Autumn
The sun breaks through the clouds as I lie on the outdoor lounge overlooking the sprawling gardens. Finn is pacing on the lawn as he talks on his phone. After we’d explored the whole house, he wanted to call Wes and share his good news. I get the feeling that Wes is like a brother to Finn. By the sound of it, they’ve only had each other to rely on for most of their lives. It must be nice to have someone like that, someone to share everything with.
My mood darkens as I think of my mother and the man she married. Even though it’s been years, the ache in my chest is still fresh. Seattle will never be home for me again. Not that they’re ever likely to invite me back. I look at Finn to distract myself from going there again. Once I fall in the hole, it can be days before I climb back out. His face is lit up with a joyous expression. It’s definitely one I’ve never seen in any of the Infusion Deep video’s and interviews I’ve watched. His eyes are so beautiful they’re hypnotic. He finishes the call and comes toward me. My insides twist into knots as he reaches out a hand and pulls me to my feet.
“We need to celebrate Kitten.”
“What should we do Duckling?”
“Dinner and dancing my sweet Autumn girl.”
“Dinner I can do, dancing not so much.”
“Dinner it is then. Let’s go find Peg and see when we can move in.”
“You mean see when you can move in.”
Finn’s eyes go dark for a moment before the spark returns. “Of course, when I move in, and you promise to come and visit.”
He takes my hand again and guides me back through the house and into the front yard. Peg is there leaning against her car. She looks pleased about something. Finn slings an arm around her shoulders. “So when can I move my sh– stuff in?”
“Well I talked to the owners, and they’re happy to sell the house complete with the furniture. All their personal effects are already in storage. So the good news is you can move in as soon as you want. Of course you’ll have to pay rent until the settlement is final.”
Finn whoops loudly and twirls me around again. Just as I’m starting to feel dizzy he sets me back on my feet. “Do you have the paperwork for the lease agreement?”
Peg smiles brightly. “I have that right here Mr Holloway.” She whips out a folder and Finn signs again without even asking the price.
Finn holds out his hand and she drops the keys in his palm. “Pleasure doing business with you Peggy.”
“Enjoy your new home.” She gives us both a fake smile, gets in her fancy car and drives away.
I’m still in shock. I can’t believe how quickly this has all happened. It’s like another universe to the one I live in. Where doors magically open just because you have money. I wonder how long it took Finn to go from a penniless school boy to a confident business man. Even if he’s a little unorthodox in style.
“What’s your favorite restaurant in a hundred mile radius Sunshine?”
“Gee, only a hundred miles. Where’s your private jet?”
“Just say the word Petal and I’ll make it happen.”
I inwardly cringe at the thought of being the center of all that attention. “Um, I’ve always wanted to go to the one in the tower.”
“Ah, an excellent choice Rapunzel.”
“Thank you Prince Charming.”
“Ah, now there’s a name I could get used to.”
I playfully whack Finn across his bicep, before realizing what I’ve done. There’s also a part of me that can’t help noticing how strong he feels. His muscles are rock hard and my hand stings just a bit.
I babble to cover my embarrassment. “If you think I’m letting you climb up my hair, you’ve got another thing coming. For a start, it’s nowhere near long enough, not to mention that would hurt, a lot.”
“What if I shorten it to Zel?”
“Only if I can call you Char?”
“We’ll do it for tonight and see how it goes, yeah?”
He looks so adorable with a long dark lock of hair half covering one eye. He really is Prince Charming. I’m no princess though. Still, what harm can it do to pretend for one night?
“Okay. What now Char? If we’re going out to dinner, I need to go home and change.” My mind goes into panic mode. I don’t own anything appropriate for a fancy restaurant. Maybe I’ll have time to go to the mall after he drops me at home?
“That’s not how the story goes my sweet. First your fairy godmother has to make you a gown for the ball.”
“Um, I think that’s actually Cinderella.”
“Close enough.”
