink with dinner.”
Both Conner and Ari stared after her as the door snapped shut in their faces. Ari looked to her roommate, “I thought she was about sixteen.”
Conner chuckled as he shook the pan to sauté whatever treasure he had in it. “I did too.”
Ari continued to her bedroom to put away her bag and change, what she’d been about to do before Lacy had interrupted. When she walked in, Bella shimmered in the evening light.
“Gerard and his two sisters are coming for dinner. I’ll leave the door open so you can hear.”
Bella swayed on her stand. Ari smiled. She had given up trying to come up with explanations of why the gown could do those types of things.
Bella was her soul mate. Now she had to convince Gerard he was hers. A laugh bubbled up from her core. If his sister was correct there wouldn’t be much convincing.
“Bella, wish me luck.”
For a moment, she thought she’d have to catch the mannequin before it landed in a heap of lace and silk.
“A happy dance, Bella? Really?” Ari chuckled at her own joke as she threw open the closet doors to consider what to wear. “Can’t do too fancy or he’ll catch on. And can’t go seductive, not with the little sisters watching.”
Reaching in, she pulled out a hippie boho patchwork, her favorite long summer dress. The lightweight material swung around her legs as she walked, making her feel feminine. As most of her dresses, she had a pair of flip-flops that matched.
“So how do I look? Not too dressy, but feminine?”
Bella gave a soft shimmer in the setting sun. Ari danced around her bedroom letting her joy fill the air. Then she waved at the gown and walked into the living room.
“Bella approve?” Conner’s asked dry as toast.
“In fact, she did.”
Conner walked to Ari, circled around her and after a moment. “I agree, very nice.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Oh, that will be our guests,” Conner said. “Why don’t you play hostess and I’ll pour the wine.”
Ari opened the door and her breath caught in her chest when she came face to face with Gerard, handsome in casual jeans and tee shirt. He had an arm slung over each of his sisters. They were the twins. If Lacy hadn’t been wearing the same outfit as she had earlier, Ari wouldn’t have been able to tell them apart.
“Dinner is ready. Come on in.” She held her hand out. “You must be Marla, and I assume you and Lacy are twins?”
Both girls giggled until Gerard answered for them. “Marla is a year older. But most people can’t tell them apart.”
French to Conner meant an appetizer of escargot, and both girls needed persuading to try one. Neither Ari nor Gerard needed any prompting.
“The butter and garlic must have been what I smelled at the door when I walked in.” Ari forked a second one leaning in to make sure butter didn’t drip down her front.
Gerard had been entertaining them all with stories of his computer school days at NYU. She’d laughed so much her sides ached. He was on his best behavior, confusing her all over again.
After everyone had quieted to finish their dinner, Gerard turned his attention on Ari. Her fingers lost all sensation with his intent look and her fork dropped.
“Is Gertrude ready to launch the new virtual program along with the design studio?” His expression was professional, in no way as personal as she’d have liked.
His sister had to be wrong. He didn’t care for her in that way. They had a professional relationship, as far as he was concerned anyway.
“Yes. Tomorrow morning, a full-page ad for Classic Manhattan will run in both the New York Times and The Post. It will feature all the details of the bridal fair we’re sponsoring to unveil our new virtual wedding planner and my designs.” Ari busied her shaking hands by spreading a bit of brie on a cracker.
“Is your picture in the ad?” Lacy asked.
“Yes. The photographer took several pictures of me in my new design room working over the draft tables, or cutting some satin. I haven’t seen the ad, I hope I look decent and not like a dork.”
“Did you have an airy dress on like you have now? That dress tells your story.” Marla nodded at her flowing sundress.
Ari glanced down, “You think
I’m a patchwork person?”
Both girls laughed, but Lacy answered for her sister. “We’ve just met you, but by having dinner here I’ve learned that you are more than meets the eye.”
Ari wasn’t sure how to take that statement, “Thank you, I think.”
Marla answered this time. “You’re welcome.” She pushed away from the table. “Thank you Conner, that was a lovely meal. I need to get home I have an early workday tomorrow. Come on Lacy.”
