Iron and Magic

CHAPTER SEVEN

Page count: 8

"Hey, Roomie!" Tony's voice carried. "Where are you?"

"Bedroom!" She called back, rolling her eyes to herself.

She stood in her walk-in wardrobe, shifting on her feet nervously and biting at her lip. She stood before the large mirror, scrutinizing her appearance and wondering if she had enough time to change into something else.

Her hair was drawn into an elegant knot at the nape of her neck, showcasing her neck and shoulders whilst one or two curls framed her face. Her makeup was kept minimal, just a dash of mascara and red-stained lips. Her cocktail dress was plain and simple; black fabric that sat off her shoulders and tight sleeves that fell down to her wrists, whilst the hemline fell an inch above the knee, the fabric conforming to her body shape and highlighting her pale complexion. Silver strappy heels sat on her feet, matching the clutch purse and bejewelled belt that fasted around her middle.

It was simple but classy. Perfect for the occasion. But maybe she should try something else before she made up her mind?

"Ah, there you are, what d'you want for dinner...?"

Tony trailed off as he stepped into the doorway and she took a breath before turning to face him, steeling herself for his reaction. He stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his arms down by his sides, his mouth parted slightly and his eyes were a fraction wider than usual as they slowly took in her attire from head to toe.

"Well? What do you think?" She asked nervously, gesturing to herself with her clutch purse grasped in her hand.

"I... Er..."

Her stomach plummeted. She looked awful.

"I knew I should've gone with the blue," she grumbled. "I look ridiculous, don't I?"

"Wait! What?" Tony blinked slowly, his eyes lifting to catch hers, the hazy fog seeming to clear from his mind as he gave his head a subtle shake. "No, you look beautiful."

"Really?" She checked, ducking her head shyly.

"Stunning," he confirmed confidently, folding his arms over his chest and propping his shoulder against the door frame. "I've never seen you in anything but jeans and a lab coat, you clean up nice," he remarked. "What's the occasion?"

"I have a date," she confessed.

"A date?" He tried for casual as he arched an eyebrow, but she saw the slight narrowing of the eyes and pursing of the lips.

"Yes, and I have to admit, I'm a little nervous." She shuffled her feet and her teeth once more caught the corner of her lip. "It's been a while since I last went on a date."

"How long?"

"About a year."

"That's one hell of a dry spell," he commented.

"I'm always busy with work," she shrugged. "It was an accident, actually. I took a walk this morning and literally bumped into someone. He knocked my tea all over me and ruined my shirt. He offered to buy me another one and before I knew it, he'd asked me to dinner tonight."

"Fab," he offered lightly, looking lost in thought as his eyes fell to the floor. "Where's he taking you?"

"I'm not sure, he said it was a surprise."

He lifted his gaze, looking concerned. "So, he's picking you up?"

"Yes," Hermione nodded. "I said I'd meet him at Emma's and we'd go from there. I'm due to meet him in twenty minutes."