Discovering Mack

22| Twenty-Two

Double update! Make sure you read chapter twenty- one first!

I'm nervous. School girl going on her first date with the guy she's had a crush on forever type nervous. It's ridiculous really, because it's just Tristan. Alright, there's no just Tristan. So what if I've realised my feelings have changed, things between us haven't actually changed.

Ok that's a lie too. There has been some flirting going on all week and lots of nice gestures. Apparently Saturday night and that moment by the fire changed things for both of us, only neither of us has said it out loud or actually done that much about it.

Tristan has sent a good morning text every day this week, so that's new. He has met us with coffee before work everyday too, not necessarily new, usually whichever of us was arriving first would grab the coffee. However this week, Tristan seems to have made a point to be first and waiting each day.

For the most part, things have been normal. Except when I would find my eyes drifting to Tristan, where I would then just daydream all these fake scenarios about a life with him until a phone ringing or an email notification would snap me out of it. A few times I felt his eyes follow me if I left my desk, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit to putting a little extra sway in my step hoping he kept watching.

That brings me to now. Imogen has just finished with my hair and make up, and she should honestly be doing this for a living! I feel amazing and I look great.

As Scarlett suggested, my hair is in a high pony, only we curled my hair, then brushed them through creating luscious waves to give texture and volume. She left a few strands of hair around my face to soften the look.

My make up isn't heavy, as per my request. For my eyes though, she gave me a natural smokey eye using browns and a gold shimmer, making green eyes really pop. Last, is the dress, silver shoes, teardrop drop earrings and no other jewellery so the dress takes centre stage.

With one final twirl in the mirror, I double check that I have everything I need in my clutch, including the card for the happy couple, and make my way down the hallway to where Tristan is waiting.

The moment is oddly reminiscent of a high school formal, or if this were America, how I imagine stepping out to meet your prom date would feel.

Tristan is standing in the lounge in a navy fitted suit with a white shirt, a narrow navy tie and tan coloured dress shoes. He wears a shirt every day, but the whole look together and extra attention paid to the way his hair is slicked back and he is delicious. He turns when I enter and his jaw drops as I do a twirl for him.

"What do you think?" I ask.

"Mack, you are stunning," he replies somewhat breathlessly. "Fucking beautiful" he mutters under his breath.

"Thank you. Imogen helped, so big thanks to her!" I say, giving credit where it's due.

"Nonsense," Imogen says from beside Scarlett. "I only highlighted your assets, you're already beautiful."

I smile gratefully at her, while Scarlett suggests we get a photo for Instagram before we leave and then ushers us out the door. It really does feel like a school formal rather than someone else's engagement party!

***

Our Uber pulled up to the front of the address we gave him in South Melbourne. As with many venues in Melbourne, they look unassuming from the front, like derelict old warehouses. Once you step through the doors though, it was like entering an alternate universe.

Tristan places his hand on the bare small of my back as we walk towards the door. I try to hide the shiver his intimate touch sends through my body, and blame the goosebumps on the cold autumn air instead. Before we can open the door we are stopped in our tracks by another car pulling up with my best friend sticking her head out the window yelling to us.