Tilting her head in confusion, she let that one go. Thank God.
I reached for the dress and slipped it over my head carefully. The way it felt against my skin was heavenly. I’d always loved dressing up, I just never had a reason to. Sophie helped me zip up the small zipper on the side. I slipped on the heels I bought on the same shopping trip that I bought the garter and twirled around for my curious little friend.
Sophie stood there with a huge smile on her face. “Do you like it, Sophie?”
She nodded her head. “Oh yes! You really do look like a princess.” I reached down and took her hand, spinning her and causing her dress to spin outward. “So, do you in your beautiful pink dress.”
Sophie blushed and then started jumping around. “We’re ready!”
She took my hand and started pulling me toward the door. “Oh wait!” I called out. Walking over to the dresser, I picked up my favorite bottle of perfume and gave a quick spray.
“Me next!”
Bending down, I gave Sophie a quick spray. “Now we’re ready!” I said with excitement. As Sophie pulled me down the hallway, she glanced over her shoulder and declared, “Uncle Malcolm is going to fall in love with you tonight!”
My smile dropped as my chest tightened. I struggled to get air in as she continued to pull me outside. The moment the fresh air hit me in the face, I took in a deep breath. Too bad it was hot and humid and offered no relief.
Ugh. Texas in June.
I sucked back a breath of air as I took in all the people. “Who are all these people?”
Sophie took off running over to a friend. So much for my party buddy.
“That is the million dollar question. I’d bet half of them don’t even have a kid here.”
I turned to my right and saw a handsome blond standing there with a smile on his face.
With a polite smile, I reached my hand out. “Paislie Pruitt.”
“Jeremy Rice.”
“Um . . . how do you know Autumn?”
He laughed and shook his head. “I know Malcolm. Anytime there’s a party thrown by Malcolm, I’m there. We’re old high school friends.”
I nodded my head. “Oh, I see. So no little ones running around?”
His face fell in horror as he said, “Bite your tongue. I like sex too much to have kids right now.”
Oh wow. Damn he’s blunt.
A waitress walked by carrying a tray of wine. I quickly reached for a red and took a sip. I could feel Jeremy’s eyes on me, instantly making me become uncomfortable. Five months ago I would have been flirting with this guy and probably would have ended up leaving with him.
“So what about you? Kids?”
With a chortle, I shook my head. “No. I’m married to my career.”
He lifted his eyebrows as if I just gave him an invite back to my room. “You are for sure not from Waco; I’d remember such a beautiful woman.”
Ugh. Cheesy line.
“Dallas. I’m a physical therapist.”
“Oh. Are you helping Malcolm after his accident?”
I brought the wine glass up to my lips and nodded. I was ready for Jeremy to move on.
My eyes scanned around as I searched for Malcolm.