CHAPTER 10
Veronica had a hard time keeping her mind away from this pressing issue for the next couple of days. She tried and tried to sort everything out, but even after hours and hours agonizing over it, she had not come any closer to finding a solution or making a decision.
By the time Friday afternoon rolled around, she was nearly a complete mess. She was anxious about seeing Calvin after having spent this time without him, and knowing all the things she had done in that time.
She really was on the verge of a complete mental breakdown.
So, she was very caught off guard when Frank showed up at his home a little earlier than usual. He greeted his daughters, and then gave her a small smile.
“Go on up and start getting ready,” he said softly. “I’ve got the girls.”
Veronica nodded, unable to verbally respond, and headed up the stairs. She made it into her room, but stopped short as she saw a box on the bed. She looked closer and saw a note card lying on top of the box.
She hesitantly moved closer, and picked up the card.
‘Wear this on your date. I know it will look incredible on you. -Frank’
Veronica felt her heart clench as she read the note. As if it wasn’t enough to be playing with Calvin’s emotions, she was also acutely aware that Frank had feelings for her, and wanted her to stay with him.
She was tempted to simply ignore the box and refuse to wear the dress. But she knew that he would insist, and she didn’t want to risk hurting his feeling over something that only cost a tiny fraction of his fortune. She would wear the dress, and she would thank him profusely for it.
Slowly, Veronica opened the box, and she gasped at what she saw. It was a deep purple dress that she already knew would accentuate all of her curves in just the right way. It was complete with a neckline that would serve to show off her generous cleavage, but not so much as to be tacky.
Veronica couldn’t wait to put it on. She found a pair of black lace bra and panties that would easily compliment the dress, and then she slipped on the garment itself. She gasped as she saw herself in the mirror. She was shocked to find it fit her perfectly, and with a pair of black heels it would give her a classy, elegant look.
Veronica hastily took off the dress, all but too eager to put it back on when her hair and makeup were done. She went into the bathroom and picked up her speed on that whole process. She found the perfect pair of black heels to go with the dress, and then put on the dress and shoes. She selected a black clutch to complete the look, as well as a matching set of pearl necklace and earrings.
She was observing herself in the mirror when she saw her door open from its reflection, and she stiffened a little as Frank walked into the room.
“Hey,” he said softly, and she watched his jaw drop slightly as he took in her wardrobe. She felt heat rush into her cheeks, and she couldn’t help but smile up at him.
“Thank you for the dress,” she said softly, feeling a flutter of arousal as his eyes swept hungrily over her.
“Thank you for wearing it,” he said, his voice husky. “You look stunning.”
Veronica dipped her head out of modesty.
“I wish it was me taking you out tonight,” Frank said softly as he moved closer to her. He placed his hands on her waist, and she could tell he was being careful so as not to wrinkle the material of her dress.
“I wish it was too,” Veronica said softly, and she meant it.
Frank gave her a sad smile and sighed.
“Well if you go on a date with me at any point,” he said speculatively. “I’ll just have to buy you an even nicer dress.”
Veronica smiled up at him, knowing that he was quite capable of doing so. They were both quiet for a moment, feeling a bit awkward for the first time she could remember since they had met.
“Are you ready?” Frank asked her.
“I think so,” Veronica said, though she was having a hard time keeping her voice from shaking.
“It’s a little chilly out, you might need a coat,” Frank said.
“Oh, thank you,” Veronica nodded, and moved into her closet to find an overcoat. She had forgotten that the chill of autumn was creeping up on them and that the warmth of summer was disappearing. She couldn’t help but think that somewhat metaphoric for her life at the moment.
Veronica stepped out of her closet with the coat and began the process of putting it on.
“Here, let me,” Frank stepped forward, and held the coat so that she could more easily put her arms through it.
“Thank you,” she said when she was securely wrapped in the garment.
“Of course,” Frank nearly whispered. Veronica could feel tension building between them, and she could see Frank’s jaw working.
“You know,” he finally spoke after what seemed like ages. “All I want to do right now is take you and kiss you, so that when you kiss Calvin tonight, it won’t be your lips he’s tasting, but mine.”
Veronica wanted to tell him that her lips already were his, and that if he had not already physically claimed her at this point, then one more kiss wouldn’t magically do the trick. Besides, she knew what he was saying, and she didn’t want the moment between them to be ruined by useless logic.
“Anyway,” frank cleared his throat. “I came up to let you know that Thomas is outside with the car for you.”
Veronica was a little relieved that Thomas would be driving her. She had gotten to know him better and better during her time her, as he was a member of the staff. He was kind, and she knew he would not judge her for where she was going, and he wouldn’t badger her with questions about her situation.
“May I help you to the car?” Frank offered, extending his hand to her.
Veronica gave him a nod, and took his offered hand. A little more slowly than they might have normally walked, he led her down the grand staircase and out the front door. Veronica saw Thomas waiting by the rear door to help her in, but with a nod from Frank, he moved to get into the Driver’s seat.
Veronica felt her nerves mounting up inside of her as she approached the car, and when Frank opened the door for her, she hesitated to get in.
“Everything alright?” Frank raised an eyebrow at her, and Veronica could hardly find her voice to speak with him.
“I…” she trailed off for a moment, feeling vulnerable. “I’m scared.”
“Don’t be scared,” Frank assured her softly. “Just try to go out and have a good time. Don’t think about right or wrong or making decisions. Just go out, and stay calm.”
Veronica nodded, and she took a deep breath. She had known Calvin for years. There was no reason to be getting so worked up over a simple date with him. Somehow, though, in such a short time, she felt like everything had changed.
Veronica lowered herself into the car, allowing Frank to help her as she did so. He bent over so he could smile in at her.
“You said you’d be back by midnight?” Frank asked.
“That’s right,” Veronica smiled up at him, taking comfort in the fact that no matter what happened on her date, she was still coming back to her life here afterward.
“Good,” frank said, and she heard a trace of humor in his voice. “That’s about when the spell wears off, or so they say.”
Veronica laughed aloud. She debated telling him that Calvin had also made a Cinderella joke, buts he decided the information was not quite welcome.
“I’ll miss you,” veronica said softly. She had not spent an afternoon away from him since she had known him, and this was more than a little strange to her.
“I’ll see you soon,” Franks aid comfortingly. “You should get going, you don’t want to be late.”
“Alright,” Veronica agreed, sounding very calm considering her heart had just leapt into her throat.
“Have a good date,” Frank said, a little acidity in his tone.
“Thank you,” Veronica said.
With that Frank closed the door and patted the hood of the car, and Thomas pulled out of the driveway, taking Veronica to her date with Calvin.