“Oh, come on,” Mark said as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Everything’s going to be great. You know how amazing Nikki is. She planned every detail. And you in that dress? You’ll be the star of the night.”
That dress again.
Liv felt a knot tighten in her stomach.
“Mark, maybe I’ll just wear the blue one instead. You remember the one we chose together last year? It looks really good on me, too.”
Mark paused, turned toward her, and she caught something flicker in his eyes. Irritation, or was she imagining it?
“Liv, we already discussed this,” he said, his tone firm. “I ordered that dress specifically for your 50th. I spent good money on it, too. Ms. Reed worked hard tailoring it just for you. Are you trying to insult me?”
“No, of course not,” she responded quickly, a wave of guilt washing over her. “I just thought, never mind. I’ll wear your dress.”
“Good,” Mark said, and his expression instantly softened. “That’s my girl. Trust me, everyone’s going to be amazed.”
He climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom, leaving Liv sitting there with her arms wrapped around her knees.
What’s wrong with me? Why am I reacting like this to a simple request from my husband?
He was right. He’d spent money, gone out of his way to do something thoughtful for her. And here she was being dramatic over nothing but a dream.
She forced herself to get up and head to the kitchen to make breakfast. She switched on the electric kettle, pulled out eggs for an omelette, and sliced some bread. The routine steadied her a little, giving her something else to focus on besides the nagging worry.
Mark came out of the shower dressed and ready, hair neatly combed, the scent of his cologne filling the air.
“I’m heading into the office for a bit,” he said as he poured himself coffee. “Just need to sign a few documents. I’ll be back around lunch. What about you?”
“Just staying home,” Liv replied, stirring the omelette in the pan. “I’ll call Nikki. Then I need to start getting ready. And Ms. Reed said she’d be stopping by today to drop off the dress for the final adjustments.”
“Perfect,” Mark said, sitting at the table and picking up his fork. “So you’ll try it on tonight, and tomorrow everything will be perfect.”
They ate breakfast mostly in silence. Mark scrolled through the news on his phone, occasionally making a comment, while Liv nodded mechanically, barely hearing a word. She studied him, searching for something unusual, some sign that might justify her anxiety, but all she saw was the familiar Mark, slightly tired, preoccupied with work, yet calm.
After breakfast, he got ready and left. Liv walked him to the door, received a routine kiss, and found herself alone in the empty house. The silence was heavy. She wandered through the rooms, straightening curtains, dusting off imaginary particles, her movements automatic.
One thought spun endlessly in her mind.
The dress, her father’s warning.
Suddenly, the phone rang and she jumped. The seamstress’s name lit up the screen.
“Mrs. Sutton, good afternoon. This is Evelyn Reed. I’m just about to head your way. The dress is ready. Is now a good time?”
“Yes, yes, of course,” Liv said, glancing at the clock. “Come on over.”
“Wonderful. I’ll be there in half an hour.”
Liv hung up and sank onto the sofa. The dress was coming now, the very dress her father had warned her about in the dream. And what was she supposed to do? Call the seamstress and cancel? Toss aside her husband’s gift? On what excuse?
She rose and began pacing the room, wrapping her arms around herself.
She needed a diversion, anything to shift her focus. She picked up her phone and dialed her daughter’s number.
“Mom. Hey.” Nikki’s voice was bright. “How are you holding up?”
“A little anxious,” Liv tried to sound lively. “Everything ready at the Magnolia Grill?”
“Mom, I’ve told you a hundred times. Everything’s set. The table is arranged. The cake’s been ordered. The band confirmed. You just need to show up and enjoy. Congratulations.”
Liv smiled weakly.
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