Blurred Lines

Chapter 36 - Dress

February 26, 1993

Salem University Hospital

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Our secret moments in a crowded room

They got no idea about me and you

There's an indentation in the shape of you

Made your mark on me, a golden tattoo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

John had given Marlena an account with a credit card for use for personal items. She'd tried not to use it for unnecessary things, although initially she'd purchased some clothing that was more casual than her usual attire. Since then, she'd used it for the twins, and Carrie, household items and groceries, but as she stared at the dress on the rack in Nordstrom's her resolve was tested. She had evening dresses. She certainly didn't need a new one, but the one before her was appealing for several reasons. The first reason was purely aesthetic. It was beautiful. A deep, iridescent purple, with a ruched bodice, and a long flowing skirt - it was the perfect dress. The second reason, Marlena knew that it would look amazing on her. The color was perfect for her skin tone and her hair, and she had the perfect shade of lipstick to go with it. Then there was the third reason, the reason that kept her from purchasing it - her ulterior motive. Although she had agreed to attend the hospital benefit at the Salem Opera House with Mike Horton, Marlena was well aware that John would be attending with Isabella. She'd never considered herself a seductress, but if she was being honest with herself, she wanted John to be wowed. She wanted him to be at the benefit with Isabella on his arm, and she wanted him to want her - and that was the wrong reason to buy that dress.

Behind her, Marlena heard a sales woman say softly, "That dress is amazing isn't it? I've been eyeing it for days, but I have nowhere to go in it... unless you count Chuck E. Cheese."

Marlena laughed lightly, "I still have those days." Her fingers ran lightly over the fabric. The mere idea of John watching her across the room tonight was enough to tempt her, for all of the wrong reasons. "I'm not sure... but it is beautiful."

"If you need a dress, I think this is the one for you. You would absolutely glow in this," the woman whispered wistfully. "Every man in the room would have his eyes on you."

Marlena felt a warmth inside her. Every man in the room. She only wanted one man's eyes on her. Her decision was made, she said, "I'm going to buy it. I have an event– I'm going to wear it to a gala tonight."

"Are you trying to catch anyone's eye?" the woman asked her with a teasing glint in her eye, while lifting the dress from the rack.

"Perhaps," Marlena told her, following her to the register. As she pulled the credit card out of her handbag, she decided she needed to get her hair done too.

She finished her transaction, and she, carrying her garment bag, walked out of the store lost to a memory of her conversation with Mike the day before.

"I don't want to accept your invitation, and give you false hope, Mike. This can't go anywhere beyond friendship. I still have very strong feelings for John, and although I tried... it's simply not working," she said quietly. "It's unfair to you."

Mike stood in her doorway, staring down at her with sad eyes, "I understand. I know the last few years have been hard for you." He waited a beat, and then said with his characteristic grin, "But... you can still come as my friend. There's nothing wrong with a night on the town is there?"