Wright In Danger

Chapter Eighteen

She was glad Beau had agreed to their date tonight. She would happily go on as many dates with him if they kept his mind off the ugly. She did wonder if they chief was going to have a talk with Ina and the way she's been going about putting her nose in others business. It was deserved if he decided he needed to. Thinking about her date with Beau, she decided she wanted something new. Something...fresh. Of course she couldn't make this a frequent thing every time her and Beau went out but it had been some time since the last time she had treated herself. 

"I take a gorgeous green eyed detective is the cause of the expression on your face," June said. Oops. She hadn't realized she'd been zoned out so long. "I won't deny it. He is. I was thinking I want to buy a new dress. I haven't treated myself in a long while. I want to." June's brows rose at this as she smiled. "No. You really haven't. You put so much of yourself into the running of the shop, you don't make the time. So. We're going to Lina's?" It was her turn to smile. "Of course. Where else?" 

They worked with renewed vigor. Locking up for the day, Loraine paused at seeing Jones. Was he still feeling guilty? "Jones. If you're worried that we're upset with you. I assure you we're not. Just let us know when you're going to be late. That's all we ask." Placing his hands in his pockets, his gaze fell to the ground. "Will do. I really do feel bad for not getting in touch. That was bad on my part. I won't let it happen again. You have my word." They shared a look before Loraine replied. "We believe you Jones. Have a nice evening."

With a brief wave, he ambled off. They quickly climbed into the car after that, excited to see Lina and browse her selection. She always managed to have the best styles in the most vibrant colors. Women that felt self conscious in a color had no need to be when Lina had a way of making them feel confident in all colors. Loraine called it her super power. She didn't have to wonder what color she was going to go for tonight. The dress would be green, along with any jewelry she decided to pair it with. 

They realized they were the only customers when they walked through the door. Lina popped out of her office. "Hey, ladies! This is a surprise. Do you need my help with anything?" Walking over to them, she clasped her hands in front of her. "I'm looking for a dress to wear tonight. Preferably green. I'd like some jewelry to go with as well. Hearing this she tapped at her lip. "Green, huh? For tonight. Would this have anything to do with a date with a particular detective?" She hadn't wanted to blush but she felt it creep into her cheeks. "Y-yes."

Lina beckoned her to follow as she asked how long they had been dating. "We only had our first date last night. It was really nice. After what happened to his house today, I didn't want him being alone. So tonight we're having Italian. "That sounds delicious. I'm surprised the most eligiable bachelor hasn't been talked about. I should have already heard about the two of you from Solei." This did surprise Loraine. The women of Clairview did enjoy talking about Beau and it wasn't uncommon to hear it when they stopped in to get their morning coffee. 

"I'm sure word will get around. It always does in this town. So. What do you have for me?" Taking her over to a rack, she had a great selection of summer dresses. She found the dress almost immediately. It was off the shoulders and bunched in a floral pattern. Holding it up against herself, Lina and June both gushed over it. This was the one. Lina snapped her fingers. "I know just the earrings that will pair with it." In a twirl of her skirt, she was gone. Loraine was fortunate how easy this had been. 

Once she came back, Loraine and June had to agree, the earrings paired perfectly. She was going to look stunning and couldn't wait to see the look on Beau's face when he laid eyes on her. "I wish I could be there to see his face. The guy is going to be too stunned to speak," Lina said. Laughing, Loraine hugged the dress to herself. "That's the plan." Checking out, Lina asked June to take a picture of her in the dress. She really did want to see her in it. Exchanging numbers, June said she would send the picture as soon as she was dressed. 

Back at her house, there was still a bit of time before Beau was set to arrive. Getting comfortable on the couch, they started a show on Netflix in the meantime. They weren't watching very long when Loraine's mind wandered. Was Beau even now still at the station? Or was he back at his house putting things to rights? Was it going to be a struggle for him to sleep tonight? Was she worrying too much? Readjusting her position, June glanced at her. "I swear I can hear your thoughts. Beau will be fine."

"I want to believe that. I do. It's just..." Sighing, June hit pause, giving her full attention. "You can't do this to yourself. Beau can look after himself. Not that I'm saying he doesn't appreciate you thinking about him. Only that your worry can't be the center of attention. It won't make for a good time for either of you." She was right. Loraine knew she was right. Dates were meant to be fun and take their minds away from the worry. "I do wonder why Solei hasn't been in touch. Of anyone, I figured she would be the one to spread the word about Beau and I."

"She could be busy with her family. Having both her kids in college, no doubt she still checks in on them when she's not talking everyone else's business in this town. Summer's going to be winding down here and they'll be getting ready for their next semesters. I'm sure she's already gearing herself up for that. Even if they don't want her help." Loraine wondered if her kids had been looking forward to the day they got out from under that roof. All the gossip their mother talked about. It had to have been draining to listen to.