47 Destinies (Book One)

Chapter Eleven

Cora woke up early on Saturday.  It was already the middle of December.  In just one week, she would be flying out to New York to visit her grandmother.  Her employment with Locke Inc. would be over.  She decided to put that all aside and focus on the day ahead.  She had a million and one things to do to prepare for the Christmas party later in the evening.  Her first order of business was to go buy a sexy dress.  Somehow after spending the previous day with Brent, her black cocktail dress was no longer fit for the occasion.  She wanted Brent to drool when he saw her.  Cora made a hair appointment for a cut and style.  If she had time, she was going to spring for a manicure and a pedicure.  Cora was very happy. Spring was welling inside of her and she couldn’t contain the joy.

Cora dragged her roommate Lynn along on her shopping adventure.  Lynn couldn’t understand why Cora was so excited about a company party.

“Remind me again why you aren’t taking Josh along as your date?” Lynn repeatedly inquired.

“Hello? We broke up.  It’s over.  Why is this so difficult for you to comprehend?”  Cora said, slightly irritated that Lynn kept bringing it up.

“I just don’t understand why you broke up with him.  The man is handsome, kind and completely in love with you.  He is heartbroken.”

“Lynn!  We’ve been through this already,” Cora said yet again.

“I know.  I just feel for the guy.  And now that his mom is sick.”

“His mom is sick?  How do you know?” Cora was concerned.  She genuinely cared for Josh’s mom.

“Well, Josh comes by every once in a while to talk.  He misses you a lot.  He lost his girlfriend and best friend all in one day.”

Cora knew how he felt.  As much as she didn’t want to admit it, she really missed talking to Josh.  She just thought it was a cleaner break to stop all communication.  Truth be told, she wasn’t sure if she trusted herself around Josh and she didn’t want to fall back into a comfortable pattern.

“What’s going on with his mom?”  Cora asked quietly.

“She was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  It looks like the doctor caught it in time.  Of course, Josh is very worried.  He’s headed back home Monday to spend the holidays with his family.  I think it will be good for him to be surrounded by his loved ones.  He’s taken the break-up pretty hard,” Lynn said.

“I feel terrible.  I just don’t know what I can do for Josh,” Cora said as a tear slipped down her cheek.  “I never wanted to hurt him.

Lynn wrapped her arms around Cora.  “I know.  The whole situation just sucks. Come on; let’s focus on our mission to find you a sizzling dress.”

Cora and Lynn had a blast scouring the stores for the perfect dress.  Cora could not bring herself to come to a decision.  Lynn finally had to step in and she picked a sassy red dress for Cora to buy.  They found some hot black heels and then made their way over to the salon.  They both indulged in manis and pedis right before Cora’s hair appointment.  Cora chose a brilliant red nail polish to match her dress.  The polish was called Siren Red, which fit Cora’s mood perfectly.  The stylist curled all of Cora’s black tresses, which took forever.  Cora barely recognized herself when the stylist was finished.  She was simply gorgeous.

When they got home, Lynn helped Cora with her make-up and jewelry.  Cora was like a giddy schoolgirl by the time she left.  The party was in a posh restaurant in Sausalito.  Cora couldn’t wait to see Brent’s expression when he got a look at her.

The drive to Sausalito was a breeze since there was no traffic.  Nerves got a hold of her when she arrived at the restaurant, but she threw them aside.  She looked  and felt incredible.