Terri stood in the mirror, checking her makeup once again. She smoothed down a couple of stray eyebrow hairs and cursed herself for not getting them touched up. This was the day that she had been dreading for the past few weeks.
"Terri, come on. Get out of there. I'm sure you look beautiful, so stop worrying," Zack called through the bathroom door.
Terri felt the corners of her mouth turning downward. It was just like Zack to minimize a situation that felt momentous in Terri's mind. It would be the first time she and Zack made an appearance together as a couple in the high society circles that his mother ran in. Tonight was the annual charity ball and Terri knew that she had to make a good impression, at least for Melinda's sake if nothing else.
"Zack, get the hell away from the door or when I do come out, you'll be sorry."
Zack sighed and walked back towards the couch. He wished Terri wouldn't stress out about the dance. It was, after all, just a dance. Terri had blown it all out of proportion, talking about how she had to make a good impression. He wished that she realized that it didn't matter what anyone else thought about them, his parents had already given their blessing and there was nothing that was going to stop him from marrying her. She was the woman that he planned on spending the rest of his life with.
But it was impossible to get her to change her mind about what tonight meant. As far as he was concerned, it was a chance for them to get out, see some of his old friends and have a good time. He supposed that once she was there, she'd calm down. If he had time, he'd throw her onto the bed and have his way with her, then she would be too exhausted to worry about what was going to happen. It had worked most days that week, but there just wasn't enough time, especially considering how long it was taking her to get ready. She would probably try to kill him if he messed up her hair, since she had spent hours at the beauty shop getting it done.
When Terri finally emerged from the safety of the bathroom, Zack felt a wave of awe sweep over him. She seemed to glow in her gown, which molded to her large breasts and thin waist, then flared out as it got closer to the floor. The light blue dress had sequined designs that caught the light and made her look like an angel, an angel that he had no problem trying to corrupt.
"Baby, you look beautiful. Absolutely amazing," Zack breathed.
Terri gave him a saucy smile. " Did you ever doubt it?"
Zack laughed, realizing that he had once again been holding his breath while taking in Terri's visage. Then thinking about tonight, he frowned. How long would he be able to last before he took Terri somewhere and ravished her? His eyes roamed the planes of her body again. Not very long, not long at all. ***
Terri's eyes widened as she scanned her surroundings. This place was gorgeous. A row of large columns stood before her. She gaped as she passed between them and into the entrance of the hall, which was filled with crystal, marble and lace. Her heels clicked against the rose and white marble floor as she walked in. Rows of crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and candelabras on the walls provided delicate lighting that helped set the mood.
Terri walked into the ballroom and sighed. She was starting to feel like Cinderella, out of place, but glad to be there. The tables around the perimeter of the dance floor were draped in white tablecloths and golden dyed flowers in thin glass vases sat atop them, serving as centerpieces.
While Terri was busy taking in her surroundings, Zack scanned the hall for people he knew and people he wanted to stay away from. While looking, he spotted his parents across the room. He watched as his father rose from his seat and made his way toward the bar that was stationed in the corner. Zack guided Terri over to the table where his mother was perched, looking very much like a queen herself.
When Melinda saw the couple approaching, she rose, her face showing her joy at their arrival. Terri couldn't help but return the smile. Melinda was one of the easiest women to get along with and that was good, especially if Terri gave in and married Zack. She wouldn't have to worry about the mother-in-law drama that she had heard so much about.
Melinda was wearing a gown that even J-Lo would be envious of. The dark blue dress had a deep V, reaching downwards to her navel. It was pulled together below her breasts by a delicate diamond design that reminded Terri of flower petals, reaching all the way around the dress. Melinda sported shoes that were lined in stones that matched her dress and Terri wouldn't be surprised if they were diamonds too.
Melinda gathered them both up in a hug. "I'm so glad that you two could make it."
"Well, it was tough getting Terri out of the bathroom, but I guess it takes time to look as beautiful as she does," Zack teased.
Terri rolled her eyes. "I had to hide myself until the last possible minute so Zack wouldn't try anything. I know you tried to teach him how to be a gentleman, Melinda, but your son can be a total caveman sometimes."
Melinda laughed. "I think he gets that from his father. I'm surprised I even made it here tonight."
Zack grimaced. "Whoa there, Mom. I refuse to think about you and Dad doing anything other than playing bridge together. Stop before you make me puke at your fancy party."
Melinda just shook her head. "Terri, come and let me introduce you to some friends of mine. Zack, you can come along if you promise to behave yourself."
"I'll be on my best behavior if it means I can accompany the two most stunning women here. Hey, I'll even promise not to say anything smart-assed to your friend Pamela."