Glimmers (30 page)

Hailey gives an unconvincing scowl before leaving. I peer up at Elliott. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him wear that sort of expression before.

“Paige, are you going to be all right?” he asks, kneeling down to my eyelevel.

“I suppose so, but I’m still a little light headed. I think my blood sugar level just dropped or something.”

“Well, I’m relatively certain the sugary desserts will help with that,” he says with a half-grin.

“You think? I like the sound of that,” I begin and realize he was just kidding. “Not funny. Unlike you, I do believe desserts will help me. I can feel it deep inside. I know they will do the trick.”

Elliott’s face suddenly doesn’t appear as amused. It has reverted back into looking serious. I don’t really like the transformation. I can only guess at what he is about to say, but I’m pretty sure I’d much rather discuss something fun, like pastries.

“Paige, you must understand this situation is very bizarre. Honestly, Hailey and I don’t know what to do with all of this,” he says, running his hand affectionately over my cheek. “It was one thing for you to tell us you were having visions; now, we’re in a completely different league. To me, Delilah didn’t
really
exist before, now she does. She is here in the flesh. I’m sorry, but I’m just having trouble grasping this.”

“Elliott, I appreciate that you’re trying to,” I sigh. “How do you think I feel? I just made a complete fool of myself in front of Delilah! How am I supposed to show my face to her again?”

“Let me get this straight. Your visions have basically just been confirmed, and all you care about is that you choked a little in front of her?” he says exasperatedly.

“Well, yes,” I say, running my hand soothingly over his back. “I accepted my new talent a long time ago, and although I enjoy my new gift, I never expected to actually meet Delilah.”

“Here’s your plate of goodies,” Hailey has reappeared and sets the plate on my lap. “You’re looking better. Do you think you’re up to socializing?”

“Wow, this is delicious! You must try one of these!” I exclaim and shove a second mini pecan pie into my mouth.

Hailey lets out a loud sigh and stares at Elliott. The two seem to have a private conversation through their eyes.

“All right guys, remember me? I’m sitting right here. What’s the plan?” I ask and pop in a chocolate truffle. “Seriously, you have to try this.”

They look down at me and stare as if I’m from another planet. Elliott reaches for a cocktail napkin and swipes it across my chin. “If you keep plastering your chin with chocolate cream, I’ll have to start carrying a roll of paper towels,” he says with a smile.

“Ha-ha, very funny. Really, what should I do about Delilah? I’m thinking, I should probably run out of here and wait for you two in the car,” I say.

Hailey is quick to offer, “Paige, you can’t run away from this. You need to face her. It would be better if you didn’t have food on your face and try not to choke this time.”

I can’t believe my sister’s actually wearing a serious expression. I quickly exclaim in horror, “Hailey, I can’t talk to her! Didn’t you see my reaction last time? It was mortifying, really it was.”

“Paige, I think Hailey is right. You can’t run away from this. We’ll be with you. Just act natural,” Elliott says in an overly soothing tone.

“No, don’t act natural. Just keep quiet and let me do the talking,” Hailey says, and Elliott narrows his eyes at her. “What?”

“Paige will be fine. In fact, I think we should just explain to Delilah why Paige acted like that. Delilah seems nice enough. Maybe she’ll understand,
and
she can help us fill in the gaps of Paige’s glimmers,” Elliott says. He quickly notices Hailey and I share an expression of pure shock, mouths hanging open and all. “What’s wrong with telling the truth?”

“Oh, only that Paige will look like a complete psycho. Have you even considered that Delilah is Julian’s business partner? I can’t have her thinking my sister is crazy. Believe me, that is a very bad idea. Paige has been rambling on about this new special gift of hers to me for a month, and I’m only just now starting to believe it!”

“Gee, thanks Hailey,” I say in between bites of chocolate mousse and Crème Brule.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I am supportive of you. I just don’t understand what exactly is happening here,” she offers, reaching down and plucking the raspberry tart. “Mmmm, this really is good.”

