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While Stella helps ets on his phone and I hear hiency"

Slight pause, then, "Not for me but for a dear friend"

Another slight pause "We'll be there in twenty minutes"

By the tiet the dress on--which is beyond phenomenal, with a cut-out halter top with thin straps that crisscross over et down to my hips, where the ant--Stevie's thrusting a pair of bronze-colored strappy high-heeled sandals to try on

Another twenty ot for a steal since they were on consignht next door to Stella's shop

More air kisses, after which Stevie consults with the stylist--a plump woman named Moe--and it's decided I need an updo with lots of wavy curls

More air kisses with the makeup artist--a man named Antonio, with a mass of dark curly hair in disarray all around his face--and it's decided I need dark smoky eyes but coral blush and lip stain

After I'lammed from my shoulders up, Stevie instructs me to take my car hoht purple to match the front door of his flower shop

Froht into my dress and strappy shoes, after which all three of the kids watch as Stevie does some last minute evaluation of my look, adjusts a curl that caloss at me to put a final layer on

When I was done, he had me twirl around for a final look-see, at which all three of the kids clapped and cheered their approval Tina graciously agreed to stay for another hour so Stevie could spare ala, which was in don Raleigh at the Convention Center

He pulled right up to the curb, and because the gala had startedline of li to expel celebrities and no paparazzi and their flashing cameras

Justout of Stevie's purple van withI turn and lean back on the passenger door briefly as Stevie grins at me

"Thank you," I tell hiht, but for ht"

Stevie shakes his head "I just helped get you dressed Max is the one ill make you feel like a princess"

I take a deep breath, let it out

"God, I hope so," I tell him as I shut the door and turn to walk into the Convention Center

"These things are such a drag," Hawke says as he tugs on his bow tie, looking incredibly uncomfortable

"Bet you wouldn't be saying that if Vale was your date instead of me," I say with a chuckle

"That is absolutely true," Hawke agrees with a laugh

And I'ain

That's because while ere in between the Ottawa and Montreal games this week, Hawke paid a surprise visit to Sydney, Nova Scotia It was under the appearance of visiting his billet family--that is, the fa major junior hockey in Sydney

That truly may have been his intended mission, but I know damn well it was so he could check up on Vale And the checkup proved fruitful, because they're back together again

Except not in the literal sense, as she's supposed to be starting a new job at The Ohio State University in a feeeks

"This long-distance relationship stuff sucks," Hawke gruree with him, except he at least now has a solid relationship back on track, whereas I have no fucking clue what's going on with me and Jules

"It's only te to try to find a job back in the Raleigh area as soon as she can "So suck it up"

"Just like you're doing?" Hawke asks with a sly grin

"Just like e of sports celebrities, state level politicians, and generally rich donors ill part ith lots of ht

Because Jules asked for space and I' it to her She texted me a few tis dialed way the fuck in So yeahI' her what she says she needs, with nothing but the hope that when she finally works things out in her head, she'll realize she needs me in her life

"You should just go see her tonight," Hawke says, and my head snaps his way

"Just go see her?" I ask with an arched eyebrow

"Yeah, why not?" Hawke asks, and before I can give him a million reasons to answer his question, he adds on, "She did say she just wanted to slow things down, right? I take that to mean she still wants to see you"

Well, yeahshe did say that, but I'm not exactly sure it's what she meant She insisted it wasn't a breakup and she just wanted to slow things a bit But fuck that I'ood for et what I want