"You are not wearing that on our girls' night out," Dinah growled as I entered the kitchen. She and Olivia were leaned against the counter in sundresses waiting patiently for me to explain.
I looked at my jeans and forest green blouse, "You've got to be kidding me! We are going to the movies, who are we trying to impress?"
"You never know who we could run into," Livi grumbled.
"We may even run into Mr. Cheesecake," Dinah teased. "So just go change."
I squinted and snarled at them, "Fine. Would you like to dress me?"
Olivia squealed with glee, and Dinah grabbed my hand with an enthusiastic tug, "I thought you'd never ask."
These girls knew exactly what they wanted me to wear before they even entered my closet. Dinah went directly to a lovely white dress with diagonal red stripes that I hadn't worn since that awful day in the park. My memory flashed to the picnic basket that I carefully packed with all of James' favorites: Buffalo chicken wings, mashed potatoes and gravy, Reese's pieces, and a couple of cold beers. James had been working so hard and as an investment banker, he had long hours anyway, so a picnic in his office seemed like a wonderful idea. I had dressed to impress with an extra spring in my step… until I walked into his office.
"Gracie," Olivia called to me. I blinked back the anger that I fought to control. Her smile came into focus as she whispered, "We lost you in thought for a minute. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I am just not going to wear that dress," I replied.
"Oh yes, you are. It is adorable, and it has just been sitting back here for a year now and you have never worn it," Di demanded.
"What, are you going through my closet when I am not around?" I snapped. I cringed when I heard the hurt that slipped through the words. All I told them was that James stood me up again for a work project and I just couldn't take it anymore, so I dumped him.
Dinah lowered her tone and spoke slower, "I created your wardrobe, Miss McAllister." She only called me that when she was upset with me. "Give me one good reason you won't wear this dress and I will happily find a different outfit."
Her amber eyes burned me as she waited. Olivia just looked confused and a little uncomfortable about the whole exchange. I know they weren't this oblivious or inconsiderate, so Dinah at least must know my reasons. She wants me to confess… My pride sat at the top of my throat taunting me, challenging me to swallow it and tell them the truth. For the first time since I was little, I refused the challenge. I took the dress and disappeared into the closet. I caught a couple of flashes of Olivia and Dinah's happy dance. I slipped the dress over my head while raising a silent prayer to the Lord. I just want this dress to see a good time just once before it disappears forever.
I came out of the closet with a fake smile on my lips, but they ignored it. Olivia demanded that I go put on some makeup while they finished gathering our stuff. Once they were satisfied with my look, I found myself shoved into my darling red mustang and we were on our way to our usual theater. We bought tickets to our typical genre... Disney animation. For some reason, we always enjoy a movie when munchkins were around. We sat in the lobby waiting for our show to start.
Just as they hoped we were eyed by about every non-committed male in the room, Olivia got a couple of committed men too… of course. One of the theaters must have just let out because there was a trickle of happy faces heading back to the parking lot. It was really funny to watch as quite a few people double-take as they looked our way. A few people came up and asked for Livi's autograph, there were a couple that recognized Di, but the most surprising was a teenager that recognized me.
"Excuse me," I heard a timid voice call out. Olivia and Dinah were distracted by a fan or two, so I turned. There stood a lovely young lady, from the look of her she had to be a geek.
"Hey," I smiled. "did you call us?"
"Um… yes. Do you ladies work for Classic Fashion?" She bit her lips in fear of being wrong.
"We do," I nodded. "Did you want Olivia's autograph, or are you a fan of Dinah's designs?"
"Are you Grace McAllister?"
The question seemed to smack me in the face, I blinked twice and replied, "I am, and you are?"
"My name is Lottie, and I… love your articles." She practically danced as she related to me how my articles have affected her life. She and I conversed about some topics that she thought I should try to tackle next.
I dug into my purse, "Here is my card, Sweetheart. Email me your ideas and I will give them to my staff in our next brainstorming session."
Her eyes practically bugged out of her head, "Thank you! You will hear from me soon." I watched her skip off to the parking lot where a car was waiting for her.
Two arms circled my shoulder. My roommates were giggling, but Olivia spoke up, "That had to be the cutest thing I have ever seen."
"Shut up," I growled as I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, come on," Di joined in, "She was adorable!"
We were laughing when I caught sight of a familiar face. A certain computer geek had entered the building herding about five kids towards the concessions. "Alright," I overheard the geeky-redhead say, "Lincoln troops round up."
"Look at that," Livi smiled. "Why can't there be more men like that in the world?"
I spoke up, "Isn't that Link?"
My friend sighed, "Why won't he just marry me, so I can stop pinning from afar." Di and I tried so hard not to laugh but just couldn't stifle it. I've never seen her react like this to any other man, not even her ever-changing arm candy.