“I know. Try the chocolate one there,” I say, pointing to the yummiest looking dessert on the plate.

“Can we focus a little more here?” Elliott chimes. “I say we walk over to the bar, get a drink, and enjoy ourselves.”

Hailey and I look at each other and shrug our shoulders.

“Okay, but if Delilah returns, you can’t leave my side,” I say and turn toward Elliott. “See, I told you a few desserts would make me feel better. I just needed a little sugar.”

There’s a band in the corner playing some fun jazz. From what I can see, this place is a real hit! I’m beaming with excitement for Hailey and Julian.

“Where have you three been hiding?” Julian asks and offers me a napkin. “Oh, I see you’ve been at the dessert table.”

“Honestly sis, can’t you keep your face clean for even a minute?” Hailey asks.

“Julian, this restaurant is unbelievable. In fact, I think it’s my new favorite!” I exclaim.

“Thanks, Paige. I’m glad you like it. Hailey did a phenomenal job creating just the right atmosphere. It wouldn’t be the same without you, babe,” he says and winks at Hailey, who appears to blush slightly. I rub my eyes, because I know I must be imagining things. Hailey never blushes!

“Julian, we haven’t seen the terrace, yet. I hear it has a nice view of the town,” Elliott exclaims, smiling peculiarly.

“Right, well then, let me show it to you,” Julian says just as awkwardly.

Julian extends his hand in the direction of the glass doors. Hailey and I walk ahead of the men, and she loops her arm through mine.

“The terrace overlooks the lake, has a gorgeous view, and is one hundred percent my design! It’s my pride and joy!” she exclaims in my ear. “You could say the terrace has somewhat of an Asian influence. I ran my ideas through with the architect, and he loved them.”

I turn around and realize that Elliott and Julian have fallen behind. I watch as they are having a serious discussion about something. I can’t quite make out what they are saying, but Elliott is nudging Julian forward, as if reassuring him of something. What are they talking about?

“Paige, are you coming?” Hailey asks anxiously.

“Look at the guys; there’s something going on here. Have you noticed they are acting a little strange?” I ask, still trying to read their lips.

“Paige, the only person acting strange tonight is you. Now, come on!” she says and tugs on my arm.

We walk through the double doors. A breeze is rustling sheer white curtains; stars sparkle in the sky; white paper lanterns glow and appear as if they are floating magically in the air. Tables are divided by delicate fabrics and bamboo clusters. Each booth is its own oasis, set apart from the rest of the world. How romantic. Elliott and I must have a date here sometime soon.

Aside from soft music playing, I can barely hear a sound.

“Oh Hailey, it’s gorgeous. The best part of the restaurant,” I say admiringly.

“Thanks. Julian gave me free reign out here,” she says, brimming with pride. “You still haven’t seen the view.”

She leads me to the far side of the patio. A reflecting pool cascades over the building’s ledge. When I stand closer, I peer over the side, and I see water is streaming down the building for an entire story. The wall has chiseled blocks that sporadically project out and the interesting design creates a path for the water to follow. Down below, clusters of chairs are surrounded by decorations mirroring the ones from up above. People are down there, how did they get there? I look around and discover that hidden along the sculpted blocks is a staircase leading to the oasis below.

“Wow, Hailey. This is really astounding. Everything in here is absolutely fantastic. You must be incredibly proud,” I say.

“I am. The designs came together pretty easily. It doesn’t hurt to fall in love while working on a massive project,” she says, glowing.

Just then, Elliott and Julian appear out of nowhere.

“Did I just hear you say something about my divine presence inspiring you?” Julian asks, wrapping his arms around her body.

“Ha-ha, something like that,” Hailey says and nuzzles into Julian’s shoulder.

“Everything is perfect,” I say quietly.

“Actually, it’s not perfect, yet. Give me a sec,” Julian says and runs off.

