Invisible

Chapter 6 Tripping Up

"Don't!" I hold up my hand as he opens his mouth.

"Come on guys, we've got a lot to do." Al changes the subject.

I hurry to finish removing the large chunk of roots and Sam jumps in, he's a lot stronger than I am so together we get it done in no time.

"Oh, Leah, Tif wants to know if you are still coming tomorrow night?" Sam asks as we drive back to the shop for the night.

"Of course, I've had the date marked on my calendar for months! I can't wait!"

"What's going on now?" Al looks at me in the rear view mirror.

"Oh, nothing. Tiffany and I are just getting together for some shopping."

In truth, Tiffany has planned out an anniversary party for Al and Maggie. She kept pestering me to help until I finally gave in, she promised that I wouldn't have to socialize, I could hang out with Blake and Gordi all night.

"Tell her I'll be there at 4." I tell him as I slide out of the back seat.

I hurry home to start baking the cake, tomorrow might be a lot of fun but right now I am dead tired and still have a long way to go before I get to see my bed. I turn on iTunes and blast it to keep myself awake.

-

"Come in, come in! I've been waiting an hour." Tiffany's excitement causes me to grin, I stagger into the house, still in the early stages of remodeling, but she got the main living room presentable enough for a party. Even the construction decor has been made to look natural and festive and j gawk as she leads me into the kitchen where finally I am able to set down the massive box which contains the cake. I open it and Tiffany squeals in delight.

"Leah! You've outdone yourself!"

The butter cream frosting swirls to look like sea foam, in the center of the waves I've placed several fondant flowers, pink lilies, they look like they are floating in the waves. Even I have to admit that I am pretty proud of it.

Together we finish decorating the house then I go into the upstairs bathroom to change. I put on my red sundress and apply matching lipstick. Tiffany helps me with my hair and I assist her in doing her's. By the time we're ready it's nearly 6 and I hear a knock at the door.

"That'll be Bill, would you go let him in please? I'll call Sam and tell him it's safe to bring them now."

I descend to the entryway on their huge split level entryway.

"Hey Bill. Glad you could make it."

Bill and Samantha, the same girl he brought to the wedding, greet me and enter. Bill brought a case of beer, typical. Behind him stands another form.

"Hey Leah."

"Hunter?"

"Yeah, Hi, can I come in too?"

My brow furrows in confusion as Tiffany comes up behind me.

"Hunter, so great you could come!" She beams, her blue dress flows as she pulls him inside.

A couple others arrive and I step back, letting Tiffany take over in welcoming people. I hover close to her though.

At 6:30 Sam's headlights pull into the driveway and Tiffany runs around telling us to hide, shutting off the lights. She maneuvers it so I am crouched behind a chair with Hunter. She's a fool if she doesn't think I noticed.

I can hear his breathing in the dark, I start to topple over, heels and hiding don't exactly mix, plus my head is spinning from the closeness of Hunter. Hunter throws his arm out and catches me by my waist, steadying me before I crash to the floor.