The Beautiful People by E. J. Fechenda Page B

rescue and started pulling
clothes out of my closet. After having me try on five different outfits and
trying my patience, we both decided on black, boot cut pants and a deep wine
red v-neck cashmere sweater. The pants paired with high heeled black leather
boots made my legs seem longer and the sweater hugged my curves in the right
places. The neckline actually made my boobs appear bigger. I never realized how
handy it was having a fashion design student as a roommate. Chelsea let me
borrow her black leather jacket to complete the ensemble.
                “Don’t do
anything I wouldn’t do in this,” she teased.
                “I don’t
even want to know what you’ve already done in this.”
    Chelsea snorted out a
laugh and then left me alone to finish getting ready. I blew dry my hair until
it was straight and smooth. It hung in long, dark shiny plaits down to the
middle of my back. I found some lipstick, the same shade as my sweater, and
dabbed it on, but not too much as my lips were big enough. When I stepped out
of the bathroom, Chelsea whistled at me.
    “You’re
hot!” I smiled at the compliment. For the first time, probably since Toby, I
felt sexy.
    The intercom let out a
loud buzz announcing Dominic’s arrival. Chelsea, perched on the edge of the
couch, waited in anticipation. I probably made Dominic sound like a model in my
description of him. I opened the door as he was reaching the top of the stairs.
He had a dozen red roses in his hand. He stopped when he saw me and his eyes
lit up.
                “Wow! Have
I ever told you how gorgeous you are?” He appraised me up and down and I
dropped my head in embarrassment. He looked fabulous himself with dark blue
jeans, which hung just right on his hips, and a black shirt that was unbuttoned
at the neck. He too had a black leather jacket on. He handed me the roses and
kissed me. I stepped closer, deepening the kiss. Then Chelsea quietly giggled,
reminding me of her presence. I broke away and spun around.
                “Please come
in and meet my best friend.”
    Chelsea sprung up from
the couch and shook Dominic’s hand. She was appraising him too, but I think she
appreciated his sense of style more than anything.
    “Nice
to meet you, Chelsea.”
                “Me too.
I’ve heard a lot about you.” Chelsea smiled at me and winked. I shook my head
and blushed. Nice, Chels, very subtle.  Dominic and Chelsea chatted while I put
the roses in a vase. I set them on the breakfast bar and wished I had a more
suitable surface for the bouquet. We left my apartment and walked down the
block to Dominic’s Mustang. He held my hand and I appreciated the warmth.
    “What
do you have planned for us tonight?”
                “I’m taking
you to the best Italian restaurant in the city,” he boasted.
                “Spaghetti
Warehouse?” I asked, completely deadpan, referring to the remodeled warehouse converted
to a restaurant which served all-you-can-eat spaghetti. He had the most
horrified expression on his face, like I suggested we commit a murder or
something. I couldn’t keep a straight face and busted up laughing. It took him
a few seconds to recover, but he soon joined in.
    We drove to South
Philly again and he turned onto a small side street like any other street in
Philadelphia with brick row homes lining each side. One had a little sign
extended out by the front door. The street was dimly lit so I had to squint to
read it: Franco’s Ristorante. The restaurant was so non-descript I would have
passed by thinking it was just another house until Dominic opened the car door.
Scents of roasted garlic and other deliciousness assaulted my senses and my
mouth started watering. I inhaled the aromas deeply and Dominic smiled at me..
    “Wait
until you taste it,” he said as he locked the Mustang.
    He held the door for me
and I walked in through a small foyer. The aromas inside were so much