LILY
BNR848
Disclaimer: The publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 35
Before making her way home alone, she veered towards Bloomingdales. She had that little black dress she'd bought, but she needed shoes. She was not about to gather the troops for shoes and whatnot. Anything she needed she could get from her mother.
A short time later she was entering Bloomingdales with one goal in mind. She made a beeline for the shoe department, located three pairs she liked, asked for her size and picked the first pair that did not pinch. She paid, grabbed the bag and headed back to the subway.
Once home she found her mother in the master bedroom reading. Surprised to see her home so early, Lily showed her the shoes and inquired if there was a matching bag among her collection.
"I love the shoes; deep red satin pointed toe, five-inch stiletto will definitely give that dress an extra wow," a smiling Kate added.
"Are you sure you guys are okay with me going out? I really don't mind spending New Year's here with you and dad. I can call James and cancel, it's not a problem," Lily announced.
"It sounds like you're looking for an excuse. If you want to stay, stay, but don't do it on our account." Kate sat back and listened to her daughter unburden herself.
Lily exhaled and dropped back onto her parent's bed. Spending more time with James was only complicating matters. Right now it was uncomplicated, easy and fun. There were no expectations, no pressure, and no demands. But the more time she spent with him, the more her feelings got muddled. This was supposed to be a fling, a one week escape, nothing more than that.
Frustrated and tired Lily kissed her mother and went to hide. She decided on a relaxing bath, filled the tub and went in search of her mother's bubble bath. An hour later her mother knocked on the door inquiring if she should call the Coast Guard. She dressed, joining her parents for Chinese take-out and movie night. While her father made popcorn her mother lovingly played with her hair.
Morning gave her a revived spirit. She texted James, letting him know she was looking forward to joining him at nine. After a good night's sleep, she reaffirmed it was nothing more than what it was, a brief encounter and casual affair. Yeap, that's what it was and there was nothing wrong with it.
Around two Alexis and Charlie showed up. Alexis and Ben were heading to a New Year's Eve party and Charlie would be welcoming the New Year with her grandparents. Castle had acquired fireworks and Charlie was his willing conspirator. Lily poured Alexis a cup of tea and told her about her plans. The Plaza for New Year's, a very hoity-toity celebration, mocked Alexis with a laugh.
She got to spend some time with Charlie talking about boys and other important topics. Her teenage niece was growing up so fast. Lily was proud, yet nostalgic. She would miss her innocent little niece who loved visits to the zoo, stuffed animals, cotton candy and all things purple. At seven Lily went to shower.
She pulled the bag out of the closet and looked for the dress. When she pulled out the Bloomingdales bag, the small box forgotten box fell on the floor. The cufflinks. She put them on the dresser and hung up the dress. It looked fine, she'd place it in the bathroom when she showered. The steam would ease out any small wrinkle.
The simplicity of the sleeveless, black, sheath silhouetted dress with the rounded collar and fitted waist was betrayed by the heart-stopping alluring open back. She wore her mother's white gold, diamond earrings, and her long hair back. Her mother fashioned two French braids that gathered into a low flat ponytail just below her nape. It looked classic and intricate, worthy of any black tie affair. Charlie delighted in providing the million bobby pins that firmly secured each hair in place.
Her make-up was elegant and bold. The shimmery, smoky gray pallet accentuated her eyes, the mascara emphasized her naturally long lashes and the highlighter she applied to her cheekbones and nose gave her face an added glow. She lined her lips and applied a deep cherry lipstick. Charlie smiled, giving her aunt the seal of approval. She spritzed herself with perfume and looked at the clock. It was eight thirty-five.
Checking her things, she grabbed the small box from the dresser, dropped her lipstick and phone in the purse, slipped on her shoes and walked out. Her father declared she looked as beautiful as her mother; her mother smiled. She kissed Charlie and her parents and wished them a happy New Year.
"See you next year Aunt Lily," announced a giggling Charlie.