“Any time you want us to try out a new recipe give us a call. Here’s my card.” Lacy handed it to him and grinned. “I’ll have to run extra miles around the park, but it will be worth it.”
Conner bowed, the towel over his arm swaying as he did so. Ari bit back a laugh at the picture he made, like something out of French cuisine magazine.
“Do you have any more files I need to update?” Gerard stood with his sisters.
“Why don’t I walk you girls out, you never know who may be lurking in the street.” Conner laid his cloth down and held an arm out for each of them.
Ari burrowed her brow, what was Conner talking about? They lived in a safe neighborhood. As safe as anyone could be in the city, she thought. Puzzled she watched him hustle the two young women out, with a tossed comment over his shoulder to leave the dishes.
Gerard looked as confused as she felt. Finally, he turned to look at her, and gave her inquiring expression.
She didn’t understand, then she remembered. The file. “It’s in my room, come on.”
When he just stood at the table, she realized he wasn’t about to enter her room. A plan had formed out of nowhere. Suddenly she wanted him to see Bella. The gown must be sending her vibes. Trying not to feel like a crazy person, she went back and grasped his elbow.
“I want to show you the inspiration for my designs.”
He didn’t budge. “The dress you were wearing the day we met. I’ve seen it. I need to hurry. Please get the file.”
Since the others had left, his manner had turned almost hostile as if he’d rather be in the pits of hell than alone with her. Could Conner be right? Was he afraid to be alone with her?
“One little look won’t take long and I want to show you what I’m working on.”
“Fine. Make it fast.”
She felt his gaze on her as she led the way to her room. When she entered, she flipped on the overhead light and turned her head to watch both Bella and Gerard. The dress stand swayed, Bella’s beads gave a glimmer and a shiver.
Even though she’d known Bella had wanted him in the room, to actually see them together, gave her tummy a flip. Gerard blinked then he stared at the white gown, now smooth and free of any movement.
He didn’t acknowledge he’d seen anything, but Ari knew he had. His expression of surprise had given him away.
“Nice dress.” He shifted his stance. “Now what did you want to show me?”
Ari faced him and grabbed a hunk of tee shirt in each fist. She stood on tiptoes and pulled him into her. Two seconds before her lips captured his, his eyes widened in shock.
The Star-Spangled Banner danced over her. Rockets’ red glare and tremors chased down her spine. She pulled away only slightly, to run her tongue over her tingling lips.
The stunned expression on his face told her he’d experienced the same.
“Let’s try that again,” she said. “In case you don’t understand what I want to show you.”
Dear Diary;
The Kiss
My bride pulled Gerard back to her and they kissed again. When his arms finally wrapped around her back my beads rippled in delight.
Now I would have my day. I couldn’t contain my excitement as the two continued to kiss. Then he pulled away, my hem crinkled in trepidation.
“Arabella. I don’t have time for this.” His hands were now on her upper arms.
My Ari held her ground. “I damn well don’t have time for this either. Do you think I wanted to freakin’ fall in love?”
The anger in her voice surprised not only me, but Gerard too. He raised a brow, but didn’t step away. This I took as a good sign.
“So why did you? It’s not like we’ve been dating. In fact we haven’t even gone on a date or been alone together.”
“We were at the ball park.”
“Oh yeah. And there wasn’t a dozen little league tykes around at all. Why me?”
Ari swallowed and I could see the glisten of tears brimming in her eyes. “I don’t know. I didn’t exactly choose you. Bella did.”
Gerard looked over her shoulder at me, concerned I suspect, of Ari’s sanity. I decided to let him know Ari wasn’t crazy.
I concentrated with all my might. A bit of a sway one way, then the other. After a millisecond, I had my mannequin swinging as a chapel train would from a breeze through an open window.
He dropped his hands from her arms and stepped around Ari. He stared at me, my satin and lace felt warm all over. This was my bride’s, groom.
He swung back to demand, “Did you see that?”
“Bella is magical.”
