“That’s not happening. We have a plan, and you’re going to stick to it, missy.” Lena points her finger at me. “Besides, I want to see my son’s expression when he sees you all fancied up.”
“You’ll learn to read between the lines, Layla girl, that means she wants to take a thousand pictures just like she did when the boys were in high school.”
“That’s my right,” Lena fires back. “Now, how about a late lunch before we put you into that dress?”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. It’s tight.”
“And you’re a tiny thing. Trust me. You’ll be nervous enough tonight around all those stiffs. Eating now is important. We don’t need you passing out on us.”
“Don’t think my boy could handle that.” Stanley chuckles.
I follow them into the kitchen where I help Lena make us some chicken salad sandwiches with chips. “Thank you both for everything,” I say as we sit down to eat. “The boys are lucky to have had the two of you growing up.”
“You have us now too. I don’t know the extent of what your childhood was like, but I do know that you are a part of this family. We’re always here if you need us,” Lena says sweetly.
“Remember that, darlin’,” Stanley adds. “No matter what, we’re here for you. That’s what family does.”
Not all families, but I keep that to myself. They already know that this is new to me. “I’m nervous,” I admit. “About tonight. I’ve never been anywhere fancy. What if I use the wrong fork or say something wrong? I don’t want my lack of experience with these kinds of things to look bad on you or your company.”
“It’s the boys’ company now.” Stanley chuckles. “Besides, there is nothing you could say or do to damage anything.”
“Just be you, Layla. Let Owen guide you, and you’ll be fine. There will be some stuffy people who will tip their nose up at you. But remember, if we were there, they would be doing the same thing. It’s not you. It’s them. They think the zeros in their bank account give them the right to be rude. They live in a fantasy world. They are no better than the rest of us but pretend to be,” Lena explains.
I nod, letting their advice sink in. “I’m excited too,” I tell them. “This is new for me and something I always wanted to do, just never could.” I stop myself before going on to tell them our money woes and that I worked to keep food on the table, and drugs in my mother. Going to prom like a normal teenager wasn’t even on my radar.
Staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror, I feel and look like a princess. My dress is dark navy blue. The fabric crosses over one shoulder, leaving the other exposed. The length flows to the floor, with a slit up the side of my leg. I’m wearing strappy silver heels with a thick heel because I’m new at this. Lena assured me a thick heel would make it easier, and she was right. I’m a little wobbly but able to stand and walk without the fear of breaking my neck.
A soft knock at the door pulls me from the mirror. “Come in,” I call out.
Lena sneaks her head inside the door. “Oh, Layla,” she breathes. “You’re breathtaking. Owen isn’t going to know what to do with himself.” She smiles widely. “I have something for you.” She steps further into the room and closes the door.
“Lena, thank you for everything. For shopping and today. I’ve never had these kinds of moments, and I’ve really enjoyed my time with you.”
She nods as her eyes shimmer with tears. “I’ve enjoyed it too.” She hands me a small black box.
Slowly, I take the box from her hands and open the lid. I gasp when I see a pair of diamond stud earrings. “Lena, they’re beautiful.”
“Thank you. I thought they would complete your outfit.”
“I can’t wear these. What if I lose them?”
“Sweetheart, you won’t, and if you do, that’s okay. They’re material things. As long as my family is safe and healthy, losing an earring isn’t going to affect us.”
“I’ve never worn anything so beautiful or expensive.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything. Try them on. Owen will be here soon.”
My hands shake as I place them in each ear, then pivot to look in the mirror. “Are you sure about this?” I ask, turning to look at her from over my shoulder.
“Positive. You’re beautiful, Layla.” She nods, her own eyes shimmering with unshed tears. The doorbell rings and her smile grows. “That’s him. Stanley told him he had to knock.” She giggles. “Now, I’m going to go down and call for you. That way, you can make a grand entrance.”
“Is this really necessary?” I ask.
“You bet it is. My boys have always had it too easy when it came to women. Please don’t take that the wrong way, but those Riggins genes are strong. I knew that when one came along that made each of them work for it, I was going to enjoy it. Please don’t take that from me.” She bats her eyelashes.
“Oh, fine,” I concede with a laugh.
“That’s my girl. Now, you have a good time this evening. Just be you, Layla.”
“Thank you.” I lean in and give her a hug. “I promise I’ll return your earrings. I’ll take good care of them.”
“Just take good care of you and my son, and we’re all set.” Deep voices carry up the steps. “He’s not going to let us play this game long. Not knowing you’re up here. I’ll call for you.” With another quick hug, she’s rushing out the door and back down the stairs.
Glancing around the room, Owen’s childhood room, I try to picture him growing up here. Trophies are still sitting on top of his dresser and there’s a football jersey framed and hanging on the wall. I would have loved to have known him then.
“Layla! Your date’s here,” Lena calls up the steps.
“Really, Ma?” I hear Owen chuckle.
“Here goes nothing,” I whisper into the quiet room. With one foot in front of the other, step after step, I make my way downstairs. I hear Owen’s intake of breath as our eyes lock. I get lost in an ocean of dark blue as his heated gaze stays on me. Once I reach the bottom step, he holds out his hand, helping me clear it.
“Hey, baby.” He leans down and kisses my cheek.
“No funny business with my girl,” Stanley says. He tries to sound stern but fails miserably as Lena smacks his arm.
“I need a couple of pictures.”
“By a couple, she means a couple hundred.” Stanley laughs.
“You’re— I don’t have the words, Layla. Breathtaking, gorgeous, beautiful, magnificent, Hell, all of it. You’re everything,” Owen says, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me to his side.
“I’m going to need you all to look at me for a few of these,” Lena announces.
I turn to face her and realize she’s been snapping pictures. I can’t wait to see them. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll make you copies,” she assures me, reading my mind.
Owen and I pose for countless pictures, and she even has Stanley join us and then has him take a few of her with us as well.