24 - Something Beautiful

Jon woke feeling refreshed and full of energy. The only thing missing was Ariana.

His hand touched her side of the bed to find it cool, which meant she had been up for a while.  Surprising since they’d talked long into the night and made love one more time before falling asleep again.

Tossing the covers aside, he used both thumb and forefinger to rub imaginary sand from his eyes before padding across plush carpet to grab sweats from the closet.  Once he was semi-dressed and had taken care of morning business, he set out to find Ariana.

He followed the sound of her voice as she sang along to one of Quebec's own about ‘making her come alive’, ultimately finding her perched on a stool in the breakfast nook.  One leg was curled under her while the other was bent with the heel resting on a wooden rung.  Her hair was wild, like always after a night of sex, and she was wearing his shirt from yesterday as her body swayed to the sultry beat.

She looked too cute to disturb, so he watched without speaking until the song ended. 

“Ahem.”

Her head snapped around at the sound of his voice and pressed Pause on the remote control. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know that ‘I make you come alive’. Well, I assume it's me you’re talking about. Good morning, gorgeous.” He placed a small kiss on her lips and peered over her shoulder at her plate. “Hmm, salad for breakfast. It is still breakfast time, isn’t it?”

He reached in the bowl and pulled out a piece of chicken.

“Technically, it is. I figured since we didn’t eat last night why not eat it now? Want some?” she asked, pinching his ass as she hopped off the stool to go get him a dish. “Coffee?”

“Ye...” Noticing that the sway of her hips made his shirt rise and fall in a most intriguing way, he let curiosity win out over caffeine. “Nah, I’ll take a bottle of water. They’re on the bottom shelf.” 

“One bottle of water coming up.” As she bent to grab his beverage, the shirt’s hem inched up to expose… lace-trimmed boy shorts. His groan of disappointment made Ari smile.  When she returned with his plate and water, she brushed up behind him, reaching around to put them on the table and whispering in his ear,  “Not what you were hoping for, eh?”

“You don’t see me complaining?” he replied with a smile. “Now eat up. Cara should be here in an hour.”

“Why?”

“The two of you have a spa day. I called her last night, and she thought it was an excellent idea.”

“Thank-you Jon.” She rested her hand over his. “Girls’ day at the spa. This is going to be fun.”

“You’re welcome. Just promise me no drunk texting. Afterwards, I’m taking you out for a night on the town.”

“Cross my heart, no drunk texting. Where exactly are we going?”

“It’s a surprise. Just be ready by six.”

“Can I at least have a little hint, so I know how to dress? All I have with me is my touring clothes.”

“As long as its slinky and sexy as hell you’ll be fine.”

She rolled her eyes at him and muttered, “Guess I’m going shopping. What are you going to do while I’m out having fun?”

“Nice try.” He piled their dishes and placed them in the sink. “Don’t you worry that pretty head of yours. I have plenty to keep me busy. Like I said, be ready to go at six.” 

She gave him her best pouty lips and reached for the remote. The sultry sound filled the room again. “Fine! I’m going to get ready.” 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

When Ariana left, Jon was sitting at the computer. He claimed to be working and answering emails, but she could tell he was up to something.  The man thought he had a poker face but was a lousy liar.  Or maybe she’d just known him too long.  She was laughing to herself about it as she walked into LeSpa.

It was one of the most beautiful spas she’d visited, nestled in vault of the former Merchants’ Bank, which dated back to 1870.  The stone walls were part of the fortification of the City of Montréal and later preserved, giving it unique surroundings and historic architectural elements. 

“What’s got you smiling?” Cara asked, embracing Ari and kissing both her cheeks.

“Oh, Jon’s up to something. I just left him hovering over his computer claiming to be working, but I don’t buy it. Hey, wait a sec.  What do you know about tonight?”

“Not a thing. He just told me to meet you here. Et voilá, I’m here.”

“Pinky swears.” She held out a bent finger.

“Pinky swears.” The locked their fingers together reminiscent of all the years they had been friends. They were interrupted by the attendant who had just walked into the room.

“Bonjour. Can I have your names so I can mark you in?” she asked as her fingers tapped the keyboard.

“Moretti. Ariana Moretti.”

“Ah, yes. Ms. Moretti and Ms. Francis. I see we have you scheduled for our Prestige package.” She handed each of them a tri-fold portfolio explaining what the package entailed. “If you would please follow me, I will show you where to change so we can get started.”

The next four hours were filled with more pampering and relaxation than Ariana had enjoyed in… God knew when.  There was waxing, scrubbing, wrapping, hot stones, massage and whole lot of girl talk. 

