Disclaimer.
"May I ask how you two got so cozy in his bed?" Ms. Durand raised a questioning eyebrow as she looked over the guest list.
"Oh," Tianas face felt red at her mother-in-laws words.
"Stay still," The hairstylist repositioned Tianas head then went back to work. Everyone was bustling around her, trying to get everything together for the party that was to happen that night.
"Sorry," Tiana kept her eyes straight ahead so that her head would not turn.
"You didn't answer my question sweetheart,"
"Right," Tiana looked down at her hands. "Well, we had a night in then took a walk then came back and he asked if I wanted to sleep in our bed," Tiana looked up from her hands to Ms. Durand who was already looking at her.
"Really now?" Ms. Durand slowly looked back to the list.
"Yes," Feeling her phone vibrate Tiana reached for it on the vanity. It was picture from Naveen that showed someone almost falling asleep. With a smile she replied. As she hit sent she received another message, this one from Charlotte.
Girls night? I'm so bored I could eat a horse.
Tiana covered her hand with her mouth trying not to move too much.
I dont think thats the expression and not a good diet. But sorry, I cant. Have that thing.
Charlottes response was instant.
And you didn't invite me? I feel betrayed. Buuuut I guess. IF this is what you want, if all goes south ya know my door is open.
Thanks, love you.
Love you too, Tia. Be safe.
Tiana once again locked her phone but this time put it under her thigh. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying to calm herself down. She felt as nervous as the first time when she was supposed to go to one these things. Her palms sweated, she felt that she did not put on enough deodorant and she feared that she would fall several times that night. Yet, Naveen was with her through it all and promised to not let her fall. Even on the dance floor he was her rock, while she felt like she stepped on his feet and was less then graceful.
"Alright, just one spritz and,"
Tiana felt something wet hit her face making her flinch from it.
"Perfect, what do you think?"
Tianas chair was swung the other way so that Ms. Durand could get a full look at her.
"Madam Sophie, you've done it again. She looks beautiful." Ms. Durand gushed, her hands on her cheeks as she looked her over.
"Thank you," Tiana went to get up from the chair but was stop by Ms. Durand.
"No, not done yet there's still your makeup,"
"Your shoes," Madam Sophie chimed in.
"Your nails," Someone came next to her with a bag.
"Toes," Someone else kneeled in front of her and took off her socks.
"How about a facial?" Ms. Durand touched Tianas cheek then under her eyes.
"Oh yes, that should be very nice," The makeup artist came up to her, readying her stuff.
"Dont forget about the dress," Someone said in the background as they looked through the rack of clothes in front of them.
"I thought we picked out the dress?" Tiana looked at Ms. Durand questioningly.
"Well it doesn't hurt to have more options,"
"But Naveen,"
"Is going to through the same thing," Ms. Durand put her hands on Tianas arms and looked her in the eyes. "Dont worry, its all under control," She touched Tianas cheek then moved away so that the makeup artist could get to her.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
"Okay, but I dont want purple, I thought we already picked a tuxedo," Naveen complained as he handed the jacket back to the stylist.
"We did, but Ms. Durand wanted the options present."
"Yes I did and we have one more change, I think Ill like this one better." She grabbed a navy blue jacket from the rack and handed it to Naveen who took it unhappily.
"Why aren't we going with green?"
"You're tie will be green," She stated then went in front of him and looked him over.
"Bow tie?" The stylist grabbed one from a box on the ground and presented it her.
"Oooh," Ms. Durand held it up to Naveen who now had on the coat. "No," She shook her head.
"Maybe a black jacket?" The stylist took one from the rack and handed it to her.
"Yes, a black jacket will do," She nodded and handed it to Naveen who sighed took off the coat and handed it back to his mother.
"Great, thats the one and I love it and you will wear it. Now put on your shoes,"
"How long do we have until we have to be there?" Naveen asked as he put on his jacket.
"About three hours,"
"Mom," Naveen pinched the bridge of his nose. "We could be sleeping."
"No, Tiana has to get there early in order to look at her work and make sure that everything is going the way she wants it," Ms. Durand took the bow tie and started to put it on him.
"Is she ready?" Naveen moved his face out of the way so his mother had better access to his neck.
"Almost, just have to get the foot mask off of her," Ms. Durand dusted off his shoulders and fixed the vest below.
"The what?"
"The foot mask, dont worry it will be off in three, two, one,"
"Ma'am its not coming off." The door swung open to one of the stylist.
"Well thats not good, finish this please," She left some of buttons and followed the girl out.
"Wait, is her foot okay?" Naveen asked, but he was answered with a close of the door.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
"Evangeline, I need you to make a reservation for lunch on Monday at Tianas favorite place," Naveen was standing by the window in the dining room, trying to stay out of everyone's way.
"Yeah, that one, great thank you," He hung up.
"Naveen, are you ready for your wife?" His mother asked as he turned around. Ms. Durand moved to the side and revealed Tiana.
She wore a different dress than she did from the first time. It was a sleeveless green dress with a sweetheart neckline that opened up to a train around her.
"Beautiful, mon cherie" Naveen said as he put his arm around her waist as she got closer.
"You look handsome as well, I see she changed your outfit too," She gestured to his suit.
"Yes she did, wasn't the best time,"
"Okay, okay pictures then off you two go, Tiana they will be waiting for you when you arrive and everyone move,"
"Ive never seen her so," Tiana trailed off, looking for the right word.
"Involved?" Naveen offered as they were moved to a spot that had better lighting.
"Yes?" But that word did not feel right.
"Okay, this is the best light, smiles you two, like you're in love because you are," Ms. Durand fixed Naveens bow tie then moved Tianas dress to the side. "And take the pictures!"
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Again thank you. I love you all.