Beside You

Chapter 9

On my way home from work, I can't stop thinking about Luke. I know I can't pursue a relationship with him because I've waited so long to get this job and I don't want to lose it over a fling with a cute guitarist. I know Harry would perceive a romantic relationship between any of us as very unprofessional. It hurts my heart to make this realization, so I decide to watch a funny movie when I get home.

Jess gets back and I tell her about the company party tomorrow, still not sure if I'm going.

"You HAVE to go!" She says, sitting on the couch next to me. I knew this would be her response.

"I don't know, I wasn't really invited..."

"You said Luke invited you! That means you can totally go. Imagine how fun it will be! All the hot guys..." I imagine seeing Luke in a suit, drinking cocktails with other industry professionals.

"Okay, fine. I'll go." I say. Jess claps her hands together with a smile plastered across her face.

"Let's pick out your dress! Where's the party?"

"Luke said it was at The Vine." I've never heard of this venue, but I assume it's a nice hall, even nicer than the Modest Management offices.

A mischievous smile makes its way across Jess' face and she starts giggling.

"What?" I ask, curious.

"Oh nothing, I just think you'll like the, um, venue, of the party." She laughs and grabs my arm and takes me into my bedroom. I decide to ignore her childish behavior. She opens my closet and starts going through my dresses. After ten minutes of searching, she shakes her head.

"None of these will do. We need to go shopping."

"No, I'll just wear one of my old dresses! I don't need to buy a new one!" I complain. Jess isn't having it; she grabs both of our purses and I follow behind her outside.

When we get to the mall, we go into Macy's, which makes me happy because I'm sure I'll be able to find a dress here. We go to the formal section and Jess picks out about ten dresses, and I pick out three. She looks at the ones I picked out and shakes her head, putting the dresses on a random shelf.

"Hey, what's wrong with my dresses?" I ask, slightly annoyed.

"I've been to The Vine. I know what kind of clothing is appropriate. Just trust me." I oblige and take the dresses from her hands and walk into the dressing room. I toss the first four to the side because I don't like them. The next one I pick up is black with a deep sweetheart neckline. It seems very revealing, but it doesn't seem too body-clinging, so I try it on.

My jaw drops when I see myself in the mirror. The black material clings to the top half of my body, accentuating my breasts and thin waistline. The bottom half of the dress reminds me of a baby-doll dress; it's flowy and pretty short. I feel slightly embarrassed by wearing something like this, but I am shocked at how good this dress makes me look. I open the door and call Jess's name. She walks around the corner and I ask, "What do you think?"

She puts her hands up to cover her mouth and says, "You have to get this. You look amazing." I smile. I can't argue with her. I look at the price tag; it's only fifty dollars. I decide to buy the dress and we head home.

When we are back at the apartment, Jess hands me a pair of her black heels. They're higher than any shoes I've ever worn, but I trust her fashion taste, so I take them.

Once I go to bed, it takes me longer than usual to fall asleep, as I keep thinking of Luke seeing me tomorrow night.