SERENDIPITY

by Nancy Martin

Laurie was over the moon. Her gorgeous and charming boyfriend Jared, had invited her to his very important work-related party. He must - she reasoned - be getting serious, to have asked her to be his date to such a prestigious event. Jared planned to introduce her to all of his co-workers and others involved with his industry. The party would be black-tie, held in the grand ballroom of the ritziest hotel in town. His suggestion to take her shopping for an evening dress was too good to be true. She could barely believe her good luck.

When they had a mutual day off, the couple drove to the city for a romantic lunch. Pleasantly satiated with oysters, cold sauvignon blanc and warm sunshine on the deck by the bay, they set off to find the perfect dress. In a mellow mood, Jared told Laurie not to look at price tags. “The sky’s the limit today.”

Taking their time, they meandered in and out of small fashion boutiques and large department stores, looking for the exact right thing. Stepping out of the dressing room in an exclusive designer shop, she modeled a clingy pale blue sheath dress for Jared. The shade of blue, emphasized her large sapphire eyes. They both knew that this was it. Laurie was thrilled when Jared told her how sexy she looked in the slim, blue dress - “My friends will be totally knocked out.” Then he took her home, asking her to put on the dress again, only to see how quickly he could remove it.

On the morning of the long-anticipated event, Laurie visited a luxurious beauty spa – courtesy of Jared – and got the works.  She emerged, feeling great and knowing that she looked her best. That night, Jared arrived right on time to pick her up. Raving about how great she looked, they went on to the hotel. In the car, he told her stories of boyhood escapades with his best friend Matt. She would, he felt sure, really like Matt’s girlfriend, Nora.

       The ballroom was every bit as elegant as Laurie had imagined. Tuxedoed waiters passed delectable hors d’oeuvres and tall crystal flutes of bubbling champagne. When Jared elbowed her and nodded in the direction of the door, they both gasped as Matt and Nora made their entrance. Spotting them, Laurie was horrified and tears filled her eyes. Nora was wearing a dress identical to her own, the ultimate social embarrassment. As the couple approached, the girls silently took a hard look at each other. Then Nora – throwing her arms around Laurie – began laughing hysterically as she said, “What a co-ink-e-dink, I need a drink! Linking arms, they confidently strode toward the bar in their brightly colored spike heels, leaving the boyfriends, standing speechless and wide-eyed in amazement. 

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