We pull up in front of a small shop. There are several beautiful dresses in the window. Finn has refused to tell me any more about what’s happening, and as much as I’ve complained. I’m secretly thrilled to be living out a fairytale.
“Don’t move Zel, or I’ll have to spank you.” Before I can argue, Finn is opening my door and offering me his hand.
“I don’t think princes talk like that Char.”
“Well this prince is a little unorthodox, but don’t worry, underneath he has a heart of gold.”
He may only be joking around, but I believe him. I’m feeling better than I have in months, the way he treats me like a regular human being, even when I’m behaving like a complete nut. As we enter the shop my mouth gapes open. The racks are filled with satin, velvet and lace. But the styles are something else entirely. It really is like a fairytale come to life with row upon row of fairytale dresses.
A beautiful woman appears from the back of the store. She has long auburn hair that is intricately braided around her head. She’s dressed in a dark green velvet dress with bell sleeves and a full skirt.
“Finn darling, so good to see you.”
She gives him a long hug that finally ends just as I’m beginning to feel like I’m intruding. Do they have a romantic history? She doesn’t look familiar, but then Finn isn’t known for having any long term relationships.
She finally turns toward me, glancing from head to toe. “And who is your lovely companion this evening?”
“This is Zel. She needs a dress for the ball.”
“Indeed, I have just the thing. You’ll love it. Wait here, please.”
This whole thing is surreal. Who even knew places like this existed?
“Ruby takes a bit of getting used to, but don’t worry she has impeccable taste.”
“I’m sure she does.” I say somewhat snarkily. Jealousy is not a positive trait.
Finn gives me an odd look but remains silent.
Ruby returns holding a garment bag over one arm. “Come with me Zel. Finn, you stay here. You know the rules.”
Okay, so I’m definitely not the first woman he’s brought here. Somehow having it confirmed cheapens the magic somewhat. I try to stuff my feelings of disappointment down as Ruby leads me to an oversized changing room. She hangs the bag on a hook and slides the zipper down. Inside is a rich red velvet dress with tiny diamonds over the bodice. It’s the most gorgeous thing I think I've ever seen.
“Do you want me to assist you into the dress?”
“No thanks, I’m sure I can manage.” The thought of having someone watch me undress is mortifying.
“Of course. Just let me know when you’re dressed and I’ll help you with the buttons at the back.”
Buttons? I know these dresses are fantasy-like, but surely a zipper or two wouldn’t hurt? I quickly slip out of my clothes and into the dress. Knowing Ruby is just behind the curtain makes me nervous. With the dress on, I look in the mirror. I really could be Rapunzel in this dress. It’s exquisite.
“All done?” Ruby enters the dressing room without waiting for an answer. She immediately begins doing up the tiny ruby buttons that close the dress at the back.
I want to ask Ruby about Finn and how long they’ve known each other, but I don’t know where to start. Before I can think of anything, she’s finished.
“Now let’s go and show Finn how amazing you look shall we Zel?”
“Um, okay.”
“I can see why he likes you so much.”
Is she being serious? I’ve barely managed to mutter two words. Maybe she’s being sarcastic and just sounding sincere? We head back out into the shop. Finn is leaning against the wall, only he’s no longer dressed in his jeans, he’s wearing a prince’s outfit, complete with a long cloak. A tingling feeling starts in my hands, which isn’t a good sign, but before I can start to panic I look into Finn’s eyes. His expression leave me breathless. It’s like I’m the water in the desert and he hasn’t had a drink for days. Or like I’m the air he needs to breathe.
“Have you got hair and make-up booked?”
Finn answers without looking away. “She doesn’t need it. She’s perfect the way she is.”
“Be that as it may Finn, let me at least run a brush through her hair and put a comb in.”
“You have ten minutes.”
Ruby efficiently detangles my hair. Pulling some of it back, she uses a glittery comb to hold it in place. Without a word Finn hands her his phone and puts his arm around my waist. I smile as I realize what’s happening. There will at least be photographic evidence that this was all real. When my life returns to normal, I will always have these photos to prove that once upon-a-time I was special.