WOULD YOU DARE - FASHION TO TRY

Dear Beautiful,

The skirt was probably a little shorter than she would have chosen a few years ago.

Not by much.

Just enough to make her pause in front of the mirror.

She slipped on the sheer black stockings, delicate flowers climbing softly from ankle to thigh. They were beautiful. Feminine. A little unexpected. Perhaps a little too much for book club. Then she smiled. At her age, she really didn't care.

She reached for her favourite black ankle boots and a soft knit that sat just on the edge of her black mini skirt, grabbed her coat and headed into the cool evening.

The old library was already humming with conversation when she arrived. Familiar faces looked up.

"There she is."

Hands waved from across the room. Someone placed the customary glass of wine into her hand before she even had a chance to take off her coat.

She laughed. Some things never changed. She wandered over to the couch. As always, everyone naturally settled into the same seats they claimed every month.

She lowered herself onto the cushion.

The skirt rose slightly higher against her thighs, revealing more of the delicate floral pattern woven through the stockings. The sheer fabric allowed just enough skin to show beneath, tracing the shape of legs strengthened by her early morning sessions at the gym.

Elegant. Confident. A little daring.

She crossed one leg over the other. Perhaps the stockings had been the right choice after all.

A familiar voice welcomed everyone before adding something unexpected.

"Tonight we have a special guest."

Guest?

She looked up.

Standing near the fireplace was a man she had never seen before.

He had kind hazel eyes, a neatly trimmed beard and the sort of smile that arrived slowly, as though it had been waiting for permission.

He was already looking at her when their eyes met.

They lingered.

Just long enough to make her wonder if she'd imagined it.

She glanced down as he introduced himself.

No wedding band.

Curious.

In a deep, warm voice he smiled at the group.

"Let's begin. I'm looking forward to hearing what you thought of Denise and Richard... particularly the lighthouse scene."

A ripple of laughter moved around the room.

She settled back into the couch, lifting her glass. Perhaps it wasn't the stockings at all.

Or perhaps wearing something that made her feel beautifully feminine had quietly changed the way she carried herself. Either way, she was glad she had worn them.

They reminded her what it felt like to embrace her femininity.

Suddenly she smiled and let out a quiet giggle. Without even looking up, she could feel his eyes on her again.

Perhaps she was about to become the inspiration for the leading lady in his next novel.

Now wouldn't that be something?

Being more you. Love Elizabeth

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