Abruptly, Elliott begins asking Hailey questions about her inspiration for her designs. Since when has he ever been interested in fabric swatches and mood lighting?

“Elliott, what are you and Julian up to?” I ask.

“What do you mean? Nothing, nothing at all,” he says guiltily.

I’m watching him skeptically, when Julian returns.

Julian’s standing with one arm behind his back, watching Hailey with keen interest. It seems as if he’s waiting for something. Hailey’s consumed by her conversation with Elliott and hasn’t noticed. That’s strange. Why did Julian rush over to the bar, if he wasn’t planning to return with a round of drinks or bottle of champagne? I assumed we were going to have our own little celebration; a toast to wish good luck for a successful opening night.

All of a sudden, a woman joins the string quartet and begins to sing
At Last
, by Ella Fitzgerald. Oh, how nice.

As if on cue, Julian approaches Hailey, a red rose in his hand. Ah, that is sooo sweet. Wait a minute! Is there something shiny in there? What is that? Julian’s face is consumed by a huge grin. What’s going on here?

Actually, I think he’s about to . . . he’s about to . . .

“Hailey,” he says and reaches for her hand.

She stops talking with Elliott and shifts her attention toward Julian. Elliott is wearing a goofy grin. He must be in on this little scene.

“For a while there, I was scared to death of losing you forever to someone else. I’m fortunate that I’ve been given a second chance. I don’t want a day to go by that I don’t get to spend at least a moment with you in my arms. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he says, handing her the red rose. “Please tell me you feel the same. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

I look up from the rose and watch Hailey’s reaction. Are those actual tears in her eyes? Now I think
I’m
going to cry. She reaches for the rose and peers down. From the petals, she retrieves the most gorgeous ring I’ve ever seen.

Julian goes down onto one knee and places the ring on her finger. Hailey nods her head vigorously, up and down, while covering her mouth with her right hand.

“Hailey, you haven’t actually answered yet. I’m not going to take my knee off of your foot until you say yes,” he says and his smile is so large I can see his teeth sparkle.

“Yes, Julian! Of course, yes!” she exclaims and wipes a tear from her cheek.

He stands, and the two circle their arms around each other. I try to give them a moment before rushing over. I wait and wait. They are still hugging. How long are they going to embrace? I can’t wait any longer and am ready to leap towards Hailey, but Elliott grabs my arm and steadies me in my place.

“Give them another minute, Paige,” Elliott whispers.

I may narrow my eyes at him, but I agree and wait some more. After what seems like forever, the happy couple move away from each other. I lunge forward and squeeze my sister for all I’m worth. When I pull away, we bounce like little girls!

"Hailey let me see the ring!"

Proudly, she dangles her fingers, showing off her new finery. There’s a round diamond, with the most unusual design in platinum, wrapping itself around the setting. It’s very stylish and modern, just like my sister. And this time around, I’m
not
going to try it on for size.

Elliott approaches Julian, pats him on the back, and shakes his hand. “Welcome to the family. Good luck. You’ll need it with these women."

I want to send Elliott a dirty look, but I can’t stop beaming. Everyone seems so happy!

“Don’t tell me I missed it,” I hear that same southern voice appear out of nowhere, and my chest tightens.

“Sorry, I couldn’t wait any longer,” Julian says and hugs Delilah.

“Congratulations to you both!” Delilah says, reaching for Hailey’s hand and admiring the ring. “It’s beautiful, and this is so exciting! When Julian told me how he was gonna pop the question at the opening of the restaurant, I said I just had to witness it for myself. I can’t believe I was held up in the kitchen. Enjoy the moment, darlin’. You’ll remember this day for the rest of your life.”

“What was it like for you on the day Mr. B proposed?” Hailey asks.

“Well,” Delilah says with a sigh. “William proposed to me as we were sitting on a picnic blanket, right underneath the Washington Monument. It was very sweet, but I could tell he was rattled with nerves.”

“You married William Berringer!” I shout a little too overzealously.