My Spy 5: A Southern Girl in Paris

Shake it Off

MARCH:

Annabeth had a couple of doctor's appointments on Tuesday and I took Wednesday off to get what I needed for the fundraiser, so I was never able to clear the air with her before my date tonight. I drove myself crazy debating whether or not to cancel on Sebastian but in the end, my curiosity won. I wanted to know more about him and I was curious to find out what he learned about me.

I was hesitant to tell Momma that I wanted to take a day off from the winery to go get an appropriate dress but when I told her what the occasion was, she demanded to come with me and we go shopping in Oxford.

The last few black-tie affairs I have gone to I had gone shopping with Ryan's tastes in mind but today, I am going for modest and appropriate. No fashion-forward, trendy gowns with revealing slits or cutouts. I want a classic piece that screams sophistication. I don't need to be photographed with someone like Sebastian and all people comment on is that I look like another one of his hussies.

Momma and I scour the entire first floor of the largest mall in Oxford but it isn't until our last store and our last hope that I find anything flattering. Originally I had planned on charging my own credit card for the gown, shoes, and accessories but my momma was afraid my budget would limit my style, so she handed over her card for the entire get-up.

When we get back home, she helps secure my straightened blonde hair into a low chic chignon and she allows me to wear her diamond tennis bracelet to complete the look. As I spin around to approve my reflection in my full-length mirror, I hear a knock at my bedroom door. A moment later Austin peeks his head in and is surprised to see Momma and me rushing to get the belle ready for the ball.

"What's this? Where are you off to dressed like Grace Kelly?" Austin asks me and my mother claps her hands together before replying, "She is going to Senator McKellen's fundraiser in Jackson tonight. With Sebastian Crawford." She is completely euphoric that she is able to say this sentence but I am still a bundle of nerves. I catch Austin's grin and in a horrible English accent he replies, "Into the fancy English bloke are ya?"

I roll my eyes as I say, "I'm into fine wine and rich foods and this fundraiser will have both." He shakes his head and then sticks his hands into his pockets before saying, "So does this mean you're moving on then? From Ryan?" Momma shoots him a dirty look but before she can reprimand him for bringing up he-who-must-not-be-named, I say, "I'm staying busy. That's all this means."

"Why are you home anyway my dear boy? Came home just to snoop on your sister?" Momma asks as she decides my ensemble calls for a diamond choker around my neck.

"Uh, I needed to talk to her but she's busy," he says cryptically and I turn to face him, "Talk to me about what? I have a few minutes." I watch his eyes dart to my mother and he runs a hand through his hair before saying, "It can wait."

"Ugh, just tell me Austin, why all the suspense?" I ask him while growing irritated but he just shakes his head, "It's just about wedding stuff. You're busy. I'll come by later this week." I watch him avoid eye contact so I can tell he's lying. I then wonder if it has anything to do with Whitney and her mystery baby-daddy. Unfortunately, I don't have time to deal with my brother's drama so I shrug him off and pick up a light pink lipstick. I apply the final touches and Momma jumps when she hears the doorbell. She looks to me and snarkily says, "Aren't you glad he's picking you up here and not at a dinky apartment complex in Old Town?" I'm not able to reply as she dashes off ahead of me. My stomach drops to my knees as I grab my clutch and I then hustle down the stairs. I am on the last step when my mother opens the door and I freeze when I hear Ryan's voice and not Sebastian's.

"She was just leavin' I'm afraid," Momma tells him but I come up behind her and see Ryan in a suit on the porch.

"You're not running his security are you?" I ask bluntly as I start to panic. I cannot focus on Sebastian tonight knowing Ryan is only feet away from us. I catch his confusion before he says, "Security for what?" Before I am able to answer, I see a black town car pull into the driveway and I think my head is about to explode. I shake my anxiety away as I reply, "I'm going to a fundraiser tonight. With Sebastian Crawford, I wasn't sure if that's why you're here." I notice Momma is still lingering behind the door and I want everything to freeze for a moment while I get an opportunity to talk to Ryan. This is the first time he's sought me out since we broke up and I don't want to go on this date if he's wanting to speak to me about us.