Cara approved of Lili’s final resting spot under the tree, saying she would love it there.

Ariana told her about breaking down and how Jon took care of her. She explained how it was then she concluded that she loved him more than words could say and wanted to be with him for the rest of her life.  Cara was very happy for her friend and wished her all the happiness in the world. 

The rest of the time they talked about this coming Thursday. It was a big night at Petit Soho. Jonas had agreed to come and play a few sets for them.  Not that this was unusual. He’d jammed there before he made it big.

Ariana got a kick at how excited her friend was. Giddy like a schoolgirl with a crush. It was sure to be a night to remember.

They stopped to grab a cup of coffee before heading to the hotel’s boutique. Ari needed all the help she could get. She loved clothes, but when it came to the fancy schmancy kind, she had no clue. Hanging around a bunch of brutes her whole life might have had something to do with it.

As they entered the store they were greeted by a very tall, very attractive woman. “Good afternoon. How can I help you today?”

“Yes. I’m looking for...” Ariana looked at Cara.

“She has a hot date tonight and needs something sexy, very sexy,” Cara replied.

“I see. May I ask, what’s the occasion? Would you be needing an evening gown or something chic?”

“Honestly, I don’t know much about the details, just that it is a dinner date.” Ariana looked at her friend with an inquisitive eye.

“Well then, chic and sexy it is.” She left them and went about the store picking up a few items.  When she returned, she must have had about five or six outfits for Ariana to try. “Why don’t you start with these?” She showed her to the dressing room.

“Well this should be fun,” Ari said to Cara once they were alone.

“Oh, shut up and get in there.” She pushed her friend into the empty room.” I don’t know why you are making such a big thing out of this. You love to shop.”

“Yeah, for jeans and t-shirts, not this.” Sliding the hangers on a hook, she shed current jeans and t-shirt for a charcoal A-line dress.  She shimmied into it and opened the fitting room door, cocking her head to ask, “How’s this?”

“Nice, but not sexy enough. Next,” Cara dismissed and shooed her back inside.

“Ugh. See, I told you.” The door slammed behind her, barely masking her huff of frustration as she sorted through the next few.  Most were dismissed without even trying them on, but then she came to a silky little green dress.   “Oooh!” 

“Ah ha! Sounds like you found one you like. Hurry, let me see.”

“Give me a second, will you?” Ariana replied, still trying to get into the dress.  When it was situated, she opened the door and stepped out, twirling around on her tippy toes in front of the mirror.  “I like this one. What do you think?”

“Very sexy. I love the way the back crisscrosses like that. You wouldn’t need a bra with it.” Cara gave her friend a wink.

Ariana shook her head. “Whatever. I have one more to try on, but I think I’ll take this one.” 

She retreated to her room one last time, where she slithered from the green silk into the remaining dress.  The detailed beading and low scooped back were what caught her eye, and the dress’s nylon lining glided over her body, caressing the bare skin. 

When the hem came as far as it would, she wiggled her shoulders and studied herself in the mirror.  It was a stunning little number, with little being the key word.

“Well are you going to show me or not?”

Little or not, she liked it, and by the look on Cara’s face, she liked it too. 

“Oh my God. It’s gorgeous! That’s it. That’s the one.”.

“It is beautiful, isn’t it?” She ran her hands down her sides, twisting and turning in front of the trio of mirrors Cara pushed her toward.  Very nice, indeed.  “I think we are done.”

With a satisfied smile, and wearing her jeans again, Ariana took the two pretty frocks to the register.  This shopping thing wasn’t so bad, once in a while. 

“I see you found something you liked,” the salesclerk observed.

“Yes, I have. Thank you.” She handed passed over the dresses, followed by her credit card.  Rather, she tried to follow with her credit card.  The woman refused it with a demure smile. 

“That won’t be necessary, Ms. Moretti. It’s already been taken care of.”

“What do you mean?”

“This was left for you.” The woman passed Ariana an envelope and proceeded to sheath the dresses in plastic.  “I hope that you enjoy your date.”

“Thank you. I wi...” Ariana’s voice trailed off as she read the card.

Ari,

I can’t wait to see which one you chose. I had to run out, meet me in the bar at six.

Love,

J

She folded the card in her hand, accepting the dress bag without a word and nearly knocking Cara down when turning around.  She’d forgotten that her friend was still standing there. 

“Oh, I’m sorry. I had a great time today, but I need to get going.” Holding the dresses to one side, she used the other arm to pull her friend into a tight hug.  “Thank you.”

“There’s no need to thank me,” Cara assured with a wicked grin.  “But if you must, do it by making loverboy’s jaw hit the ground when he sees you in those. Have fun tonight.”