Free Rebound by Nikki Mathis Thompson

would have been better had that never happened. The back and forth annoyed her, and it was disorienting. How hard is it to just be friendly? She just didn’t get it. She could not wait to get home and get into her pajamas, have a glass of wine and relax with a book. Maddie had called and invited her out to dinner, but since she had a big night tomorrow, she decided to stay in. Maddie was going to come over while she got ready so she could “check out the finished product.”
    She got into her favorite pjs—over sized t-shirt and yoga pants. She washed her face and secured her hair into a clip. She had a quick bite to eat while standing at her granite island and called Teddy to say goodnight,  poured herself a healthy glass of red zin and got into her favorite reading chair. 
    Ahhh, this is heaven. 
    Going out was fun, but her idea of a perfect night was this right here. It didn’t take much to make her happy...
     
    The next day she was getting excited to glam it up. She had Maddie and Tristan over to help. He took an hour out of his very busy schedule and did her hair. He was truly talented. Her hair was swept over to the side in a low chignon. It had messy curls, which were deliberate. He made it look effortless, even though it took him a while to accomplish. 
    “Oh Tristan it looks amazing! Thank you so much for doing this.”
    “It was my pleasure and it does look divine. I am truly a genius.” He grinned.  “I’m just sorry I can’t stay to see you in that dress. Maddie, send me some pics girl.”
    “No worries, I’m on it!” Maddie assured him.
    “Sugar, knock 'em dead!” he said, as he kissed her on the cheek and gathered his things.
    “Thank you again, I love you!”
    She did light make-up on the cheeks with dramatic eyes, using dark brown shades to make it more formal. She lined her lips lightly and added a pale color and gloss. It was a perfect contrast to her darker eye make up.
    The dress was something special. She was sad when she had to leave it in her closet the first time. So she was more than looking forward to wearing it tonight. It was a beautiful golden yellow, that looked amazing with her tanned skin. The dress was strapless chiffon with ruching in the bodice. There was a thin strip of delicate bead work at the waist and then it fell to the floor. The skirt was more fitted than flowing, but it managed to flutter when she walked.  She had amazing gold, strappy high heeled Jimmy Choos, that no one would see and that would kill after an hour. Another reason why it sucked to be a woman sometimes—gorgeous shoes that murdered your feet. She finished the look with a beautiful pair of earrings which had small yellow gems with gold inlay and a matching bracelet. The earrings were long and delicate, but they were dramatic enough that she felt like she didn’t need a necklace.
    “Okay sis, how do I look.” Katrine asked as she walked out of her bathroom.
    “OH MY GOD! You look amazing!!”
    “I guess that’s good.” Katrine laughed.
    “Wow, Trine really, you are hot.”
    “Thanks Mads, I needed that. I have a lot of hands to shake and people to impress tonight.”
    “Well if that boss of yours doesn’t fall to his knees at the sight of you, then he is totally gay.”
    “Mads, I am not trying to impress Mr. Abbot, honestly.” 
    She really meant that. She had made an effort to be kind and was rebuffed. His loss.
    One last look in the mirror and she was ready to head out the door. 
    “Hey, I forgot to ask you how Teddy was doing?” Maddie asked as Katrine was locking her front door.
    “He is having the best time. I talk to him at least once a day to check in, but he is almost too busy to talk to me. David has been up there this week. His grandparents are spoiling him rotten and the house next door is being rented by a family with two boys, nine and eleven. So built-in buddies. I might not make it the whole two months though. I may have to go out there for a weekend.”
    “It