Chapter 11

Marissa's Pov

“No freaking way.” I exclaimed as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

" No freaking way meaning I look absolutely drop dead gorgeous thank you so much Bridget for picking out this amazing outfit I am now forever indebted to you?” Bridget huffed with her arm folded across her chest.

" What? No freaking way meaning no freaking way am I wearing this!” I turned to the right to look at the side view. " Oh my God, Bree this looks…. scandalous!"

“She said, knowing nothing about fashion." Bridget scoffed and I caught her rolling her eyes in the mirror.

I turned to face the mirror fully again and could not stop the tightly wound ball of horror forming in my stomach.

The dress was hot. Too hot. Emerald green satin that fell to halfway above my knees, which was way too short for me. That was only one of my concerns. The top of the dress was another. A sweetheart neckline and absolutely no sleeves. Exposing way too much skin.

The top half of the dress was showered in glittery rhinestones and flower embroidery but in a very understated way so it didn't come off as gaudy and the waistline was so slim I could barely breathe properly.

It wasn't just the dress that was concerning, it was the fact that I looked hot in it. It suited me way too perfectly. I looked…. seductive.

“If you're done oogling yourself in the mirror, it's time to accessorize." She whipped out the shoes the dress came with.

“I don't think I can wear this Bree." I whined.

“Because you don't like it? Or because you feel sexy in it you prude?" She was taking no prisoners today.

I threw my hands in the air, “Either? Both? It's just too much. It's an office party for crying out loud."

“Yeah. And Jack's gonna be there." She winked at me and handed me the shoes.

Silver strappy sandal heels with a flower shaped buckle. I sighed as I accepted it and sat down to put it on, “So, about Jack ……” I began.

" Yeah? Amazing guy isn't he? And rich too. Oh he's going to be so gobsmacked when he sees you.“ She gushed. “Hurry up. We've still got makeup to do."

I decided to leave my doubts about Jack for later. Who knows, my feelings towards him might change after the party was over.

Bridget had also found the perfect silver jewelries to match the shoes and knowing how uncomfortable I would be, she'd gotten a shawl. I had no idea when she did the shopping, and I was grateful for it.

If she hadn't brought these I would've worn any old dress from my closet. She took charge of hair as makeup as well. I was perfectly capable of doing my own makeup but she insisted on doing it so I let her.

She'd paid less attention to her own outfit. But that made no difference. With her thick red hair, golden brown eyes, long legs and perfect hourglass figure, anything she wore looked great.

She kept telling me I had almost the same features and I could pull off anything but I just didn't have the same confidence she did.

With hair and makeup almost finished, Elias called to say he'd be at the house in twenty minutes.

He'd been over earlier to take the kids over to Mrs Quincey's for the night before Bridget and I dressed up.

“Okay! Final look!" Bridget squealed as she stood beside me in the mirror. “Breathtaking aren't we?!"

She was right. I couldn't recognize the people staring back at us. Bridget had done something to my hair and the right side fell in perfect curls down to my shoulders while the top half of the left side was held back from my face with a beautiful flower hair pin that matched my jewelry.

Gold eyeshadow and brown eyeliner made my hazel green eyes pop and she'd gone for a soft pink lipstick for me,as opposed to her bright red one. Our outfits also complimented each other and I was certain she'd done that on purpose. It was almost the same dress but hers was a lush ivory with a pleated bottom half. Every other thing was more or less the same.

“You've outdone yourself Bree," I said, laughing in spite of myself. “Thank you. I love it." I couldn't keep denying that I did like this image of me in the mirror.

She raised her chin smugly, “Ha! I knew it! You're very welcome. And you're still forever indebted to me." She made a final few touches to her straightened red hair as a car horn outside signaled Elias's arrival.

“We're running late. Come on." I pulled her away from the mirror and we made our way outside.

Elias stood leaning against the car but he stood up fully the second he saw me. I watched his eyes widen. Watched his shoulders straighten and his mouth hang slightly open.

All of a sudden, I felt over dressed. I was pretty sure Elias hadn't looked at me this way before.

“Told you you'd turn heads. Behold,Exhibit A.” Bree joked in a whisper as we got closer to him.

" Rissa.” He said, his voice coming out strained, he had to cough to clear his throat, " You look amazing.”

" Thank you. You don't look bad yourself.” I replied, my cheeks feeling hot. And I meant it. He was looking sharp and charming in his brown suit the colour of heavily creamed coffee. He wasn't wearing a tie and left the first few buttons of his white dress shirt open, giving a casual vibe.

" Your doing, I take it?” Elias said, turning to Bree, "And you look absolutely gorgeous as always Bridget.”

" Yes and Thank you.” She offered her hand for a kiss and Elias gave it willingly. “Doesn't she look like a dream?" She turned to me with a smile, her eyes shining with pride.

“Absolutely divine." He replied with his eyes fixed on mine. His voice came out strained again and almost…breathless.

" We're running a little late.” Bridget said as she opened the door and got in the back passenger seat.

Elias blinked, the spell broken. He smiled at me as he opened the front passenger side door, " shall we?”