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“He isn’t?” I put down the notepad and stare at my sketch. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive, ” Luke says. Now he’s completely gri
“Well.” I am so crestfallen, I can’t hide it. “Why not? I mean, they’ve been going out forever—”
“Right,” Luke says. “But he’s only twenty-six. And he’s still in school!”
“Graduate school,” I point out. “And they are living together.”
“So are we,” Luke says with a laugh, “but we’re not getting married anytime soon.”
I force a laugh along with him, although the truth is, I don’t see anything fu
Isn’t it?
But of course I don’t ask him this out loud. Because I’m still woodland-creaturing him.
“Chaz and Shari have known each other for a lot longer than we have,” I settle for saying instead. “It wouldn’t be the weirdest thing if they got engaged.”
“I guess not,” Luke admits—but grudgingly. “Still, I don’t exactly see either of them as the marrying kind.”
“What’s the marrying kind?” I ask… sort of hating myself even as the words are coming out of my mouth. Because it’s totally obvious from this conversation that marriage is the last thing on Luke’s mind.
And it’s ridiculous that it’s on my mind. At all. I mean, I have so many other things to worry about besides getting married. Like making a name for myself in my chosen field. Or even getting a paying job in my chosen field.
Plus, I’m supposed to be playing it cool. We’re living together on a trial basis. Like Shari said, Luke and I haven’t known each other that long…
But I can’t help it… maybe because my chosen field is all about helping women who have someone who is willing to make a commitment to them do so in the most perfect gown imaginable.
And I can’t help thinking that if I could get my love life in order, I’d have more time to concentrate on the career thing.
So, really, the only reason I want to get married—or even just engaged—is so I can be better at my job.
Plus the fact that Luke is… well. Luke de Villiers, the hottest, coolest guy I’ve ever known. And he picked me—ME.
“You know what I mean,” Luke is saying. “The marrying kind. People who don’t have anything else going for themselves. So they just get married, because they don’t know what else to do.”
I blink at him. “I don’t know anybody like that,” I say. “I don’t know anybody who just got married because they had nothing else going for them.”
“Oh, yeah?” Luke eyes me. “What about your sisters? I mean, no offense or anything, because my cousin Vicky’s no different. But from what you’ve said… ”
“Oh,” I say. I’d forgotten about Rose and Sarah. Who actually got married because they got pregnant. It’s like no one in my house ever heard of birth control. Except for me. “Yeah.”
“I actually know plenty of couples like that,” Luke assures me. “You know, from school… people who just don’t have a life, so they glom on to someone else’s—be it for money, or stability, or just because they think that’s what they’re supposed to do straight out of college. And trust me… they’re insufferable.”
“Yeah,” I say. “I’m sure they are. But… some of them must really be in love.”
“They probably think they are,” Luke says. “But when they’re that young, how do they even know what love is?”
“Um,” I say. “The way I know I love you?”
“Ah.” He reaches out to cup my cheek in his hand, smiling tenderly down at me. “That’s sweet. But I’m not talking about us. Hey, I almost forgot.” He raises his glass. “To the new job.”
“Oh,” I say, a little surprised. My new job is the last thing on my mind at the moment. “Thanks.”
We clink rims.
I’m not talking about us,he’d said. That’s something, isn’t it? That he believes we’re different. Because we are different.
“Want to set the table?” Luke asks, as he checks the coq au vin—which is filling the apartment with such delicious aromas that I suspect Mrs. Erickson, from 5B, will be knocking soon, to ask if she can have a bite. “I think this is going to be ready in a minute or two.”
“Sure,” I say—then, with elaborate casualness as I hop down from the stool and walk over to the case on the sideboard where Mrs. de Villiers keeps her silver—not her silver WARE. Her silver. Which has to be hand-washed after use, and put back in its special antitarnish cloth-lined case—so I can set the table, “So if he isn’t proposing, what is it?”
“What is what?” Luke wants to know.
“What Chaz told you not to tell me,” I say.
“Oh.” Luke laughs. “You promise not to say anything to Shari?”
I nod.
“He’s thinking about surprising her with a cat. From the animal shelter. You know. For the two of them. Because Shari loves animals so much.”
I blink at him. Because Shari doesn’t love animals. Chaz does. Chaz must be thinking about getting a cat for himself. Which isn’t a wonder. I mean, he’s alone so much, with Shari working all the time, he probably just wants some company. I kind of know the feeling, with Luke in classes all day.
But I don’t say this out loud. Instead I smile and say, “Oh.”
“Remember, don’t tell her,” Luke warns me. “You’ll ruin the surprise.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” I lie. “I won’t tell her.”
Because you have to tell your best friend when her boyfriend is pla
Jeez. Guys really are weird.
Know your…
Bridal-gown necklines!
Halter neck—This cut features straps of material that join at the back of the neck. While it looks great on women with nice shoulders, it is usually cut low in back, making finding a bra difficult.
Scoop or round neckline—U-shaped neckline, often cut similarly low in both front and back. Flattering on just about anyone!
Sweetheart neckline—A heart-shaped neckline that is low in front and high in back.
Queen A
Off-the-shoulder neckline—This style features small sleeves or straps which actually sit just below the shoulder, leaving the shoulders and collarbone bare. This is not an ideal look for brides with wide shoulders, but it works nicely for curvy brides with full or medium-sized bosoms.
Strapless—This figure-hugging bodice has no straps or sleeves. Fuller-figured or broad-shouldered brides often look best in this style.
V-neck—Just like it sounds! This neckline dips to a V shape in front, which deemphasizes a large bustline.
Square—Again, just like it sounds. A neckline shaped like a square, and one that looks good on nearly everyone!
Bateau—This wide-necked look follows the collarbone to the edge of the shoulders, where the front and back panels join.
Jewel—Round and high cut, this style is good for small-busted brides, or those who belong to churches that frown on showing the upper chest and collarbone area for reasons of modesty.
Asymmetrical—This neckline, different on one side than it is on the other, often precludes its wearer from being able to find a suitable bra. Unless your dressmaker can put in built-in support, you’re going to have to wear a strapless bra or go braless if you choose this design… and is that really the first impression you want to give your future in-laws?
LIZZIE NICHOLS DESIGNS™