The Boy In The Bow Tie (edited)

13. Gifts

We savored our last days together. We went hiking one day, which admittedly, did not go well. I bruised my legs and Connor had poison ivy covering his left leg. We did not belong in nature.

"Bye, love you," I said, kissing him goodbye as he dropped me off after our hike.

"Love you too, see you tomorrow," he replied. 'Tomorrow' was the day of the party. One day before I was leaving.

I closed the door, and waved bye to him as he drove away, and walked inside.

"Hey grandma," I said, greeting her.

"Oh, hello. I'm looking forward to the party tomorrow," she commented. It had been about three months since my grandpa's death, and she was seeming better. His funeral had been a week before, and my family flew in for it. We talked for a little bit about how the summer had been going, and I had missed them. My dad especially. I told him about how Connor had been there for me, and he was happy for me. My mom and I talked, and I had even missed her too. We all sobbed during the service, but were in better spirits during the 'celebration of life' afterwards. They flew back home the next day, and I was kinda looking forward to going back home.

"Me too, except I can't find anything to wear," I complained.

"Are you sure? I thought I saw something on your bed from Kate Spade," she said. Kate Spade?

"Oh, I'll go look now," I said skeptically.

I opened my bedroom door, and saw a white box sitting on the white down comforter. It was tied with gold ribbon and had a card tucked under. I smiled, and read it.

Charlie, you're grandmother told me you liked this dress. Can't wait to see you in it. Hope it fits. Love, Connor. It was written in his messy handwriting. I smiled so widely my face began to cramp up. I almost cried. He was so sweet and thoughtful. Never had I received a present like this. I was leaving him in under 48 hours and I hadn't ever dreaded anything more.

"Thank you grandma!" I exclaimed as I rushed down the stairs and threw my arms around her.

"Don't thank me, it was all Connor's doing," she laughed. I thanked her again, and called Connor.

"Thank you," I said as soon as he answered.

"I was happy to do it. You'll look great. I have to go, but I'll call you later." He said. I said goodbye and hung up, my heart racing.

I woke up the next morning and began to get ready for the party. I showered, curled my hair and put it into a high ponytail. I applied my make-up lightly, to look natural, but generously applied my mascara. The party began at four and it was 3:30 by the time I was finished painting my nails. I put on my dress and looked in the mirror. I didn't even recognize myself. I looked so elegant and mature. the dress flattered my waist-line and the heels I had found made the dress the right length.

"Grandma? Are you ready?" I asked, walking into the hallway.

"Yes. Just about," She said, meeting me in the middle of the hall, "Charlotte. You look absolutely gorgeous."

"Thank you, you do too!" I replied.

"Oh please," she said, laughing and waving her hand at me.

We got in her car and drove to the Fitzpatrick Country Club. Connor's country club. the club where I had met him. The place where I met the guy I had loved the most.

We pulled into the parking lot, and I saw Laurel and Keaton excitedly walking inside with their families. Those two were joined at the hip.

I had found a new bow tie for Connor to wear. It had been my grandfather's. It was navy blue and white striped from Brooks Brothers.

We walked in and I spotted him instantly. He was wearing a green bow tie and I took his hand, and pulled him into the corner.

"Here," I said, placing the box in his hand.

"What's this?" He asked.

"Open it." He opened it, and pulled it out.

"Charlie, thank you," he said, smiling down at me.

"It was my grandfather's. I thought you could use a new one, since you're other one is toothpaste stained."

"I love it. This means so much," he replied, kissing me and untying the bow tie he was wearing. I had looked up how to tie a bow tie on youtube, and was now a master of the art.

I took it and placed it around his collar and tied it.

"I love it, and I love you," he said. He took my hand and we entered the party. There were so many people there, I couldn't believe it. Connor had to leave my side to talk to people, but I saw a ton of celebrities and felt a little out of my league. I chatted with some businessmen and Laurel, Keaton, and I drank champagne and dipped our toes in the pool.

"Hey, I've missed you all night," Connor said, grabbing me from behind. Laurel and Keaton took this as their cue to leave.

"Me too," I replied.

"It's been one hell of a summer with you," he said. It had been.

I had changed so much over that summer. I remembered the night I met him. I was in athletic shorts and a t-shirt. We had stood by the bathrooms, making awkward conversation. We now stood together, and I was dressed in a beautiful white gown. Connor's style had stayed the same, but I knew he had changed with me, too. We molded and shaped each other in unimaginable ways. I had become a whole new person. We both had.

"I have something to show you back home," he whispered in my ear, taking my hand and helping me up.

"What about the party?" I asked.

"It's dying down, besides there's always next year."

We spent one last night together. He decorated his family's boat house beautifully. He strung twinkle lights all around the interior, and had white rose petals covering the floor and the bed.

"This is amazing," I said, looking at him and smiling.

"I wanted to have one last perfect night together. Just you and me." He replied, pulling me further into the house.

"I couldn't imagine a more perfect night."

"I love you so much, Charlie. I'm going to miss you." He looked down, but I gently grabbed his chin, and lifted it up.

"Hey. We have this one last night together. Don't spend it being sad." I told him. He didn't speak. He grabbed me by the hand and lead me to the bed. He unzipped my dress and I stepped out of it. I undid his bow tie and unbuttoned his shirt. I looked at him and took his body in one last time. He pulled me down on the bed and kissed me lustfully.