chapter 23: Being a Friend

Tess decided she and Katie should go out with Jamie on Monday. Things are slow at the hotel and both of their shift are in the evening.

"Katie I have something special that I want to loan you on our dinner date with Jamie". She brought out the dress from the box, and Katie whistled, "Wow, I can't wear this, you just bought it."

"Yes, but I am sure Jamie won't be able to resist you in this. Katie had to agree that the dress was stunning and decided to try it on. When she puts it on, she transforms into someone else.

"Yes, he won't be able to resist". Tess decided to put on one of those beautiful dress that Stan bought her. She knows it looked great because Stan always says she looks amazing in the dress.

As she stared at herself in the mirror, she remembered the time she wore the dress, such joy and pleasure it brought her. She decided to remove the dress and put on something else. She couldn't find anything that wasn't bought by Stan, everything in her wardrobe, he bought it. She decided to settle for something he paid for, but she chose it. Yes, she went for a blue dress she likes but very simple. 'Yes, this will do just fine', she thought as she got ready to leave the house.

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When Jamie came to pick them up, he couldn't keep his eyes off Katie. "You girls look amazing he said, as he kept staring at Katie. Tess was smiling as she noticed Katie was all red under Jamie's gaze. Tess knew that look, she has seen it in Stan's eyes, its a look of attraction. Yes, Jamie is attracted to Katie, and now she prays it works out for the both of them. Tess began to wonder if she was not going to be a distraction to these two. She promised not to interfere as much as possible.

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Jamie invited his friend Chad. He joins them at the restaurant after they have gotten there. Tess was happy for the company because three is a crowd. She noticed that Jamie couldn't keep his eyes off Katie, and Tess knew her mission with the red dress was accomplished. Jamie's friend, Chad was trying to engage Tess, but she just laughed and tried to enjoy his company. He is a nice guy, but her heart was thinking of someone else. She told herself to relax and just enjoy herself and have fun.

After eating and dancing a bit, the girls decided it was getting late and Jamie took them home. On their way home, Tess noticed Katie and Jamie were connecting so well. She began to smile to herself, that her friend had found someone special.

When they got to their flat, Tess excused them, so they could have some privacy. When she entered the flat, she went to change and decided to wait for her friend in the living room.

After 15mins Katie came in, all blushing like a schoolgirl. " You don't need to tell me anything, I can see your eyes smiling"

" He likes me and wants to go out again, but hope you won't feel bad not being invited the second time. I assured him, you won't mind."

"Tess, he likes me".

"I am happy for you, I know it will work, you deserve to be happy my friend. As Tess said those words, tears gathered in her eyes and Katie hugged her. "I know, you are happy for me, but your heart aches for your love too. It will find you, Tess. Love will find you."