Modern Arrangements: Complete Trilogy (Modern Arrangements #1-3) (39 page)

I laughed.

"Don’t worry, Viola will surely
keep her on her best behavior."

"That’s what I’m afraid of. You
know that brunch for Viola equals mimosa’s right?" She raised her full
brow when she asked.

"True," I laughed.

"You don’t even want to know what
she was going on about the other night at her house." I saw Lilli almost
shudder.

"I’m probably going to regret this,
but what?" I braced myself.

"Well, first it started off with
her questioning our sex life and how it was," she shrugged "Then
–"

"Wait, she was asking about our sex
life?" I choked. Lilli nodded. "What did you say to her?"

"Nothing," she looked at me, her
expression unreadable. "I ended up telling her that it was fine, but
that’s not the point." She covered her face. After she removed her hands
she continued. "She decided to tell me how Liam is a master in the
bedroom…" She bent down to put on shoes, but shot back up. "Oh and in
the living room, bathroom, dining room –"

"I get it!" I shuddered.

"Hey, you asked, remember?"
She giggled and finished putting her shoes on. " I need to get going, I’ll
see you later, okay?"

She started to walk past me, but I
grabbed her arm.

"What?" She turned with
question all over her face. I leaned over and kissed her firmly.

"Have a good day, but be back here
in time to leave by six, okay?"

She seemed a little stunned.

"Um…okay." She smiled very
briefly and then quickly left.

I spent the rest of the day handling
some work issues and setting up for our ‘date’ tonight. I had thought over
everything she said before our first date, especially her comment about being
okay with McDonalds. So, I decided to do something a little less over-the-top,
as she liked to call it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When five thirty came around and she
wasn’t home yet, I was starting to get extremely anxious. She burst through the
front door, apologizing the entire time.

"I am sooo sorry. I completely lost
track of time!" She ran up the steps. I followed after her. "Give me
twenty minutes and I will –"

I grabbed her by the waist as she was
flitting around the bedroom.

"You look fine."

'What?" She looked herself over.
"I’m in jeans and a blouse." She headed into her closet. "Just
give me –"

"Lilli, just put this on." I
pulled a sweater from the top shelf and started to put it over her head. She
looked at me curiously as I pulled her oversized sweater down. "Come
on," I grabbed her hand and pulled her through the house.

"What –?"

"Surprise," I sang out with a
laugh as she growled at me.

"You and your damn…Aidan? When?
Did…? Is this..?"

"This is for you…well, for
us." I smiled and pulled her into my side as we headed to the large stone
patio in the backyard.

The fire pit was lit and the loveseat
covered with thick warm blankets. Earlier that day I had candles placed out
around the patio and about twenty dozen yellow and orange roses arranged around
the area.

"It’s great," she smiled up to
me genuinely. "It really is."

"I’m glad you like it," I
gestured for her to sit down on the small loveseat and sat down next to her.

She relaxed back into the pillows that
were covering the seat and I wrapped a large thick blanket over us. We watched
the fire crackle and looked up at the cold clear night.

"Now, for dinner," I announced
after I saw the text on my cell, she started to get up. "Where are you
going?"

"Uh…"

"Sit down. I have a special dinner
planned for you." I smirked and she eyed me suspiciously.

Jay appeared and was walking toward us
with a large white bag. He handed me the bag and I heard Lilli laughing.

"Thank you, Jay," I patted his
arm as he moved back from me.

"Thanks, Jay," Lilli giggled.
I turned to her. "I can’t believe you got McDonalds."

"Hey, I aim to please." I
reached in and handed her a Hamburger and Fries. We sat eating our McDonalds as
we talked, laughed. We, then, cuddled up together in complete silence.

Once again, I found myself contemplating
what it would be like for me if she wasn’t in my life. Could I convince her
that I didn’t need four years of marriage, instead, what I needed was a
lifetime with her?

She shifted. I looked down to see her
sleeping soundly against my chest, her hand lying almost over my heart. I
placed my hand on top of hers and whispered.

"I love you, Lilli."

Chapter Eight

Black and White

Lilli

Aidan had been really being caring and
romantic over the past couple of weeks, starting with our outdoor McDonald's
dinner. I was silently cursing myself for allowing these feelings to creep over
my body. I'm not sure of his intentions or what was driving him to do all these
things. I mean, was it all driven by the arrangement? His need for an heir? Was
it just for sex? Or was it because he was genuinely feeling something?

It felt genuine, but, in our situation,
I was completely confused and frustrated with the way I was feeling.

I sighed heavily at my internal struggle
and finished up in the shower. Phoebe and Celia would be here in about an hour.
We were heading over to Viola's to get the last fittings completed for our
gowns as well as looking at the masks that would match our dresses. I shook off
my confusion and got out of the shower to finish getting ready.

Once I was dressed, I headed down to the
study, knowing that Aidan was in there working. I wanted to tell him that I was
heading out soon. However, when I got to the door I couldn't help but over hear
his loud frustrated voice.

"I am not going to discuss this
with you any further." His voice was annoyed and stern. "I already
told you that I had taken care of it." He sighed heavily. "It has
been taken care of, now drop it." I jumped as a thud sounded behind the
door.

