I was adopting a “wait and see” attitude. I’d talked to Lucah about it, but he just got mad whenever I brought it up, so I made a note to not do that very often. Eventually we were going to have to deal with it, but for right now, things were still in the beginning stages. Yup, wait and see . . .
On Friday at work, Lucah texted me to come out to the elevators. I quickly messaged him back, asking what was going on, but he didn’t answer. I called him, but there was no answer. So I locked my computer, got up and went out, where I found Mrs. Andrews beaming at me from her desk, and Lucah standing and looking very pleased with himself.
He had the suit on that he’d worn when he’d first come in for an interview, complete with his diamond stud earring.
“Well, Mr. Blythe, you look very dapper. What are you doing here?” He’d obviously been waiting for me to say that.
“I work here, Miss Clarke.”
My mouth dropped open.
“You’re kidding.” His smile got even wider and Mrs. Andrews laughed.
“You’re looking at the newest member of the research and development team. Which means I am part of the Clarke Enterprises family, but not in your department. In case you were wondering if that would be a problem with us moving in together.” I really wanted to throw my arms around him and squeal in delight, but there was no way I would do that in the office where everyone could see. So I just stood there and said, “That’s wonderful, Mr. Blythe. I can’t imagine how you swung that, but I’m happy that you are employed.”
“I had a recommendation from the president, so I think I was a shoo-in.” My mouth dropped open again.
“Dad?”
“He did. And now that I’m a member of the company, that automatically gives me an invitation to the ball. I just don’t know who should go with me.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I can’t think of anyone who would want to go to a Ball with you. Let me check—“ I was silenced by Lucah closing the space between us and lifting me off my feet.
“You. I’m going with you and I’m not taking no for an answer, Miss Clarke.”
I sighed dramatically.
“Well, then I guess I have no choice but to go with you, Mr. Blythe.” And I kissed him right there in front of the elevator. I was sure there were people who saw us, but I finally stopped caring. If I wanted to kiss my boyfriend, I was going to kiss my boyfriend.
“You got that right, Sunshine,” he said, setting me down. “Come on, I’m taking you for coffee.” The tone of his voice told me that he wasn’t talking about the kind you made and put in a mug.
“Coffee sounds perfect.”
Epilogue
I stood at the top of the stairs in my unbelievable black gown and it was a bit like a dream. I looked down, but everyone was busy with their own conversations. So much for everyone being in awe of my beauty.
But there was one face that was staring right at me, and looking completely captivated.
I inhaled quickly as I saw that he was wearing a white tux complete with white shirt and a pale silver tie. I’d never used the word breathtaking to describe a man, but he was. I ascended the stairs and saw the three other people who were happy to see me. Sloane, in her black and white flowered dress, who was already attracting attention from some of the married and unmarried men. Marisol, stunning in a black dress that was gathered on one side and cut to reveal a white underskirt with Fin in a black tux by her side, looking at her as if she’d hung the moon. Chloe, who had a mod creation with a white panel down the front and black panels on the sides. They looked awesome and I waved as I started walking.
I glanced around and found my parents and they were beaming at me, and Mom made a motion to tell me to stand up straighter. No matter how old I was, she’d always treat me like her little girl. Dad tipped his glass in my direction and I gave him a thumbs-up. That wasn’t exactly ladylike, but I wasn’t going to put on a front just because I was here.
I walked until I was standing in front of Lucah and dipped slowly into a curtsy as he gave me a deep bow.
“May I have this dance, Miss Clarke?”
“You may, Mr. Blythe.” He took my hand and led me to the black and white checkered dance floor as the quartet started playing a waltz that sounded an awful lot like the song “Clarity”. His hand went to my waist, the other stayed in my hand and then, with a nod, we danced.
“You look ravishing, Sunshine,” he said in my ear.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” I looked at his face and he gave me a wink before sticking out his tongue to show me that he had the silver barbell in.
Some things never changed.
Surrendering
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