Righteous Love
Chapter Eight
(Later that same day... Salem Place)
Chloe had called Belle after breakfast and asked her to meet her at the Java Cafe. She was now seated at a table by herself, sipping her soda and waiting for Belle to arrive. She had to see if she could extricate any information about her "non-date" with Brady tonight from his little sister. She checked her watch quickly, and saw that Belle still had five minutes before she would be officially late. As she looked up, she saw Belle heading her way. Right on time.
"Hey, Chloe... what's up?" Belle slid up into the seat across from Chloe and smiled her way.
"Well... the strangest thing happened. Brady called me and asked if I wanted to out with him tonight."
Belle's jaw dropped in shock, "YOU MEAN ON A DATE?"
Chloe shook her head. "No, he said not an actual date. Just two friends 'hanging out', he said. But, it's still weird. Brady never specifically asks me to 'go out'. When we hang out, we just kinda end up in the same place at the same time. There's never like actual 'plans'."
Belle slumped in her seat and gave Chloe a perplexed glance. "That is totally weird."
"And he hasn't mentioned it to you yet?"
Belle shrugged her shoulders. "Nope, not a word. He came home from his date with Michelle last night and only said like two words to me. And, I didn't even see him this morning really, so no. Nothing."
Chloe sighed and started tearing the edges of her napkin. "Ohhhhh. This is SO frustrating, Belle."
"Well, maybe tonight's the night. Maybe it's a 'sign' or something... y'know, that you should tell him how you feel."
"And what about Michelle?"
Belle threw her hands up in confusion. "I don't know, Chloe. But, I think he HAS to know. Michelle or not. If he loves you, then he shouldn't be with her anyway, cause it will only hurt her worse in the long run. And if he doesn't... well, then at least you'll know, and you'll be able to move on."
"I know you're right, Belle. But, it's not that easy to just bring something like that up. What am I going to say? 'Hey Brady, I know we're on our friends-and-friends-only funfest, and I know you have a girlfriend - but, I just wanted to let you know that I'm in love with you...'" Chloe stopped, suddenly weighed down with the enormity of what she had just said.
Belle sat back in her seat and looked at Chloe with complete seriousness. "Wow... you really *do* love him."
Chloe nodded and resisted the tears that were about to fall. "I do... I know I have a hard time with the word 'love', but when it comes to Brady, it's all I can think about. And, the funny part is the more that he annoys me and the less likely it becomes that we'll be together, the more I love him."
"Then it has to work out. I know it will, Chloe. It may not seem like it now, but things will work out in the end."
Chloe smiled at he friend weakly, "I hope you're right. I just don't want to humiliate myself in front of him... or even worse, lose his friendship by scaring him off."
Belle shook her head. "You won't lose him... If I say it will be fine, then it will be. Poof! I wave my magic wand and all is perfect. Okay?" Belle smiled at her widely hoping to provoke a laugh.
Chloe looked at Belle's goofy expression and chuckled softly. "Okay then... I believe you."
Belle sat back, satisfied with herself. "Now... do you know where he's taking you?"
"I have no clue. He said to dress comfortable, but sexy."
"Sexy? Hmmm... that's interesting coming from Brady. Well... you do know what this means, don't you?"
"I can only guess it doesn't have anything to do with taking a nap, right?"
Belle gave her a sly grin. "Shopping, Chloe. It means shopping." Belle didn't stop to give her a chance to say no before she dragged her off to the closest boutique.
***
Belle stood outside the dressing room door waiting for Chloe to show off the ensemble that Belle had picked out for her to wear tonight.
"Uhm... Belle... I don't think this is going to work." Chloe cried out through the wooden barrier.
"Oh, stop. I'm sure it looks great. Now open the door so I can be the judge."
Chloe groaned but did as she was told. She opened the door and stood there for all the world to see. She was clad in a pair of black leather pants that were a little tight, but not too tight. She wore a light blue sleeveless top that was tasteful but flattering to her figure. The top sparkled in the light and looked as if it had been dusted with a soft sliver glitter.
Belle jumped back at the sight. "Wow, Chloe. You look... AMAZING."
Chloe cringed at the thought. "No, no, no. This is not me at all. I mean, leather pants, Belle? I don't wear leather pants... ever. Jennifer Lopez might, but I can only dare to dream."
"Are you kidding me? You look great in them. You totally have the body to pull it off. Brady asked for sexy, and you're gonna give it to him."
"But what if we're just going to the movies or something? Leather is not really movie theatre attire."
Belle waved her off. "Well, I doubt Brady would tell you to dress sexy if you're just going to the movies. Don't complain to me anymore, Chloe Lane. You look absolutely perfect, and you're gonna knock his socks off."
Chloe paused and looked at herself in the full length mirror again. Sure, she wasn't used to seeing herself dressed like that, but Belle was right. If Brady didn't think this was sexy, then she might as well pack it in and give up. She smiled at her reflection briefly before turning back towards Belle.
"Okay, fine. I give in... You win."
Belle squealed with glee as Chloe rushed back into the dressing room to change. Chloe yelled through the door, "BUT IF I EMBARRASS MYSELF, IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Belle laughed and headed off to look at the shoes that were on sale.