"I realize that you are concerned.
Obviously, I know the repercussions for the company and the family. Things are
taken care of and I've already taken the steps toward the final security of the
company." He sounded defeated now and tired. My mind was reeling from his words.
Clearly it was something to do with losing the company. Could it be the
inheritance terms? And what did he mean by arranged and taken care of?

When I heard him end the call I took a
deep breath and a couple of steps back. Walking back towards the door, I
lightly knocked on the door.

"Aidan?" I swallowed my
suspicious feelings and leaned in.

"Lilli," he smiled and stood
from his seat. He looked so tired.

"Um...are you okay?"

He immediately looked nervous. Was that
guilt?

"Of course," he forced a smile.
"Just work getting crazy again." He sighed and ran his hand through
his hair.

"Oh..." I could almost see the
word liar flashing across his forehead.

"Well, I'm going to be heading out
soon. Don't forget that you’re supposed to meet Liam and the guys at the tux
shop." I forced a quick smile and then quickly tried removing myself from
the room. I couldn't help the way that I was feeling about his actions and the
conversation that I overheard.

"Lilli?" I turned around as he
walked closer to me. He didn't say anything, just wrapped his arms around me
and kissed my forehead. I pulled back before he was ready to let go and headed
out of the room without saying a word.

"Mrs. Iverson, Miss Phoebe and
Celia have arrived and are waiting..."

"Come on, Lilli!" Phoebe
interrupted Jay and he rolled his eyes. "We've got gowns to put on. Yeah!"

"Calm down, midget!" Celia
growled at Phoebe, earning her a glare.

"I'm coming, I'm coming. Are we
ready?" I pulled on my coat and grabbed my purse.

"Of course," Phoebe smiled widely.

"Then let's go." I smiled back
and gestured for her to walk out the door.

We pulled up to Viola's and slowly
climbed out of the car.

"What's going on?" I turned my
head to see a curious Celia looking at me.

"Nothing," I mumbled out.

"Uh-uh, that’s not going to
work," It was Phoebe's turn to look me over.

"I just overheard a conversation
that Aidan was having before we left and, well, it just sounded weird." I
shrugged. "I don't know why I'm letting it bother me." I took a deep
breath and forced a smile. "Come on," I motioned my head toward the
front door and started walking.

"You know you can talk to us about
anything, Lilli. No matter how small or stupid you think that it is."
Phoebe spoke as she wrapped her arm in mine.

I leaned my head against the side of
hers.

"I know," I sighed out.

Maggie met us at the door and, after
greeting us with hugs, she tugged Phoebe along with her.

"It's scary how alike they are.” Celia
giggled as she wrapped her arm over my shoulder.

I laughed.

Walking into the should-be-living room,
we were greeted with a large lunch table covered in white linens. There was a
long table pressed against an empty wall that had sandwiches, salad, breads,
fruit, and vegetables. Then, I saw the large pitcher of what looked to be orange
juice; however, I knew better. That glass pitcher was filled with mimosas.

"Lilli, Celia, come on!"
Maggie ran up and pulled us further into the room.

At the other end of the room were the
large floor length mirrors and garment racks. Viola was standing in her dress
while Madeline, the seamstress, was walking around her admiring her work.

Viola's gown was actually two separate
pieces. The bottom was a high waist skirt made of shiny black material, while
the top was a billowy blouse made from sheer black and white polka dotted
material. The fabric ruffled around her neck and down the low cut front. It was
elegant, but flirty and sexy, just like Viola.

"You look fabulous!" Phoebe
appraised with a large smile. "It's so perfect!" Phoebe looked
around. "Where are the masks?"

"On the table there, Miss,"
Madeline pointed to a large table behind Phoebe.

"Oh, Viola, this one would be
perfection!" Phoebe rushed over to her and helped her put on the mask.

As usual, where fashion is concerned,
Phoebe was right. It was a gold mask lined with black sequins, large black
braided thread, a large sequined flower design on the right side complete with feathers
and long dangling black and gray beads. Viola turned to us in full dress.

"Gorgeous, mom!" Maggie smiled
wide at her mother.

"Beautiful," Celia added.

"Perfect as usual," I smiled.

"I should have you guys around
every time I get dressed. My ego loves it!" Viola giggled. "Okay, okay.
Maggie your turn."

Maggie rushed to Madeline who was
unzipping a large black garment bag.

"Here you go, Miss Maggie."
Maggie took the black bundle of material and hurried behind the curtain of the
changing area.

I looked around for Viola and, sure
enough, found her with a mimosa in her hand as she sat down in a chair.

"Should you be eating and drinking
in your gown?" I raised a brow as I sat down with a mimosa and croissant.

She waved me off and took a large sip.

"That's what the dry cleaners are
for," she giggled.

"How many of those have you
had?" Celia asked as she sat on the other side of Viola.

"Just a couple..." I raised an
eyebrow at her. "Okay, so this is number four, but it's a girl
brunch." She held out her glass. Celia and I raised ours and tapped
glasses with her.

