Read Online Roses in June by Clare Revell - Free Book Online Page B

night is the film?” she asked finally.
    “Friday. It’s in London and starts at eight. I need to be there by seven thirty. If you’d like to come with me, that is.”
    There was another long pause. “I’d like that,” she said, her voice even quieter.
    “That’s great.” Gabe took a deep breath. In for a penny, in for a pound . “Would you like dinner on Thursday?”
    “Sure.”
    “I’ll pick you up at seven. See you Thursday.”
    ~*~
    Dawn hung up and pushed back into her chair. She had nothing to wear. Either to dinner or to a film premiere. Let alone knew what to do. She glanced at the clock and shoved the marking into her box. She headed down the hallway to her classroom. Closing the door, she sat behind her desk and rang Jonni.
    Jonni Peterson, her best friend since their first day at school, they’d been inseparable until work had sent Jonni north and Dawn south. Now they only spoke on the phone, meeting up oh so rarely. The call hung for a moment then connected.
    “Hello?” Jonni’s voice was the usual ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
    “Hey, it’s me.”
    “Hey, stranger. What are you doing?”
    “Not much.” Dawn sighed. “I wish you lived closer and could come over tonight.”
    “Why’s that?” Typing echoed in the background as Jonni chatted.
    “I need some advice.”
    “So shoot. So long as you don’t mind me typing at the same time. Bryan wants this report done by one for a meeting.”
    “I’ve been asked on a date.” Dawn swung her chair around to face the window. “Well, actually it’s two dates.”
    “Say yes.”
    “By Gabriel Tyler.”
    “Say yes…wait a minute. The Gabriel Tyler?”
    “Yes, apparently. Not that I’ve seen any of his stuff.”
    Jonni’s typing ceased. “Wow, girl. How on earth did you meet him ?”
    Dawn explained quickly. “And he wants to take me to see his new film. On Friday. At the premiere. In London.”
    “Say yes.”
    Dawn rolled her eyes. “Can you say nothing else, Jonni? I’m drowning here. I have no idea what to wear, how to act or anything. You’ve been to one of these affairs, I haven’t.”
    “OK. Big hug coming down the phone. You need an evening gown, either sleeveless or with one of those bodice jacket things. Full length, mint green because that color suits you. Pearl necklace and earrings. And I know Staci’s has dresses that color in stock because I saw them on my way in this morning. The branch in Headley Cross should have them.”
    “Thanks, hon. I’ll look on my way home tonight. So how’s Bryan?”
    Jonni sighed. “He’s fine. Still keeps asking. Still keeps being told no. What is it with men and not wanting to wait until marriage? Not that he’s asked me to marry him. He just wants me to move in with him instead.”
    “Maybe he’s not the right bloke for you.”
    “Maybe Mr. Right lives in Australia?” Jonni suggested.
    Dawn laughed. “And maybe he lives in the middle of the nineteenth century.”
    Jonni laughed as well. “Either way I’m never likely to meet him. Anyway, enough of that. How was your field trip?”
    “It was fun.” The bell went. “OK, gotta go.”
    “Call me after your date.”
    “It’s not a date, date.”
    “It’s a date, date. Call me with the gossip. Love you.”
    “Love you, too.” Dawn turned the phone off as the year tens trooped into the room.
    ~*~
    Dot on seven Thursday evening, the doorbell rang. Dawn tugged her dress straight hoping she’d pass muster. She’d never been out to dinner with an Earl before or an actor and wasn’t sure which one of them was picking her up.
    Gabe stood there. His brown hair neatly combed and blue eyes shining. He wore a pale blue shirt with navy tie, slacks, and jacket. “Hi.” He held out a bunch of yellow roses. “These are for you.”
    “Thank you. Come on in.” She shut the door behind him and headed into the kitchen. “How’s the filming going?”
    “Hectic. I’m back on set Saturday morning. How’s school? The kids