The Dress

Chapter 17  The dress….

Nine thirty am there is a loud knock at the door. Still in bed, I slowly lift my head to listen; who in hell could that be so early in the day. I slide my legs over the edge of the bed I get up at a snail’s pace. “Coming.” I wine. Grabbing my robe I move to see who it is knocking, could it be Jack?  Pulling the door open I come face to face with a tall man dressed in brown shorts and short sleeved shirt, holding a manifold. UPS is embroidered on his left side of his shirt.

        “I have a package for,” he glances down at the rectangular box, “Miss E. Whyte.”

        “That’s me!” I squeal. “I’ll take it.”

        “I just need your signature here,” he spins the manifold to face me, hands me a pen and point to the x. I sign and he balances the box on his knee, tears the pink slip off the manifold and hands me the box with the slip on top. “Enjoy your day madam.”

        “Oooo, it’s heavy, thank you.” I kick the door shut with my foot. Holding on with both hands I carry the cumbersome mystery into the living room. I’m so excited. Placing it on the floor, my fingers peel off the tape on the ends.  Digging under the edge of the lid I lift it up in one swift move.

        “Oh my God,” I cry, “it’s beautiful.”  Placing my right hand in the box, I run my fingers over the cool silk Vera Wang dress made of steel blue taffeta. It has to be from Jack, who else would do this.  Steven enters the room first.

“What the fuck is this about?” he questions.

 “I don’t know. It just came.” Tucked in the side of the box is an envelope. Nervously, I pull it out of the box lift it to my nose with both hands and I breath in,” it smells like Jack. ” Breaking the seal, I pull out the note. Not thinking I read it out loud.

Libbie,

 I’m thrilled about Saturday. This dress is my gift to you for agreeing to be my date. I hope you like the color it reminded me of your captivating eyes, I know you’ll look gorgeous in it. I took the liberty of making you an appointment at Whet, (my favorite name for a salon) for anything your heart desires: nails, facial, hair. I want this night to be as special for you as it is for me, baby. I’ll pick you up at 5:30pm. If there is anything you need please don’t hesitate to call.

                                                Jack.

PS, If the shoes don’t fit call and let me know, they are an unmitigated condition.

“Shoes!? There are shoes!? Wow, who is this man? Someone pinch me!” I shout. I torpidly (without haste} lift the dress out of its confined space, holding my breath as I do. Lifting up the sleeveless gown by the shoulder edge, I’m awestruck. Why has this man given me this dress, I don’t deserve this? It’s a simple A-line dress with a plunging v neck line, and a silver sash tied in a big bow at the waist. Jack this is too much! I pull it against my body, holding one hand against my waist for quick measure. I finally let out my breath. “I think I’m going to cry,” I whisper.

“What does he mean unmitigated condition?” he asks with a side smirk on his face. Running my hand down the length of the dress, touching the cool smooth taffeta I feel enchanted, “I’m not sure but, it sounds enterprising,” with playfulness in my voice I smile.   “Does this guy think you’re his Barbie or Skipper? Libbie, it does match your eyes perfectly. Try it on for heaven sake.”  I grab the glistening silver stilettos out of the box and head to my room at a lepoard’s pace. Sliding my robe off my shoulders I let it drop to the floor and lift my t-shirt over my head, tossing it in the hamper, I turn my attention to the dress. Unzipping the back I hold it down low and slide my feet into it, one leg at a time. I chuckle. You’re more than a one leg at a time Jack. Pulling it over my thighs, and then pushing my hands through the sleeves I inch it up over my body, careful not to damage anything. It looks so expensive. “It feels great! I need help with doing up the zipper.” yelling. I wiggle my way into the first shoe and feel triumph when it fits perfectly. Yippee!  Standing up 4 inches taller I manage the second shoe. They are hot I’ll give you that Jack. “He has incredible taste,” I squeal. The shoes are white silver leather. The ¼ inch wide straps that cross my foot in front 4 times are encrusted with tiny crystals that dot all the way along the straps, leaving me exposed but, still feel comfortable. They are sexy as fuck! I only hope I don’t fall on my face. “Ok here I come,” I warn. I walk in and immediately turn my back to Steve so he can do up my back. “Shit Sissy you clean up nice!” he’s sniffles as he zips me; “You’re gorgeous!” “Hey, are you getting emotional on me?” I tease. Christian comes into the room drying his hair with a towel, after his shower, “Wow, what’s with the dress?   Is this the new breakfast attire?”  Sarcasm in his words. “The dress is   from Jack,”  I  answer  a little embarrassed.  “What? He bought you a dress? That’s kind of a strange gift isn’t it?”

I hear worry in his thoughts.  “I love it, I feel like Cinderella.” It’s for the big shin dig, he knows how to makes a girl feel special.”

“Don’t get me wrong we love the guy but, are you sure he knows you’re not his Barbie Doll?” he asks.

“That’s whay I said!”

“I’ve never bought clothes for Steven.” Chris sounds concerned. I hear  the phone ring.

 “Cindy, I mean Susie, Jack’s on the phone,” covering the mouth piece, Steven holds the phone up for me. I giggle.

“Hello, Jack?” I’m a little coy.

        “Hello yourself, did you get my package?” he sounds happy. I giggle a little.

        “Yes, it just arrived, it’s a little extravagant but, I love it, beautiful color. Thank you.”

        “Do the shoes fit?” he asks with excitement in his voice.

        “Yes, they are very sexy .”

        “ They are aren’t they baby?” his voice changes, more husky. “I know exactly what I like and you in those shoes does it for me. Don’t wear too much under the dress. Anticipation Babe, I want you dripping with it.  I’ll be there Saturday around 5:30pm. I’ll let you go, until later, princess,” His voice is hushed and he hangs up. Shit, I don’t know that I can wait that long,  I’m already dripping with anticipation.  Fuck.