Chapter 11

Two dresses laid out on Abby's bed. One was young and sexy. The deepest of royal blues saturated the fabric. The other dress was asymmetrical. It was made of gold color satin. It invoked old Hollywood Glamour. Abby tilted her head to one side and then the other. She heard Serena enter the room, but kept her eyes on the dresses.

"Still haven't picked?" Serena chided, "Tonight's the night."

"I know," Abby replied.

"We've got to get your hair and makeup done too," Serena added. Abby sighed. She tugged on ends of her braid. She had braided her hair while it was still wet from her shower. It would have nice waves tonight if brushed out properly.

Abby grabbed the hanger of the blue dress. She felt like being daring. After all if Abby couldn't take chances when she was young when could she be? "Come on," she headed for her bathroom. Serena followed. She had Abby sit down while she selected the makeup they would use.

"What are you doing tonight?" Abby asked.

"Piers and I are just going hang out at his place," Serena shrugged.

Abby raised an eyebrow, "How is that going? You and Piers?"

"Fun," Serena replied, "We're keeping it casual."

Mike checked the mirror. He had gotten his hair cut that morning. Freshly shaved, he had his tux on. Mike fought his bow tie for a moment before tying it properly. He used the mirror and centered it. Another double check and Mike was ready to hit the road. There was plenty of time to get to Abby's, but he couldn't wait to see her. He got to his bedroom door. His hand was on the knob. At that moment Mike remembered he left something behind.

He couldn't forget Abby's gift. Mike opened his nightstand drawer. Inside sat a turquoise jewelry box. He lifted it out. Underneath it was a suede pouch. The pouch caused him to pause. Mike set the jewelry box on the top of the nightstand. He fingered pouch. Mike took it in his palm. He dropped down to sit on his neatly made bed. Mike stared out at the pouch. Maybe he should just stuff it back where it came from. Something inside him told him the contents of the pouch were meant for Abby.

Standing in front of her full length mirror, looking herself over, Abby was sure this was the dress. The royal blue set off her alabaster skin. The jersey fabric cupped her curves perfectly. She adjusted the metal piece that joined the top of the dress. It began a diamond cut out. Turning around Abby looked over her shoulder and surveyed the low swoop back.

"You are going to knock Mike dead," Serena smirked.

"He's going to love it," Abby agreed. The completed look was stunning. "Thanks for your help," she added.

"Is he picking you up or..?" Serena inquired.

"He'll come here and my parents will pick us up," Abby said, "We're sharing a limo."

"So, they like him, huh?" Serena teased.

"Oh, yeah," Abby answered.

"Good," Serena smiled. The doorbell rang.

"Speak of the handsome devil," Abby grinned.

"I'll get it," Serena headed down the stairs. She opened the door to Mike, "Hi."

"Hi, Serena," he returned. Mike looked around.

"She's ready, just upstairs," Serena directed. He tipped his head in thanks. He bounded up the stairs. Serena stayed on the first floor to give them a moment.

Mike turned the corner to enter her room. He froze. The goddess standing in the room drove all coherent thought out of his head. His eyes drifted up from the floor length gown up her body. Then her brown eyes meet his blue in one perfect moment. Mike felt should say something. All he could manage was a breathless, "Wow."

"Hey," Abby beamed. She motioned him inside. Mike complied.

He swallowed, "You look amazing."

"You clean up really well, yourself," Abby admired him with lowered eyelids. She'd have to find more excuses to get him in a tux. Hot damn. She was one lucky girl.

Mike struggled to keep his thoughts and body in check. They were only feet away from the bed. He blinked, trying to make himself focus. "I have something for you," Mike said.

"You didn't have to get me anything," she protested.

"I wanted to," he took the pouch out of his jacket pocket and gave it to her. Abby opened the pouch. She turned it over and let the necklace inside glide into the palm of her other hand. "It's not much," Mike said, "It belong to my mom." The pendant matched the silver one Mike wore- only it was gold. The chain was shorter and decidedly more feminine.

"It's like yours," Abby remarked.

"They were a set," Mike confirmed.

He put his hands in his pockets, "I bought you something better-."

Abby took his face in her hands, "It's a part of you." Her eyes shined at him. "I love it," she kissed him tenderly. "Help me put it on?" Abby requested. He nodded. She handed the necklace to him. Mike went behind her. He slipped the necklace around her neck and clasped the ends together.

"I don't have much left of my Mom's," Mike explained, "My father pawned almost everything of hers to pay for court costs of his trial."

"I'm sorry- that mush have been awful," Abby said.

"It was life," he replied.

"Thank you," Abby recognized the significance of the gift.

"Your parents are here," Serena called.

Abby let out a small breath. "Ready?" she asked.

Mike took her hand and smiled, "I can't wait to show you off."

"Seriously? I'm the one going to show you off," Abby declared.

"Oh, trust me- I'm not the one they all are going to be look at," Mike whispered huskily. His voice sent an anticipatory shiver down Abby's spine.