Love It or Lose It

Chapter 5

"Where's he taking you now? A five-diamond in Vermont? His favourite pizza joint in New York City? Sushi in California?" Mandy teased me while I sorted through the new clothes I'd bought that afternoon.

Losing weight and being back in the real estate game required new suits and shoes. But since Lee and I had been seeing each other for over a month, I also picked up a few flattering dresses for the nights he would take me out at the best restaurants and introduce me to friends in the industry.

"No," I quietly replied, hoping that my best friend wouldn't push for more information. The stress of what could happen tonight weighed heavily on me, churning in my stomach and threatening to spew bile on my runners.

"Nowhere special this time? What? The honeymoon isn't over. I'm sure there's a restaurant he is dying to take you." Mandy rifled through the pile of clothes, and spotted the dress that I'd bought specially for tonight. "Oh, look at this hot number."

It was a red dress made in the most comfortable blend of silk and jersey. When I had tried it on at the store, I couldn't even believe I was the same person. I'd been diligent with my exercises, even with my busier work schedule. Cat had precedent of it all. Whenever she stayed at our house, I made sure I had no other plans, including any dates with Lee. He had been delightfully understanding. He'd even invited Cat on occasions and she had merrily accepted.

"I like him. He knows great food and...he likes you a lot," she had said after meeting him for the first time.

I yanked the dress from Mandy and hung it in my closet. I'd have to steam it when she leaves.

"What's going on?" Mandy, the relentless hound, propped a hand on her hip. A gesture that told me that she wouldn't stop until I gave her the truth. But I continued to ignore her, focusing my attention to the pile of clothes I had to sort out. "Is it about Jeremy's wedding?"

I shook my head. She continued, "I thought you asked Lee to go with you?"

"No. Catherine asked him to come with me. Before I could say anything, he already agreed," I corrected her.

"Then there shouldn't be a problem. You have a date. Your maid of honour dress should be here in a couple of weeks, enough time for you to have it adjusted if needed. Are you afraid of what Jeremy will say?"

"Absolutely not, besides, he's thrilled to have Lee there. Apparently, he's a huge fan."

"So what's the problem?" Mandy went silent for a moment, and then she straightened and gasped.

I stared at her wide-eyed. My lips pressed in a thin line.

"Is tonight the night?"

I turned away, horrified that she would be able to see through me. Again, she wouldn't give up. She walked over to me and grabbed my shoulders so that I faced her.

"Tell me," she demanded, "Tell me or I'll get Emma here and we won't stop until you spill."

My eyes remained focus on the floor, but I nodded and said, "He invited me to his place. He's making me dinner there."

"Dinner? His condo? And...dessert?" Mandy's voice lifted when she spoke the last word, and then for better effect, she forced my chin up so I could witness her wink.

"I don't know, Mandy." I shrugged her hands off. "Maybe. Maybe not. I don't really want to think about it."

Mandy, in all her giddiness, danced around me. When she was like this, it was hard to think of her as the professional and uber talented designer that she was.