I Too Had An Unrequited Love Story

15- Chocolate Fridge Negotiations

A day passed by, and Saturday evening arrived. Veronica stood in her bedroom, meticulously selecting an outfit for the dinner at Arek's place. After some deliberation, she chose a high-neck, silk white dress adorned with small, asymmetric floral prints. The dress was conservative, covering her from neck to feet. As always, she opted to keep her face free of makeup. Satisfied with her reflection, she took a deep breath.

"What are you doing, Ver?" Navi's voice cut through her thoughts as she walked into the room.

"Dancing," Veronica replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes at her best friend.

Navi shot her a withering glare. "Don't tell me you're planning to go looking like this," she said, scanning Veronica from head to toe.

"What do you mean by 'looking like this'?" Veronica asked, puzzled.

Without another word, Navi headed straight to Veronica's walk-in wardrobe. She emerged moments later holding a short red lace dress. "Here, wear this," she insisted.

"Are you out of your mind? I'm going for dinner at my boss's house, with his parents, not out on a date," Veronica protested.

"First of all, it hurts my eyes to see you in that much fabric, especially in the summer. You sweat like a pig, Ver. Ditch the full-length crap and wear this," Navi said, waving the red dress at her.

"I am not going to wear that. It's too short," Veronica complained.

"So?" Navi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I told you how weirdly he behaved the last time I wore that short pencil skirt," Veronica reminded her.

"Are you seriously picking your clothes based on what he thinks? Aww, is this love I sense in the air?" Navi teased.

"Shut up, Navi. I just don't know these people, and I'm going to the Alden mansion. I think I should wear something that blends in, that doesn't draw much attention," Veronica explained.

Navi snorted. "If you're worried about catching attention, then you should definitely dump that dress you have on right now. Are you trying to impress his parents or what? Just dress like you normally do. Why are you trying so hard to look like a... I don't know, a nun or something? You look like you're preparing for sainthood. They'll probably be terrified when they see you. Wear something normal," she urged.

"I told you, the host is an ass. I don't want to be the subject of, 'Why is she wearing that?'" Veronica said, pointing at the red dress.

"Ver, people will definitely say that if you wear what you have on now. Stop letting him intimidate you. Do what you feel is right," Navi replied.

"I am not intimidated by him. Shut up, Navi," Veronica snapped.

"Really? Are we really going to have this conversation when you're running late and Natalie isn't even ready?" Navi said, exasperated.

"Does it really look that bad?" Veronica asked, gesturing to the dress she was wearing.

"Do you seriously need an answer after everything I've said?" Navi groaned.

Veronica didn't argue further. She reluctantly took the red lace dress from Navi and changed quickly. As she examined her reflection in the mirror, she looked unsure.

Navi noticed her hesitation. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"I'm not sure... How I look, I mean... Not in a looks-wise way but... You know..." Veronica stammered.

"I know what you're trying to say. Trust me, you look fabulous. Now, let's get your makeup done," Navi suggested.

"No way, Navi. You know I'm not a makeup person. Once my face starts sweating, I'll look like a ghost. I'm not wearing any makeup," Veronica insisted.