Red Shoes, Black Coffee (Red & Black #2)

23 | Treacherous asshole

Ada

I stare at my reflection in the small mirror hanging above the sink in Jed's bathroom with a frown. I've never been vain before but the amount of time I've spent staring at myself is ludicrous . I've been debating with myself on what to wear for the past week and got nowhere with it. I don't know if I should go for casual or only mid-casual or the top of elegant. I stand in front of the what-to-wear dilemma for the first time in my life, which is really ridiculous since it's not like I want to impress someone. Jed and I are a finished story - plus he's seen me in my worst in the morning so any chances of stunning him with my eventual beauty are long since gone, - and I already know his parents. Well, his mother. I've never met Jed's Dad but I guess if he's anywhere as kind as his Mom, we're going to get on well. The last person left is his brother, though I consider him out of the picture, too. I doubt he'd be anywhere near interested in a girl who used to date his younger brother. It's as if Everett started to hit on Jed. Which is not something I want to consider, adding the fact that I have, indeed, accused Jed of being gay once.

Anyhow, it feels just right to appear on someone's birthday well-dressed. Especially that the first time I met Mrs. Hall, I wore pajamas. I think it's understandable when I say I now feel obliged to make up for it.

"I don't want to hurry you, Fiona, but if we don't leave in five minutes, we're going to be late even for the dessert." Jed's voice sounds through the door.

I make a face into the mirror and turn. Several bottles fall to the floor by the occasion, knocked off from the shelf with my elbow. "I'll be out in a sec." I call out.

Turning to look at myself one more time, I take a deep breath and open the door.

Jed is standing in the hallway, just far enough not to get hit with the door. He looks perfect in his dark jeans and a black jacket thrown over a gray t-shirt. Standing in front of him in my black jeans and dark blue silk blouse, I suddenly feel like a hobo. We measure each other with glares for a moment before I turn around on my heel, aiming for the bathroom.

"I gotta go change."

"No, you're not." A hand grabs me by the elbow, stopping me in my tracks. I whirl around, my unruly hair hitting Jed in the chest in the small hallway. "We're already late. We're going by car and you know the traffic in the NYC. There's really no time for you changing."

"But..." I groan helplessly. "I don't feel right dressed like that."

"Fiona, it's a family dinner. Not a banquet with the queen of England. No one expects you to wear a crinoline."

I make a face, the kind you make after eating something sour. Seeing I'm nowhere near convinced, Jed steps closer to me. The hand cradling my elbow slides up my arm until it rests on my shoulder. His other one mimics the gesture until he's looming over me, his hands caging me in.

"You look beautiful." He says, face serious. "There is no need for changing because you are stunning dressed just like that."

A flush that is nowhere near stunning blooms on my cheeks.

"Do you believe me?" Jed asks, his hands squeezing my shoulders.

I nod without much conviction. I'd debate with the whole beautiful and stunning part but I trust Jed enough to know he wouldn't lie to me. Jed's eyes search my face before he gives me an answering nod and steps back.

"Right. Now let's go, please." He opens the door. "I want to get there before my brother does."

***