CHAPTER TWO

Several days later there was a call for Della from Mildreth Faulkner. She looked at Perry, covered the receiver with her hand, and asked Perry, "do we have more business with Mildreth?"

Absorbed in his reading, the attorney squinted at her, and she quickly repeated the question. He shook his head no.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Mildreth. How can I help?" Della queried.

Their former client inquired, "I was wondering two things. Are you and Perry going to the LAPD Ball this year?"

Looking at Perry his wife said, "I don't know if we are going this year or not. We usually buy tickets, but if we are involved in a case we can't go."

Perry looked at her and told her, "I am getting our tickets from Tragg at our poker game this week, I didn't know if you wanted to go or not."

"Did you hear that Mildreth?" She asked.

"Yes, and if you decide to go we would like to go with you. This is my first time, and I could use some moral support. Also, I thought since the men are playing poker on Wednesday, maybe we could have dinner and shop for dresses."

Della replied, "I understand, the first formal events I went to with Perry, I was a nervous wreck. I'd like to have dinner, and if nothing else we could look for a dress for you."

They decided on a time and place to meet, and Della hung up the phone. Perry obviously having paid attention to the conversation asked, "what was all about?"

Straightening things on his desk, Della explained, "Mildreth is going to the police ball with Arthur. She is nervous about meeting his friends, and colleagues. Since you, Arthur, Paul, and the other boys are playing poker Wednesday night she suggested we go to dinner, and shopping for dresses for the ball."

As she put her notebooks in the drawer in his desk, he pulled her onto his lap. "So, you were nervous going to special events with me, after you started to work here?"

Sliding her hands around his neck she confessed, "of course I was. Your group was intimidating, and a certain female was not very friendly to me."

Lightly kissing her lips, he whispered, "you were the most beautiful woman there, and everyone was jealous of you, and envious of me."

"It didn't seem like that at the time." Della admitted.

Grinning at her he asked, "Do I still intimidate you, Miss Street?"

Captivated by those dimples she told him no, but went on to say, "The only thing that worries me is Paul or Gertie strolling in here, and finding us in a compromising position."

Sighing he explained patiently, "we are married my dear, and it couldn't be any worse than having been caught by Aunt Mae."

Even now her face got red, remembering that night she had been house sitting for her aunt. "You're blushing," he said.

Burying her head in his shirt front Della explained in a muffled voice, "I am still remembering her look of horror when you came out of the bathroom in that skimpy little towel."

Perry laughed, "You weren't much better in that red garter, black stockings, and high heels lying on the bed."

Lightly punching his arm, she said emphatically, "it wasn't funny."

"Sorry darling. but it wasn't then."

Trying not to smile Della admitted, "I don't think she knew who to yell at first."

Grinning at her the lawyer told her, "I don't think I ever saw you move so fast."

"I wanted her to think I was getting dressed. What about you? She was going to throw you out only in the towel, even as you shouted, we're married! we're married!"

Laughing harder Mason told her, "Thanks goodness we had our matching wedding rings to show her. I think she still wanted me to drive back home to get our license, wearing only the towel."

Choking out the words Della said, "she was not happy we had been wearing them on our pinky fingers. It took some explaining and she wanted to blame you."

Brushing back her curls he tried to sound serious, "you did nobly in taking all the blame."

"It was my idea after all. I think Aunt Mae having been a career woman, helped her to understand my position. It also helps that she is crazy about you." Della explained getting off his lap.

"Just where are you going young lady?" he inquired.

Heading for her office she explained, "This is after all is a law office, and today is pay day. I am surprised our staff has not been knocking down the door for their checks."

Surrendering reluctantly Perry said, "All right back to business, but are we going to the ball or not?"

"I think it would be nice," his head of office said thoughtfully.

"All right, then you use the office credit card for your dinner with Mildreth, and your outfit."

Putting her hands on her hips she tried to protest, but he explained it was a charity event and good public relations. She gave in, but reluctantly.

The ladies decided to do their shopping first and then have dinner. They met at Estelle's, Della's friend and favorite designer.

Having been warned of their visit, Estelle had prepared some of her newest designs. Everything was so beautiful it made the decisions even more difficult.

"So," asked her friend, "Is your handsome boss paying for this outing?"

Blushing slightly Della admitted, "He says it is a charity event, and good public relations. So, I agreed reluctantly."

Sighing, Estelle told her, "If I had that man in my life I'd let him treat me like a princess."

Mildreth commented, "He does treat her like a princess. You should see them when they aren't on a case."

"Remember ladies," Della explained, "he is still my boss".

Looking askance Mildreth asked, "who really runs that business?"

Slightly embarrassed she admitted, "I do have a lot of authority, but I am always conscious of what our clients might think and say."

Lowering her voice Mildreth told Estelle, "I think clients would wonder why hasn't she dragged him down the aisle already?"

Changing the subject Della said quickly, "time to look for our gowns."

An hour later they were still trying on evening wear. Coming out wearing a sleeveless emerald green chiffon formal with seed pearls, and crystal beads on the fitted bodice Mildreth asked what Della thought.

"It's gorgeous and looks fantastic with your hair. I really like that matching wrap too." She enthused. "I think Arthur won't be able to take his eyes off you."

Her face flushed, the florist asked, "do you think so?"

"Absolutely," the secretary told her.

"Well what about you Miss Street?" Estelle asked her. "Have you found the perfect dress?"

Hesitating Della Street admitted, "I still have that buttercup yellow dress to try on, but I don't wear that color often."

Both women urged her to at least try it on. When she came out in the floor length silk chiffon over a crepe skirt her friends were speechless.

Finally, Mildreth said, "Oh Della you are stunning. This dress was made for you." Estelle raved about it too.

A little embarrassed Della admitted, "I do love this sheer to shoulder bodice and Estelle this zigzag hand beading of rhinestones, sequins and silver braid across the top is exquisite."

Looking sly the designer told her, "I think your Mr. Mason will be stunned. Maybe he will even propose."

Having a hard time meeting their eyes, Della didn't know quite what to say. Looking at Mildreth, Estelle laughed, "I can't believe it, I made Della Street speechless."

Gathering her wits about her Mason's head of office finally said, "well, my friend, I promise if he proposes at the ball, you'll be the first to know."

"It's a deal," the designer told them as she helped them pick out shoes and evening bags to go with their outfits. After more laughter and hugs, and promises to have the dresses ready by the end of the week, the two women headed for dinner.