"And hey," she elbowed me. "Why not splash some hard earned cash on your 'day to remember'? You can't take it with you, you know."
Regina and I split our finances amicably where neither of us were hurting for cash. It did provide an element of freedom and yes, she was right. We might as well enjoy it.
"Great idea, Gina. Thanks." I kissed the top of her head as I squeezed her in a half hug.
I was suddenly energized, and my mind was spinning. I had some calls to make and some favors to pull in.
Chapter 23
Arya
Tristanwasverycryptic,but told me to dress comfortably and be ready after lunch to spend the day with him. Just in case, I took a tote bag with a summer dress and extra sandals. I was hoping, after all, to enjoy a nice dinner with him that night.
When he picked me up, he looked like the cat that got the cream, and although he was trying to play it cool, I could tell he was almost vibrating with excitement. Clearly, he had something up his sleeve.
I wore my hair in a ponytail to get it off my neck, a cropped tank top, and some flirty floral shorts. It was going to be a hot day and with my body in factory mode, I felt like I was running a little hot these days. It was still strange that I hadn't told him yet, but I hoped to find an opportunity today.
We were in his SUV, heading out of town.
"Hey, so where are we going?" I asked.
"You'll see," he said. He was going to enjoy keeping me in suspense.
About thirty minutes later, in the middle of nowhere, he pulled off the pavement onto a dirt road and drove towards a clump of trees a few minutes off the main road. It was a little bumpy, and I was stumped as to what we were doing. Going for a picnic? Tristan kept his eyes on the road and a smirk on his face.
He drove past the clump of trees and then went in behind so that we were hidden from any traffic on the main road. As we turned to a large area surrounded by trees, a fancy-looking trailer was standing there with a couple of luxury vehicles parked alongside.
"What…?" I was mystified at what this could be.
Still without saying a word, Tristan pulled up to the trailer, stopped the car, and got out. He opened my car door, offered his hand, and led me toward the trailer. He knocked on the trailer door. A very energetic and flamboyant man swung the door wide open.
"Tristan!" We climbed the metal stairs into the trailer. He extended his hand, and they did a shoulder hug.
"Alphonse, this is Arya. She needs a dress for tonight. And please, provide whatever she wants." Tristan tipped his imaginary hat, kissed me on the cheek, winked, and said, "I'll see you soon. You're in good hands."
Tristan nodded at Alphonse, who passed him a clothing bag. "Sir. Everything as you have asked."
"Many thanks."
I think my mouth was still open when he quietly closed the trailer door.
"Welcome, Miss Arya. Your wish is my command. Come, come. In this corner, I have brought a selection of gowns and shoes, but with your hair colour and skin tone, I think I already have the perfect dress for you. Following dress selection, we have full salon services to do your hair and makeup. Christie and Sylvia will be your hair and makeup artists today. Finally, your jewellery. A selection of diamonds awaits to make your evening special. You are welcome to choose whatever you'd like, as per Tristan's requests. Please, undress, and put on this robe and we will begin with your spa treatment of a manicure, pedicure, facial and shoulder massage. Fresh fruit? Chocolate dipped strawberries? Pain au chocolat? Champagne? Orange juice?"
I needed to sit down.
Tristan
So far, so good. Just the look on Arya's face when I left her with Alphonse was enough to call the day a success for me. The feeling of spoiling someone I loved – yes, LOVED, was overwhelming. Overwhelmingly good.
I knew she was going to be a few hours; Alphonse would text me when they were in the makeup and jewellery selection stage. I went back to Bardstown to make the final arrangements.
Regina had taken Shiloh to my parents' pool for the afternoon, and Gram and Pop were having an afternoon nap. Shelby was taking care of their meals, and everything seemed in order.
I was relaxing in the porch with a cool drink when I got the call. Time to kick into action. I went to my room for a cool shower. Afterwards, I opened the clothing bag I had gotten my personal assistant to pack for me. Shoes, tux, cufflinks, signet ring, favorite watch. Looking at the reflection in the mirror, I looked happy. Truly happy. It's been a long time coming.
You got this, T.
I pulled up to the trailer as before. The excitement within me was growing. I couldn't wait to see Arya again.