“You said she was a Design by Heidi. I know she claims her creations are magical only when they find their soul mate.” His look ping-ponged from Ari to me. “Let me get this straight, you are Bella’s soul mate? So what does that make me?”
Ari’s shoulders lifted in a shrug. “My groom.”
“Oh no. I don’t think so. I hardly know you.”
“Do you think I want this? My dream has finally come true. My designs ready for the world to see. The last thing I needed was to fall in love.” Her shoulders slumped. Emotion caused her words to come so softly I had to strain to hear. “I love you, Gerard. We both design, our work compliments each other. We both love movies, watching the kids play ball in the park. I can’t explain it all. I just know I love you.”
I wanted to gather in my bride with the sleeves of bolero to comfort her. Wipe the tears from her face. Gerard stood very close to my hem. I focused until I leaned into him with an encouraging nudge in her direction.
He moved as if he’d been shot. But the next thing I knew, Ari was in his arms.
“Shush, we’ll figure it out.”
Ari sniffed, pulled away enough to look at him. “Figure what out?”
“Come here.” His hands cupped her face and this time he kissed her.
My seams quivered in happiness, until his fingers started to slip her straps down her shoulders. Oh my, what was he doing? Then her top slithered down to reveal her breasts. My beads warmed.
When he bent his head to kiss those, my satin shivered in shock. I could not watch whatever it was they were doing.
Using my hem, I skipped an inch at a time until I faced the closet. My lace hummed to cover whatever noise they were making. After some time, I noticed that the room had grown quiet. I wasn’t about to peek around. I didn’t know what scene I’d encounter. Better to keep myself in the dark.
I knew that my bride and groom would give me my day.
Epilogue
Dear Diary;
My day has come!
Today I’m in the room at Classic Manhattan where I first met my bride. The journey to this point has been up and down like the needle on a sewing machine. At times, I didn’t think we’d make it.
Here I am, draped over my bride, my bolero snug on her shoulders. Darlene is behind Ari and they are both gazing in the mirror. Her skin shivered and I could feel the nerves as they race over her body.
Oh my scrap! She looks beautiful. Her golden hair somehow arranged on the top of her head. Ari’s favorite sunflowers interlaced with the strands.
Her groom must be so proud to have her for a bride. There was a knock on the door, and I heard Conner call out that it was time.
Darlene opened the door, and Conner held out his elbow. Darlene left first, then Ari grasped his arm and they both followed. I could hear the music. It was soft, just what Ari liked to listen to after she’d found her story and she wanted to work, not dance.
Then we were in the doorway to the Atrium. The soft lights cast a cornflower blue glow over the room. Sunflowers covered every surface as if we were walking into a field of them.
Gerard stood at the front. His handsome face wreathed in a smile. His expression so full of love that my bodice clutched my bride, I could feel her heart hammering in response.
The ceremony passed in a blur for me, my brides emotions swam over me. Joy swarmed my satin.
Then the preacher told Gerard to kiss the bride, but my bride didn’t wait. She grabbed his jacket, uncaring that her bouquet fell to the floor, and hauled him to her and kissed him. The warmth from both their bodies cloaked me in their love.
After, all the well-wishers congratulated my couple they cut the cake. It was a three tiered masterpiece decorated in sunflowers as was everything else.
By the end of their joyous day I knew that my happily ever after had just begun.
About the Author
Mary lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with her husband, she has six grown children, and five wonderful grandsons and two beautiful granddaughters.
Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing and Italy for the wine. With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters.
Mary and her husband are avid college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES, University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999.
Visit her website for more information www.marymartinez.com
Other Books by Mary Martinez
The Beckett Series
The Beckett’s have a strong sense of family and honor.
When on of their own is threatened, their bond is as strong as a badge of steel.
Disappear:
Available Now
After two years undercover as an FBI agent to infiltrate a crime organization and discover the identity of a hit man, Tyler Beckett’s cover is blown. Tyler’s new assignment is to protect the only witness who can identify the mysterious killer. If only he didn’t find her so attractive. Each day it becomes harder to keep his objective, especially since he knows the interest is mutual.
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