Dinner Party

“I’m so nervous! What if your mum doesn’t like me?” I was talking to Lucas on my phone before the dinner party.

“Rome, my mum already knows you and loves you!” Lucas replied and like always, he made me feel better.

“Well yes, but she liked me as the little girl next door. Now I’m her little boy’s girlfriend.” I stated.

“Yes, but your still Romey. Don’t worry, it will be okay.” Lucas said and I could feel his smile through the phone.

“Ms Romey? Are you ready?” Mary asked from the hallway.

“Hold on,” I called back. “Lucas, I have to go get ready I’ll see you soon,” I sat up.

“Okay, see you in a little bit.” Lucas signed off.

“Mary?” I asked getting up from my window seat.

“Yes, Ms Romey?” Mary poked her head through my door.

“Mary, can you pick something out for me?” I asked jumping into the bath that she had prepared. I put on a face mask and tried to relax before the big night. After my bath, I pulled on a robe and went back to my room to change. Mary had laid out an elegant peach coloured dress with dainty straps on the back, a fur coat and some silver heels. I was so excited for the night to begin!

I pulled up to the Lucas’ house. The gardens were all lit up for the evening and the whole house looked like it was sparkling. As I stepped out of the car two kids ran by in little dresses. I walked through the entrance, had my coat was taken by one of the staff and placed my gift on the table. I looked around for Lucas amongst all the people, but couldn’t seem to find him. I walked down the hall and was greeted by a million people, Ellen, Molly, three of my mother’s friends, a fellow dancer, but no Lucas.

“Romey!” Lucas’ mother saw me and walked over. “My dear, how are you?”

“Incredible! This party is just so beautiful! Do you know where Lucas is?”

“Ah, yes,” She smiled at me. “I believe I saw him heading out to the kitchen.” A friend pulled her aside and I ventured on through the house. I grabbed a glass of sparkling water and entered the kitchen to see what was going on in there.

“Yes, I need it tonight. No exceptions.” Lucas turned around as I entered the kitchen, he was on the phone. “You’re here!” He came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the kitchen. “I’ll be out in five minutes. In the meantime, please go check out the cheeses. I’ve selected some of your favourites.” Okay, that was odd. I barely even said hello.

Lucas did come out of the kitchen eventually and we had a lovely evening, complete with my favourite cheeses. Lucas’s mother had us all sit down at a long table that stretched three rooms for a four-course meal. We had carrot soup that was delicious, a salad, a vegetable a duck platter and a decadent chocolate cake. After dinner was over the kids gathered to play games while the adults enjoyed after-dinner drinks.

“I have one last surprise for you,” Lucas said to me as he handed me my coat. I had just gotten up and said goodbye to everyone.

“Lucas, that’s sweet, but my car just got here and I really should go.”

“Come on. Just let me show it to you.” He pulled me through the front door and in front of his house was a huge four-horse drawn carriage.

“Wait, is this the surprise?” I was shocked and looked over at Lucas. He just smiled and pulled me into the carriage.

Xx,

Romey

Top image: photography by Dave Bradley for Boston Magazine via Camille Styles