"Ask away. All I can say is yes or no." Melanie tensed up as she wondered what was coming.
Clearing his throat, Russ fidgeted and Melanie realized she had never seen him nervous or unsure of himself before. "I have an invitation to attend an awards dinner dance for Brian's company. I can bring a guest. I'd like you to go with me, but I know it may get Susan on your case about keeping our friendship a secret from her, to say nothing of stirring up her matchmaking inclinations." He paused a moment. "What do you think?"
Melanie didn't hesitate. "I would love to go with you, and Susan be damned. She can give it her best shot, but I'm not going to let her interfere in my life again. Where and when?"
Russ burst out laughing. "You really know how to throw me off balance, Kiddo. I fully expected you to say no. But I'm really happy you didn't." He just couldn't help himself. He walked over and pulled her close for a quick hug. "This is one party I'm really going to enjoy. 'Night, Mel." And he was gone.
Melanie stood transfixed. This was the second time she'd been in his arms, without any come-on on his part, and she had to admit she quite liked it. She felt safe with him and she realized she was really looking forward to the evening. This was immediately followed by the question - what do I wear? She had suitable dresses, but they all reminded her of dates with Rick, so she decided it was time for a shopping trip. Since Russ hadn't mentioned getting together on the weekend, she considered asking Susan to go with her, and telling her about her friendship with Russ. But the thought of the look on her sister's face, when she caught sight of them, was just too delicious to pass up.
The weather on Saturday was sunny and comfortably warm without being oppressive. A perfect day for shopping. Melanie took her time, trying on and discarding a number of dresses, until she finally found one she fell in love with before she even put it on. Antique gold in color, it was made of a gauzy material, maxi in length, with scooped neck and tiered flared skirt. The neckline and tiers were trimmed with rust colored beading. When she tried it on, the fit was perfect and, best of all, it was really comfortable.
She had a pair of brown heels that she liked, but she loved to dance and, since she didn't want to suffer with aching feet the next day, she decided on a pair of brown ballerina flats. Finding just the right pair in the right color took much longer than finding the dress, but she felt pleased with her choices as she headed home.