Saudade

Chapter 6

                I heard a roar from all the way in the basement, causing me to jump a bit in front of the mirror. The football game had clearly just ended with a depressing come up. I shook my head and ran a finger under each of my eyes to remove any excess makeup. It was Saturday afternoon and I was just about ready to go out with Spencer. He would pick me up from the house, closely watched by some of Ed’s ‘people’ to ensure he wasn’t going to pull any nonsense, not that I thought he would.

                After perusing my wardrobe once more earlier in the week, Spencer took me shopping. She had more than enough money than she could ever need between writing two popular books and featuring on countless magazine covers, so she treated me to new clothes. When we were in high school together she had always given me her old clothes, and she insisted she was just keeping our tradition alive.

                I spent a long time in the shower, finally reading each bottle label. I had my hair curled again, my makeup simple, and nude heels on my feet. I felt incredible in a red sundress; braided straps sat on my shoulders and the tight waist accentuated my curves. I felt awesome as I turned from the mirror to grab my clutch and head into the elevator.

                I sunk into the basement where I knew I’d find Spencer, Ed, and a few of Ed’s buddies still in front of the television. I walked from the lift and into the room, finding Spencer sitting next to Ed with her legs in his lap. As I approached, she smiled widely at me.

                “Jeez, Ryann, you look sexy!” she said, standing to give me a good once over. “Dear God he’s a lucky bloke, don’t you think boys?” she asked the men around us, making my cheeks turn the color of my dress. I got even redder when all of the boys happily agreed.

                “I’m not sure what time I’ll be home, but you have his cell number and we’re going to be…watched…” I told her, and she nodded. “I’m sure we won’t be out late. I don’t even know what we’re doing, oh god Spencer what if I’m overdressed?!” I was overcome with a new wave of embarrassment, looking down at the beautiful dress.

                “Absolutely not, he’d be crazy to not take you somewhere worthy of that dress. If he doesn’t, you can come back home and sulk with all of us.” I looked around the room then and realized that our team had definitely lost; the men, slumped over with beers in hand, moaned about the disappointing game. Behind Spencer and slightly to the right was Harry, looking particularly grumpy as he leaned against a pool table; as if you could really be that upset over a sports team. “He’s a lucky guy!” Spencer reminded me another time, and I moved my eyes from the crabby Harry Styles back to my sister.

                Just then, the doorbell sounded. Spencer winked at me and sent me off towards the lift, but not before giving my butt a proper smack. I think she saw it as some sort of confidence boost.

                I opened the door, absolutely stunned to find Spencer looking gorgeous in dark jeans and a crisp, white button up shirt. He gave me a stunning smile, taking my hand in his to place a kiss against the skin.

                “You look absolutely ravishing,” he purred, keeping my hand in his as he walked me to his car. I giggled a bit as he helped me into the very expensive looking BMW. As he sat down in the driver’s side, I offered a smile to him.

                “I could say the same about you; you clean up quite nicely,” I teased, and he gave a playful shrug of his shoulders.

                “Only for girls I fancy!” he told me before circling out of the drive.

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