Is this destiny?

As Nana was out looking for a more discrete headpiece, Nori took the opportunity to talk to Sarah. "Your partner... is that your boyfriend?"

"Yes." Sarah answered and a gentle smile spread on her face when she thought of Aiden.

Nori noticed. "You love him?"

"Yes, very much." Sarah confirmed.

Nori's eyes lit up and her smile widened.

Nana came back with a piece of sheer black fabric which had vaguely defined diamond patterns made out of scattered small red and black crystals on it. "How about this?"

Sarah looked at it and nodded. "Let me see it."

She observed the piece of fabric and placed it in such a way that it covered her forehead and fell over her eyes. The crystals shimmered under light which matched her dress perfectly, and the light black fabric was visible, but it didn't cover up her face. It looked sophisticated and mystical.

Sarah turned to Nana. "If we can get this attached to my hair in the back, in such a way that I can easily remove it... it will be perfect."

Nana could not help but agree. Sarah looked amazing, and she could not wait to do her hair and makeup.

Sarah removed the dress and put a robe on. Hairstylist lifted her hair in a bun, leaving few curly strands of hair to fall down her shoulders. When Sarah's hair was done and she looked to her right, she saw that Nori is on the chair next to her, another hairstylist was braiding her jet-black hair into thin braids that were rolling around the top of her head ending at the back.

Nori saw that Sarah is observing her. "Do you think this is too much?"

Sarah took a second to respond. "I don't think that anyone should worry about being socially acceptable. If you like it, then it's perfect."

Nori laughed. "My thoughts exactly."

While make-up artist worked on Sarah, Nana was giving her instructions, which led to Sarah reminding Nana more than once that she does not want heavy make-up... but she agreed on smoky eyes and a red lipstick which matched red color of details on the dress. Make-up artist applied lightly glitter on Sarah's temples which allowed her to maintain her youthful look.

Sarah was happy with how she looked. Dress, headpiece, hairstyle, makeup and high heels which matched black and red of the dress... She was stunning. Based on her outfit and styling it was definitely a formal event.

Sarah remembered that Aiden's family and friends will be there. She knows Jeffrey, and his parents will be there. His parents will be there! How about his grandparents? Also, during Christmas shopping he mentioned uncle and aunt, but he said that they are not close… will they be present? Does he have any other family members? Sarah realized that she does not know much about Aiden's family.

What about his friends? He never mentioned anyone from Reno. Even at University, there were few people with whom he exchanged casual greetings, but it didn't seem that he has friends. She found it funny that before she got to know him, she always thought that he is a social butterfly… and now she knows that he is very similar to her. She smiled at that thought.

Sarah snapped out of her daze and asked Nana to take picture of her. She sent the photo to JoAnna and Sophia with a caption: "What do you think?"

[JoAnna]: "Niiiice… brother in law will be busy guarding you tonight... hehehe""

[Sophia]: "I admit, it's good."

Sarah smiled and checked the time it was 5:30. She could tell Aiden that she is done or wait for him half an hour. She was sitting in a private lounge area and decided to text Aiden that she is done. Before she sent the text, Nori approached her. "Can I join you?"

"Sure", Sarah gestured that she can sit. Seeing that Sarah has company, Nana excused herself and told Sarah to call her if she needs anything.

Nori looked sophisticated in a simple tan long dress which had a large yellow crystal broch holding a drape that ran from her right shoulder to her left hip, and from there it fell free.

"You look like you are going to a party." Nori observed.

"Yes. You look about the same." Sarah smiled.

"Are you excited about the party?"

"Yes and no." Seeing that Nori is curious, Sarah explained. "It's my boyfriend brother's birthday. I don't know his family or friends, so I'm going with a mix of emotions, not knowing what to expect."

"You don't think that they will treat you badly?" Nori raised her eyebrow. She was amused to see Sarah insecure. That clashed with her breathtaking appearance.

Sarah smiled and shook her head. "I don't form opinions in advance."

"My intention is not to be nosy. I hope you don't think that." Nori waved her hands defensively. "I have some time before my ride comes, so I thought that we can get to know each other a bit."

Sarah shrugged. "Sure, no problem... But I need to warn you that I'm socially awkward. So, if I don't ask you a question back, that does not mean that I don't care."

"What socially awkward? I think you are just fine." Nori looked at her kindly.

"Ha! I can add you as 8th... maybe 9th person who thinks that way." Sarah shook her head.

Nori's expression softened. "I thought you have a lot of friends."

"Not at all. But thank you for lifting my spirits up."

"OK... let me ask you few questions. Can I?" Nori's lips showed a faint smile.

Sarah shrugged and nodded. She didn't mind.

"What is your favorite season?"

Sarah thought that it was a strange question but wanted to be polite, so she answered. "I like all of them... summer is warm and great for beach, fall brings the explosion of colors, in winter everything looks clean and I love skiing, and spring is great for hiking. If I need to pick one, the other three will cry." Sarah laughed.

"OK... that was a warmup. Now for some more serious questions.. Are you ready?" Nori's eyes lit up.