"I'm ready!" Maggie came out
and stood on the small stage. Madeline quickly walked around her, ensuring that
more alterations weren’t necessary.

"It's definitely you, Maggie. It's
beautiful." I smiled at her and then turned to Phoebe. "I still can't
believe that you created that from a white wedding gown, Phoebe." I said with
amazement.

Phoebe beamed.

"What can I say...I am sooo good!"
She laughed.

Maggie's dress was previously an off the
shoulder, white, princess wedding gown; however, Phoebe had redesigned the
dress for Maggie. It was now black, off the shoulder and fitted through the
waist. The dress puffed out in layers of different textures of fabric at the
waist; sheer black, heavy black stripe texture, black ruffled lace, black
velvet strip texture, ending with a sheer striped back. To top off the dress,
Phoebe had designed a black patent leather bodice that wrapped around like a
corset, lacing up the front instead of the back. The top was done in uneven angles,
along with wide stripes flowing out over the skirt of the dress. It was
completely Maggie and amazing!

"I love it!" Maggie was
bouncing and smiling a very toothy grin at Phoebe.

"I want you to try this mask with
it," Phoebe handed Maggie a black velvet mask lined in black braided
threading and frosted crystals. The mask almost looked as if it had horns, black
ribbons and sequins hanging from each side.

"Oh, Margaret, you look so
beautiful." Viola was off of her chair and walking around Maggie, pride
and adoration beamed on her face.

"Thank you," Maggie replied with
a large smile.

"Okay, Phoebe, your turn. Get in
there!" Maggie climbed down and smacked her on the butt.

Phoebe giggled and hurried to change.

Phoebe stepped out in a long black,
empire waist gown. It was solid black with a light sheer black fabric flowing
over top. Black crystals and beading circled the empire waist, fitting her tiny
little body with such perfection. The sheer fabric at her breast was pleated
with small sheer ruffling around the edge.

"Here, this mask," Maggie
handed her a black mask that almost looked as if black flames were rising from
around her eyes. The mask was a flat black with black swirls that glittered and
shined, and large black peacock looking feathers extending out on the right
side.

"Wow, just wow!" I walked over
and couldn't help but smile at her. As we were all appraising her, we heard
voices coming toward us. I looked up to see Elora enter the room. I started to
smile, but then Aunt Anne came in behind her and my smile faded. Let the fun
begin.

"I'm so glad that you could make
it," Viola greeted them.

"Thank you for including us, Viola."
Elora smiled and hugged her.

"Viola," Anne nodded and Viola
hugged her quickly.

"Anne," Viola smiled.

"I can't believe the ball is only a
week away," Anne smiled excitedly. Her eyes fell on me and a blank face fell
over her face. I sighed, turning my attention back to Phoebe.

"Hey there," Elora came up and
bumped hips with me.

"Hey you. I'm glad you made
it." I put my arm around her. "Why don't you go put on your dress and
model for us?"

"Oh, well, I'm afraid that Anne has
already started changing." She giggled and I rolled my eyes, giggling with
her.

Anne walked out of the make-shift
changing room. Now there was no denying that Anne was an attractive woman. She
had golden blond hair that was cut in a chin length bob and fringed around her
face. She had a thin straight nose, high cheekbones and full, nude lips. Her
eyes were hazel and her eyebrows were plucked to perfection.

Anne's gown was simple and elegant. It
was a black satin, strapless gown with a white satin sash that wrapped around
her back to her right shoulder, pinning at her left hip. The white sash flowed
down the left side of the dress to the floor.

"I think you should try this
mask" Phoebe handed the mask to Anne hesitantly.

Anne looked the mask over for a moment,
nodded, and then placed it on her face.

"Thank you...um..?"

"Phoebe," Phoebe reminded her.
Again.

It was a very simple white mask. The
white mask framed her eyes with lace and sequined flowers along each side. Long,
white feathers stretched out from the right side of the mask across the top of
her head, ending at the left. It was simple, but very complimentary to Anne and
her dress.

"I think that this will do. Thank
you, Phoebe." Phoebe smiled at Anne remembering her name as well as the positive
feedback.

"You look stunning, Anne,"
Viola appraised her with a smile.

"I agree, you look wonderful."
I added. Anne looked at me briefly and then smiled small and turned back to the
mirror.

"Thank you," she said in
general to the group and then stepped down. I really wasn't sure why she didn't
like me, but it was evident that there was something about me.

I sighed and then turned to Elora.

"Go get in that dress girl!"

Elora giggled and looked extremely
anxious to get it on.

Once she was dressed, she stepped out
and took her place in front of the mirror.

"Elora, it is so pretty." I
smiled at her. "Try this mask" Phoebe stated.

Elora's dress looked like a black and
white flower print. It hugged her curves tightly and was almost a halter like
neckline. The right side of the halter strap wrapped back behind her right
shoulder while the left came down over her chest. She looked stunning.

"Thanks, Phoebe," Elora put on
the mask. It was a silver mask covered in black lace, clear crystals on each
side with black feathers extending out of the right side. It complimented the
dress really well.