Burgundy

Date Night

 Ten years. Over three thousand six hundred and fifty-two days since his world had turned inside out. In the most magnificent way.

He could not wait to see her—the source of his stress, frustration, and sometimes his anger, but most of all, his love. They had not seen each other in over a week, with him being away in Sydney for a conference. He missed her. She was his lifeline, there was no denying that, especially after ten years together. He caught himself after year one, realising that he indeed counted each and every day since she entered his life.

After many years together, one would think that couples would settle into a more toned-down rhythm, but they were the living proof that things could be different; and in their world, things were definitely as fresh as day one. They continued to be the epitome of love and sensuality; the sexual tension was always a constant wherever they went. They were still the source of town gossip from time to time, 'loose morals' being the top comment, especially between the looks of Aunt P's friends and generation, but who's paying attention? He loved that woman and felt no shame nor embarrassment whenever showing her some affection, be that in public or between family.

That evening though, she made plans for them without sharing any details with him, which made him rather anxious. Lately whenever she sprung those on him, said plans involved fundraisers on behalf of Aunt Prudence, who was down with influenza, but already on the mend; but worse than attending fundraisers with Aunt Prudence, was doing things on her behalf. All Phryne had said was 'Be home and ready at 1900!'

He was waiting at the foot of the stairs, looking around taking in the layout, he was, up until then, adjusting to the new house they had recently moved into. He still caught himself missing the coziness of her place, which eventually became theirs, at St Kilda. The new place felt impersonal and way too grand for him. He was in his head when he heard distant heeled steeps coming from the upper level.

Upon glancing at the top of the staircase, his heart skipped a beat, wearing this sort of attire should be illegal, but that's Phryne we are talking about.

He could not take his eyes off her as she descended, is she moving in slow motion or am I simply having a stroke? It certainly felt that way to him and he genuinely felt lightheaded at the view, is she wearing something above the knees?

She was wearing a burgundy dress, but not just any dress one would see during those times, wartime; being at her core, a modern and daring woman, pushing and testing the societal norms and boundaries was what she did best, and effortlessly, one might add.

The dress was form-fitting, accentuating her curves in the most heavenly way imaginable. The hem reached just above the knees; the sleeves being 3/4, hanging off the shoulders, exposing her immaculate collarbone and freckles to him. He thought he could perish just by the view. She completed the outfit with modern nude stiletto heels with rhinestone accents. It looks higher than what she usually goes for, he thought, but who was he to complain, especially when those drew attention to her legs graciously.

As she went down the stairs, Phryne made sure to walk slower, 'these damn heels,' her choice of heels were indeed a bit higher than she would prefer, but she could not possibly let the opportunity pass by. Once catching Jack's face, her heart fluttered at missing him and at his expression, she simply loved that man.

Another detail dawned on him as she reached the foot of the stairs. As she made her way down to the last step, he gasped when he saw part of her thigh. He looked at her face and saw a hint of cheekiness in her eyes and he was ready to devour her. When their eyes met, she would be lying if she said her next steps didn't falter, as her knees almost gave out.

He shortened the distance between them, swearing under his breath and hoped she wouldn't have heard him. He thanked the staircase of the new house for being longer, for it gave him time to remember how to speak again.

"What was that, dear?" She said with a smitten face, trying to feign ignorance, even though she had heard him perfectly.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" was all he could coherently say, motioning to her appearance.

"What? This little thing?" She put her hand in her chest as if in shocked innocence while looking down at her outfit.

"I really hope we are not going to one of your aunt's social engagements tonight because I cannot promise I'll be able to control myself while making small talk with old men, who will most certainly be ogling, I should point out!"

She positively laughed at his blunt confession. She could only imagine the things he would do to her.

"I've missed you too darling." she said as she pulled at his lapels and brought him close for an embrace while he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. Oh, she missed him.

They held each other for a few minutes and when they pulled apart, he said, "But in all seriousness, is this a new dress? I have not seen it before and definitely looks risqué."

"Indeed it is. I just picked it up this morning. It came all the way from America from my dear friend Anna, remember her? There was a preview for an upcoming Mainbocher collection. It's not supposed to come out for another two years. Do you like it?" she said with a mischievous tone.