"Why don't we go insert ourselves into the Lincoln Clan," I suggested pulling the two girls over to the rowdy group. Link was passing out tickets and ten-dollar bills to each of the siblings. He looked a little frazzled as I came to interrupt, "Hey, where's mine?"
"Grace? Olivia, Dinah, it is good to see you all." His shock was totally worth it. "Um, what are you doing here?"
"What? Are we not allowed to enjoy a movie?" I winked. "Hello all," I knelt down in front of the youngest Lincoln. She gave me a quizzical glare that she graciously shared with my lovely companions.
"Who are you?" she scowled.
"Mary," Link snapped, "Manners."
"Hello, Mary," I grinned. "I am Grace, a dear friend, and co-worker of your brother's."
"Are you the one that is always breaking your computer," one of the teenagers asked?
My eyebrow shot up in question with a quick glimpse at the crimson red Marshall Lincoln. "Melany," he growled.
"Yes, yes I am. Allow me to introduce my companions." I stood and motioned to Dinah first. "This is my favorite fashion designer, Dinah Deerrich, but you can call her DD." Link laughed at the joke, Di hated being called DD. Link's eyes traveled to Olivia who waited patiently for her introduction. I did see a small spark of interest as his eyes subtly took in her "girl's night out" outfit. "This lady is one of the prettiest ladies I know, Olivia Hallindale."
I knelt down by Mary once again, "Can you introduce me to your family?"
The seven-year-old stood a little taller and turned to face the Lincoln Clan. "This is my brother Mark; he likes to run. My sister Martha is the best baker. Michael likes to read and color, and Melany is the best singer I know." She turned back to me with a big smile.
"You forgot someone," I pointed out.
Her face fell for a second before realizing that she had left out Link. She quickly corrected herself, "This is the most biggest nerd, Marshall."
"The most handsomest nerd," I heard Olivia whisper.
"Thank you, Mary. You are a fantastic hype woman." I told her.
"What is that?"
"What movie are you here to see," Link interrupted.
"We are celebrating my safe return from the Milan Fashion Show," Dinah explained. "We wanted to see the new Disney movie."
One of the older voices dripped with excitement and said, "We are too!" Link took over for a minute and sent them to get snacks.
"Marshall Lincoln, you have quite the family," Olivia finally spoke up. She and Link seemed shy of each other and a little awkward. It felt like this was the first time that Link actually noticed Olivia.
"Well, um, would you lovely ladies like to join me and my crazy siblings?"
Olivia accepted before he had a chance to finish the question. "We'd love to. It looks like you could use all the help you could get."
"Okay well, I'm just gonna head in to find us an empty row."
"Livi, Di," I suggested, "why don't you go with him and I'll get us snacks."
I saw Olivia's eyes light up. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. I doubt it'll be hard to miss five lively kids."
"And I want a medium popcorn," Dinah called out.
"Don't you dare forget my Swedish Fish!" Olivia demanded.
"Gross," I cringed. "Save me a seat next to Mary."
I walked away leaving her comment in the dust. The line at the counter looked a lot shorter than it felt. I stood behind a pair of indecisive, moonstruck teens that sounded like they were going to buy one of everything. I took advantage of the delay by observing the mostly dead lobby. Hmm... strangely quiet for a Friday night. My eyes caught sight of a group of men laughing about something. Something about them intrigued me, so I studied them a little longer. A pair of brown eyes locked on mine; I don't know how but I recognized him immediately.
Mr. Cheesecake...
I quickly turned back to the counter and tried to focus on the two lovebirds. What is he doing here? I wonder if he is seeing... No, Grace, don't be ridiculous! Just get your goodies and get out of here! Those two kids finally finished but before I could address the cashier, I heard a low voice behind me.
"I'm pretty sure they don't sell cheesecake here." The playfulness in his voice made me smile as I turned to the man. My breath caught in my throat as I took in his olive-green button-up and cowboy-cut jeans. He still smelled like Irish Spring but there was a hint of cinnamon. His low tones washed over me, "You look incredible, Miss Lemonade?"
"Thank you, Mr. Cheesecake. What brings you here this fine evening?"
"Grace? It is you," One of his companions exclaimed.
"Cole," I chuckled, "always nice to see you." This billionaire wore a gray t-shirt with black slacks. He had a brilliant grin spread across his face. He pulled me in for a quick hug. "Funny we were just talking about you."
"Oh?"
"Can I help you, Ma'am," asked the teenager behind the counter.
"Yes, I'd like one medium popcorn and a Barq's, a box of Swedish Fish. Also, a small popcorn, extra butter, and a small coke." I could feel the eyes of Mr. Cheesecake appraising me as I searched my pockets for my wallet. "Oh snap..."
