Waking Up With You by Sofie Hartwell Read Free Book Online Page A

Swanson boutique and find it right next to the sports shoe store. There are a few well-dressed ladies milling around. We carefully check out the racks. I notice Paige staring at the mannequin in the center of the shop. She goes there and examines the outfit — a flowing dove gray gown with lace inserts and beading on the side, with subtle pleats in the deep vee neckline that echoes the pleats which run to the hem.
    “Isn’t it gorgeous?” she comments in my direction. “This would look wonderful on you.”
    “On me? Where on earth would I even wear that?” I’m a jeans and top kind of girl and I rarely go anywhere fancy, so I’m surprised that she would even think I’d wear something like it.
    “Emma, you’re married now. Jake probably gets dozens of invitations. You will be expected to attend these functions with him,” she tells me.
    I haven’t even considered this, and I get a little nervous at the idea of going to formal affairs with Jake. Will he really be bringing me along? He did casually refer to wifely duties, and now that Paige has brought it up, perhaps that’s what he was talking about? Oh, God, just the thought of making small talk with the rich and sophisticated sends me into a tailspin.
    “Em, are you alright?” Paige notices my ‘deer caught in the headlights’ expression.
    “Not really,” I say in a low voice. “How did I not think of this?”
    “You don’t have to be nervous. I’m sure Jake will be at your side. He’ll ease you in. You’re not expected to be anything but your normal self, Em.” Paige is trying hard to put me at ease. She motions to the saleslady to take the dress off the mannequin so I can try it on.
    “No! I really don’t want to,” I demur with feeling.
    “Yes, you do. C’mon, I’m dragging you to the dressing room if I have to,” she refuses to listen to my objection. She pulls my arm until I have no choice but to follow her. Once we’re in the dressing room, she starts to unzip my dress. “C’mon, will you please cooperate,” she tells me irately. Paige always gets her way anyway, so I see no point in fighting her.
    I step out of my dress and carefully step into the gown. She zips me up and I hear a sharp intake of breath. I see Paige in the mirror, behind me, staring with wide open eyes. “Do I look that bad?” I ask.
    “You can be such an idiot, Em. Will you please look into the mirror? You look utterly splendid. It’s like this dress was made for you,” she says in admiration. I look and I see that the gown is a perfect fit. The color goes very well with my hair and skin. But, as usual, Paige is being overly generous with her praise. I look at her like I’m unconvinced.
    “You’re not looking hard enough. You have to visualize it with the right hairdo, make-up, and accessories. It’s a winner, Em. You need to buy it. If you don’t, I will buy it for you,” she insists.
    Well, if Paige is right, I may need one or two outfits. I guess I should buy it, just in case. I look at the tag and my eyes pop out. “It’s eight hundred dollars, Paige!”
    “There is no price for perfection,” she quotes one of her choice aphorisms. “I’m pretty sure your husband spends thrice that amount for a tailored suit.”
    “But he earns the money!” I’m shocked at the idea of spending so much for an outfit.
    “Take out your credit card right now and buy the dress before someone else comes along and snatches it.” She’s about to grab my purse and I hold on to it tightly. “Emma, I swear…”
    “You’ve never spoiled yourself in any way. Just this once. Please,” she begs. “I have a good feeling about this dress. You’re going to be the belle of the ball in it. Guaranteed.”
    “Alright already! I haven’t even begun my part-time job and I’m already spending my salary? You probably would be able to sell the Golden Gate Bridge to anyone. Fine, just stop the hard sell,” I say with a half-smile. Paige grins and claps her hands in glee.