Grit To Grace

Nine

They spent the morning out on the trails. Will was content to walk with her, especially since she didn't often accompany him. It was kind of sweet.  Where normally he'd have jogged, she sometimes had trouble keeping her footing, especially on steeper slopes. He was always quick to offer a hand to help her, and kept the pace slow enough that she wouldn't end up hurting herself. Despite being utterly out of her element, she was doing her best for him.

After a couple of hours, they'd looped around and returned to the house. Each went their separate ways, she'd said something about getting ready and Will didn't have a reason to question her. He had a lot on his mind, anyway.

Last night's dream had been eating at the back of his mind relentlessly. It had him in an odd mood, he seemed distant. Even with Fallyn. He'd assured her that he was just thinking, but she hadn't bought it. She never argued with him, but the frown on her face when she'd turned away had been enough. He was at least grateful she hadn't pressed. He hadn't yet sorted through his own thoughts, sharing them would've made things more confusing than they were. So, he set himself to sketching while Fallyn got ready.

Fallyn showered, shaved and started on her hair. Her normal fiery curls were flattened and draped down her back in a straight curtain. She did her make up, using mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow to make the gold flecks in her eyes stand out more. Then she put on her dress.

It was dark green, strapless and backless. It hugged her body like a second skin. After some jewelry, perfume and a pair of gold heels she headed down the stairs with her purse.

"Well? How do I look?" she asked Will when she spotted him on the couch. Will looked up from his sketch, his eyes wide as his breath hitched in his throat. She looked amazing. He opened his mouth to say it, but the words were stuck in his throat. His cheeks started to burn, as they so often did around her.

"You... You look great, Fallyn," he finally managed. Fallyn saw the look in his eyes. She knew she looked better than great to him. She flashed him a bright smile and gave a small spin.

"Thank you!"

He gave a slight shake of his head, a warm smile on his lips. "Stay safe, okay? And have fun tonight. I'll see you when you get back."

"I'll certainly try. Call me if you need anything!" A car horn honked and Fallyn called a quick goodbye before heading out to her Uber.

The club was alive that night. Music thumped from the speakers overhead and lights flashed in an array of colors. Fallyn grinned as Aveline tugged her over to a table near the bar.

"I got us lemon drop shots!" Aveline chirped as she handed one to each of the girls. There were five of them, two of which Fallyn hadn't met. "Oh, Fal. These are Emmy and Taylor." Aveline introduced, motioning to the two strangers.

Emmy was a tiny, beautiful thing with steel colored eyes and the brightest red hair Fallyn had ever seen. She was sure not even a bottle could produce it. Emmy smiled softly and gave a tiny wave. Taylor was tall and willowy with straight, dark hair and warm honey eyes. 

When the shots were gone Aveline pulled Fallyn to the dance floor, determined to show her best friend a good time. The women danced together, laughing and moving to the music. After a few songs they settled down at the table again when a waiter brought a round of drinks.

"We didn't order these." Fallyn told him, looking down at the glass.

"It's from a gentleman," he insisted before walking away.

The girls exchanged a look, but were too tipsy to care. Fallyn thought hers tasted off, but ignored the alarm bells in her mind.

"Bathroom time. I'll be back!" She got up from the table as she made her announcement to the group. Then she headed for the bathroom.Fallyn never made it there.