"What is it, Grace," I heard Henry ask.
"My stupid roommates dragged me out of the house before I could grab my wallet. I thought it was in my pocket, but it's just my phone!" Without prompting the man produced some cash. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like? I'm saving a lady in need." The kid behind the counter smiled once she took the money from him.
"That really wasn't necessary. I could've gotten Olivia's wallet or even Dinah's. After all, it is their fault I don't have mine."
"Olivia and Dinah are your roommates?"
"Yeah. We are celebrating Di's safe return from Milan. Anything to get out of another blind date."
"Blind dates? Is that what you were doing when I found you stood up?"
"There you guys are," another man joined in. This man had a thick Irish accent that took me by surprise. He wore a gray button-up with the sleeves rolled up. His arms displayed that they were familiar with a gym and also a tattoo parlor. His jeans fit nicely and the product in his hair kept the left part firmly in place. My presence must have surprised him, "'ello, and you are?"
"Scott," Henry stood proudly, "this is Miss Grace 'Lemonade' McAllister."
"Miss Lemonade?!?" Before I could blink I was wrapped in a muscular bear hug. "I have heard a lot about you."
"Oh?"
"Your order, Miss," the cashier called out. Henry and I both turned to pick up the order.
"Thank you," I smiled. Turning back to my hero, "You've been talking about me?"
"Hard not to, we have been working closely together. You haven't been talking about me?" His inquisitiveness unnerved me a little.
I bit back my smile, "I might have." I reached for the rest of the order but he pulled it away.
"Hey... why are you running away so soon?" He teased.
"I have a movie to catch, sir."
"I like this one, Folsom," Scott chuckled. "What movie are you here to see, love?"
"We are here for the new Disney film," I replied sweetly.
"Should've guessed that you would be a Disney princess," Cole exclaimed.
"What is taking you so long, Princess," I heard Dinah call out to me. I barely caught the expression of irritation, before it switched to curiosity instead.
"Gentlemen, this is one of my roommates, Dinah Deerrich." I gestured. "Di, this is –"
"Mr. Cheesecake," she finished. "I recognized that dorky smile on your face." If I could've discretely kicked her, her ankle would be sporting a lovely red line across it for the rest of the evening.
I continued with the introductions, "This is Cole Woodworth, Vice President of Woodworth Gaming company." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her head move ever so slightly as she appraised the man.
"You have some very classic features," She thought out loud.
"Thank you?" Cole wasn't sure what to do with the compliment.
"Your tailor must love working with you," she emphasized.
"Um… I am sure he would if I had a tailor," Cole joked.
"What?" Di exclaimed.
"Di, this is Scott… I'm sorry I didn't catch your last name," I turned to the Irishman.
"McBride," he informed. "Scott McBride, the Music Supervisor for Woodworth Gaming company."
"That is so cool," I grinned.
"I like it."
"Gentlemen," I announced. "It has been a pleasure, but I really don't want to miss my movie. I hope you have a wonderful evening." The other men murmured their goodbyes as Henry handed the rest of our goodies to Dinah. He grabbed my arm just before we turned away.
"Grace…" he began.
"Yes, Henry?"
"…It was wonderful to see you," he finally said.
"Same to you," I blushed. "Goodnight… Mr. Cheesecake."
"Until next time, Miss Lemonade."
Di grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the boys. We were barely out of earshot when Di turned to me with a questioning look. "Is it just me or was Cole handsome?"
"He is handsome, but to be honest I was a little distracted." We both giggled at that.
Thankfully we got in just as previews were starting. Olivia had saved seats between her and Mary. Her eyes met mine with a question that I really didn't want to answer, but I mouthed that I would tell her later. She thankfully let it go because the lights dimmed and the trailers began.
Three hours later we were back at the house, curled up on the couch retelling the evening in our very different images. I smiled at how cute "The Princess" and "The Geek" would really be. After an hour or two of giggling and imagining, I excused myself and went to the room. Every step I took walking away from my friends got me closer to my task.
Once behind my locked door, I peeled off my dress. It spent a year hiding in the back of the closet, collecting dust to cover the hurt and disgust the dress now represented. Pulling it off felt like shedding scales… so gross but very satisfying.
The dress lay on my bed, the perfectly innocent material mocks me with memories of my own naivety. I sighed and reminded myself that God got me out of a potentially awful situation. That final thought drove me to action. I picked up my scissors and began cutting up the dress. Every incision correlated to my prayer.
Dear Lord, thank you for protecting me from my own stupid choices. I promise to listen to you better and wait for your guidance. Thank you for your patience with me. If, for no other reason but to show us that good steady men do seem to exist, then God I'm glad you brought Marshall Lincoln into our lives.