One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 10 - 27th December 2000

Jo stood in the dining room of Cavendish Avenue surrounded by gowns in different styles and colours. Her immediate reaction was to run a mile from all of them! However common sense told her she needed a suitable outfit for the 'do' she had agreed to accompany Paul to in a few days time. Both Stella and Mary were there 'helping' her to pick an outfit. They were both expressing opinions about which they liked best and what they thought would suit her. Jo forced a smile and looked at the younger women.

"This one would really suit you Jo," said Stella, her head on one side as she considered the dress in her hand. "That shape would flatter your curves and the colour tone well with your skin."

"Are you suggesting I'm fat?"

"No!" Stella looked mortified, "I meant curves as a compliment. You've got a stunning figure with a good pair of boobs...exactly what this dress needs."

Jo looked at the dress she was holding. She knew she hated it but showed willing and tried it on.

"Well?" she asked a few minutes later, emerging from behind a screen.

"That's lovely!"

Jo had to admit to herself that Mary sounded genuine. She walked to the full length mirror that Paul had brought to the room for this occassion. She looked at herself critically.

"Well? What do you think?"

"It's OK I suppose," she said slowly, "But it's not really me. I don't like the whole strapless thing."

Time dragged as Jo tried on gown after gown, her heart sinking lower and lower with each successive dress. She was feeling more and more overwhelmed with the enormity of what she had agreed to do. The whole world would see her with Paul. Every detail under scrutiny! Mary noticed her mood change.

"What's up Jo?"

She shook her head.

"Jo?" This time Stella pressed her.

Jo sat down, sighing wearily. "I can't do any of this!" she said suddenly, "This was a huge mistake. I should never have agreed to go with your dad to the do. Stella, you go  as usual. Please!"

You don't mean that!" Mary laughed, thinking she was joking. Then, to her dismay she realised Jo was crying. "Jo! What's wrong?"

"I can't go," she whispered, "I'll just show Paul up. None of this is me!" She waved her hand across the room at the dresses. She placed her head in her hands and sobbed.

Mary looked bewildered. She looked at her sister.

"I'll get dad," Stella mouthed and slipped out of the room.

Moments later, Jo found Paul kneeling in front of her. He took her hand and kissed it lightly. "Talk to me baby! What's wrong?"

Jo lifted her face to him and smiled wanly. "I can't come with you to the do. I...I just can't Paul. I'll show you up! None of these dresses are me Paul love. All those people watching and photographers and stuff. I can't! I'm sorry!"

Paul looked at the dresses hung up. "You would look amazing in any of these Jo! You always do!"

"They're not me though are they? They're so.....so...cliche evening dresses! I hate them!"

Paul could see how unhappy the situation was making her. "If it makes you feel so stressed then that's Ok Jo love. I just wanted to show you off and introduce you to some friends that I've told about you."

Jo could see how disappointed her was. "If I could just wear something more....well more me." She looked at Stella and Mary. "You know what I mean? If you're going somewhere you need to feel right as well as look right. None of these dresses do that for me!"

"What would?"

"Something like my red dress. for example. That's me!"

"Do you mean the dresss you were wearing that evening I first met you. Dad was supposed to be taking you to dinner but missed the reservation?" Mary said suddenly.

Jo nodded.

"That looked stunning! Seriously Stella. This dress has to be seen to be believed!"

"Do you have it with you?" asked Stella.

 Jo stood in the bedroom wearing the red dress she had 'borrowed' from Helena. Stella looked at her.

"That is amazing. My god, the shape, the colour. Everything! Jo you've got to go and wear that!"

Jo smiled, feeling comfortable for the first time. "Do you think it's smart enough...you know formal enough?"

"Definately!" Mary stated. "People won't be able to take their eyes off you!"

Stella called Paul into the room. He looked at Jo and beamed. "Wow! It's THAT dress!" He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. "You look incredibly sexy in that! Last time you wore it all I wanted to do was take you out of it!"

Jo pushed him away, blushing. Mary and Stella grinned at them.

"Put her down dad! Behave, your children are present!"

Paul looked sheepish. "Sorry girls."

Stella laughed and hugged her dad. "It's good to see you both happy dad. So Jo, I take it you'll be dad's plus one?"

Jo nodded. "And thanks Mary, Stella. Seriously, thank you. I'm sorry about those other dresses but...."

"Forget those," said Stella, "They're nothing compared to the one you're wearing now!"

That night, as they lay in bed together, the couple talked about the event in a few days time.

"Just don't leave me on my own!" said Jo, "and I'll be fine!"

"I don't intend to let go of your hand all night! Paul declared, leaning over and kissing her again. "And anyway, I'll be spending the evening thinking about taking you out of that dress afterwards!"

Jo shook her head. "Honestly McCartney! You have got a one track mind!!"

Paul started laughing. "Only where you are concerned Jo my love, only for you!" His hands moved gently across her body. "Fancy a practise run now then?" he asked as he began to gently pull up her nightdress.

"What a great idea!" whispered Jo reaching her arms up to hold him. "I thought you'd never ask!"