The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

17 - Dance

Eleanor's apartment was on the first floor of a two-story. The building looked old, but inside Eleanor had fixed it up nice, a lot nicer than the shabby home Ivy grew up in. When she entered, she felt the cool air even on the hot July day.

Ivy packed her car with clothes and a few other belongings. Her mother wasn't the type to redo her room into a guest room or a craft room so she left unnecessary things behind. Her father remarked she would be back. Ivy didn't dispute it, but hoped her next stop was her own apartment.

The designer dress she regretted choosing sat on top of her bargain rack clothing. Blame it on Dani's remark about showing Baxter what he was missing out on. His words warmed her. He hadn't forgotten.

It turned out that Eleanor watched a lot of TikTok and knew how to apply makeup. "See. Just like I promised. Understated, yet beautiful. Feel free to bring a man back." She winked.

"I think you should cheer up Brad."

Eleanor laughed and shook her head. After Ivy put on her dress, Eleanor was speechless for what could be the first time in her life.

"I'm nervous everyone will know I'm an imposter."

"You are a friend of Tate's and you deserve to be there. Your dress will make some wives angry at their husbands."

Ivy didn't laugh. She would settle for one angry girlfriend. The bell rang and when Ivy stepped onto the sidewalk she hadn't expected a young man. Her imagination had conjured up an old chauffeur.

"Good evening, Ms. Krasinski." She slipped into the backseat as he held the door.

Once he was in the driver's seat, she said, "This isn't a pumpkin."

He laughed. "Do you have a glass slipper?"

"No." She laughed. "Good thing or you would turn into a mouse."

"How about I just get you home safely whenever you are ready to go home?"

"Now," she murmured.

He chuckled. "I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable evening."

When the car pulled up in front of a large building, she stared at it. "It's as big as an apartment building."

He chuckled and hurried around to her door. "It was a pleasure driving you, Cinderella. You can stay out past midnight."

Ivy felt like Cinderella as the door opened and an older man greeted her. "You must be Ms. Krasinski. Miss. Tate is in the garden. Straight through there." He pointed to the right of the great hall. When she stepped outside, she imagined The Great Gatsby. Gowns and tuxedos on the large lush green lawn. Ivy scanned the crowd but didn't see Tate. She zeroed in on Baxter's back with Priscilla's hand draped on his shoulder. She stepped out and took a flute off a tray at the same time as Doyle.

"Do you know where Tate is?"

She studied her for a moment and smiled. "Her school friend. She's over there."

"It's Ivy. I love your dress."

Doyle's dress was a silver gown with long sleeves. She smiled. "I'm making a statement. I was supposed to wear it at the wedding."

Ivy gasped and giggled. "What did Tate say?"

"Nothing." She nodded at Ivy. "You made an excellent choice. Let's go say hello to my sister."

Doyle looped her arm around Ivy's and walked her across the lawn. Tate stood talking to the girls she remembered for Colorado, including the rude one. She smiled when she saw her. "Ivy! You look amazing."