Tasha saw her reflection in the mirror but almost didn’t recognize herself. Jackie had added some layers to her hair and had given her some big bodied curls. She’d lightened it to a beautiful dark caramel and threw some blonde highlights into it. Tasha continued to gaze at herself but still had to touch her hair just to make sure it was her.
“Wow. This is incredible Jackie. I love it!”
“Yeah, I had to cancel a couple of appointments once you told me I could do whatever I wanted. I’ve been dying to get my hands into that hair for a while. I kept your length and added the layers just to give it some extra volume.”
Tasha continued to stare at her reflection, “Between Shirl hooking up my eyebrows and nails and you with my hair…Eric might not even recognize me.”
“No honey…that crazy mix of brown and green eyes will always give you away. All I can say is don’t hurt him!”
Tasha laughed out loud, “I can’t take your advice on that one because that’s exactly what I plan to do!”
“Well, try to enjoy some of the party first because everybody knows Sabrina Links-Horne knows how to throw a party. That crazy girl was in yesterday getting her hair and nails done.”
“I know I talked to her this morning before she went radio silent. She’s at the spa getting relaxed for the party tonight.”
“Well, make sure you get a lot of pictures of you all dressed up. We don’t see that nearly enough.”
“I’ll make sure to do that and thanks again.”
*****
A few hours later, Tasha was finishing up her makeup when she heard Eric put his key into the door. She rushed to spray on the perfume he’d bought her for her birthday and to put on her candy apple red Jimmy Choos.
She took a deep breath, stole one last look in the mirror, and reminded herself that she wasn’t that boring old accountant tonight. Tonight, she was sultry, sexy, adventurous and fun. All the things he’d accused her of not being.
Tasha walked out of the bedroom feeling confident. She wore a daring mid-thigh length, form fitted, red dress that hugged all of her curves. The front of the dress from the waist up was sheer but covered in patterns that strategically covered up the parts of her that were meant for Eric’s eyes only. She put her hands on her hips and struck a Beyoncé pose.
In her sexiest voice, “Hey Mr. Thomas. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Eric was exhausted. But when he looked up he couldn’t believe what he saw in front of him. Was that Tasha? He blinked a couple more times before a smile slowly took over his face.
“You look…stunning.”
Tasha walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck, “I hoped you would like it.” She pressed her lips to his for a kiss. When she pulled back she gave him her most sensuous smile.
Eric pulled back even further and kissed her on the side of the head, “I really need a shower before we go and I don’t want to get into it with Sabrina tonight for being late.”
Feeling a little disappointed that Eric wasn’t overly wowed by her transformation, Tasha’s confidence slipped just a little. “Well…okay.” She released him and let him walk away. Jackie was wrong. He didn’t want to mess her hair up.
Eric threw over his shoulder as he walked off, “I won’t be long. Did you get my suit out of the cleaners?”
Trying to sound like she wasn’t bothered by his lack of interest, Tasha responded, “It’s on the bed.”
Chapter 19
The party was in full swing by the time Tasha and Eric arrived. The music was playing; people were dancing, drinking and having a good time.
Eric held on to Tasha’s lower back making sure everybody knew she was his woman. However, moments after they entered someone called out to her.
“Tasha Stevens. Is that you?”
Tasha turned around to see who it was. It was one of Sabrina’s co-workers who Tasha had done some personal tax work for.
She spoke innocently, “Hi Michael.”
He stuttered, “Wow, you look…different…incredible…beautiful…not that you weren’t before.”
She smiled shyly, “Thank you.” Knowing Eric, Tasha knew she’d better introduce Michael to him before he got the wrong idea.
“Have I introduced you to my boyfriend, Eric?”
He was pissed. Was she flirting with this dude right in front of him? Just because she got her hair done and was wearing that dress didn’t mean she could disrespect him! Eric gave Michael a dirty look and walked away from both of them without saying a word.
Tasha stood there ready to die from embarrassment, “I’m sorry Michael…”
“Don’t worry about it. Looking the way you do, I understand. However, if you were my woman, I’d watch you like a hawk. I most certainly wouldn’t leave your side. And, if he doesn’t get it together…let me know.”
She gave him a friendly smile before walking away to go find him. However, even with all the people and loud music, Tasha was still able to hear Sabrina’s voice above it all.
“There you are! It’s about time you got here.”
Sabrina looked like a million dollars. She wore an all-white backless mini-dress with three strings of pearls, each longer than the other, holding the back of the dress together. It dipped so low you could almost see her ass. However, the contrast of the white with her creamy chocolate skin was striking. Sabrina was tall so her white and diamond stilettoes made her legs look even longer.
“You look sensational Sabrina!”
Sabrina responded jokingly, “Thank you…I do don’t I? Well, you don’t look half bad
