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Thankfully, city traffic kept Lilli’s driving fairly tame otherwise Saima might have regretted allowing her to drive for the evening. As quickly as Lilli could have managed, she got them to the restaurant and deposited the keys to her precious BMW in the hands of a very eager valet. 

“It is such a lovely night that I thought we could eat on the patio,” Lilli explained to Saima, linking arms with them once more to establish a partnership in the crowd of patrons. “I thought it would be nice to watch the boats go by.” Now that she was surrounded by water, Lilli savored every opportunity she could get to spy on the waters.

It was nice that city traffic had served had an inadvertent purpose in keeping Lilli’s driving in relative stability. But it wasn’t really something that Saima hadn’t really worried about since they had gotten to the place in one peace. 

“Oh, it makes sense to enjoy the view from the patio.“ They hummed a bit as they linked arms with Lilli, glad to show their association among the other patrons. “Having a few of the water, and those who navigate it is especially satisfying.“

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Saima deserves to show off. Apart from looking simply beautiful, they seem so comfortable in their own skin. This is worlds different from where they were at the start of their friendship. 

“I am happy.” Lilli takes up her purse and links her arm through Saima’s to escort them to her car. “I’ve decided to take us to a restaurant on the side of the canals tonight. It is a good thing, too. With you looking this lovely we simply must show you off.”

There’s something about wearing stuff like this that makes them feel like a whole new kind of person. It had been something they had idly dreamt about or wondered about for so long, only to actually get the chance to live it. It certainly feels like so much has changed and for the better. 

“Oh, how lovely. Oh please- it only seems fair to show you off as well. Nothing like making for a truly delightful pair.“ Escorted to Lilli’s car, they relish in the fun and playfulness of it all.

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Leave it to Saima to take mystery as an adventure and a surprise. If it were anyone but them, Lilli knows they would have asked a million questions before even coming over. Their willingness to roll with Lilli’s spontaneity is one of the many reasons Lilli loves Saima.

Saima returns while Lilli fastens delicate pearl earrings to her ears in the hall mirror. One glimpse of their reflection and she cracks into a large smile. “Oh, this is not fair,” she playfully pouts, turning to face them, “You are not allowed to look better than I do in my favorite color.” All in jest, of course. She thinks Saima looks absolutely lovely and she should have taken them out to something fancy sooner.

Seeing Lilli crack a large smile at their appearance seemed to encourage a bright smile of Saima’s own. They playfully pose for her a bit, as if showing off just a little bit. “Hah, well if nothing else, you’ve got really good taste in favorite colors.”

They can’t help but smile and twirl a bit, relishing the feeling of being dressed up for a fancier occasion. 

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“Well, I thought to take you to see my forest. It is not full of trees, but it speaks to me all the same.” Green eyes light up with excitement for the evening in store while Lilli fastens a delicate watch to her wrist. 

“The guest room is available upstairs if you would like to change there. Just…up the stairs and off to the left. Some of Hugh’s things might still be there but he’s in Vienna so you do not have to worry about disturbing anything.” Really, Lilli cannot recall a time when she and Saima dressed together in more than their daywear. She’s excited to see how they wear a more formal style.

“Ah, how delightful. To witness something that means so much to you would be truly time well-spent.“ 

They nod in understanding about the guest room being up to the left. “Good to know, I’ll be down in a little bit. Guess you’ll see me in a more ..formal transformation.” They give a playful smile before heading upstairs.

It takes about 15 minutes or so, but Saima comes down the stairs in a light blue tea-length dress that fits them just so with a matching set of low heels and light stockings. They are wearing the pearl choker that Lilli has given them. While letting their hair flow in a neat but light fashion, their makeup is similarly light with a hint of pink gloss on the lips being the most they really need to go for.

“Ta -da, so to speak.“ A slightly humorous remark at the reveal.

Lilli anticipated Saima’s arrival and as such, she is there to greet them at the door. Her own attire for the evening is fairly casual or at least as casual as a cocktail dress and chignon hairstyle can be. “Hello, you!” Lilli greets them with a beaming smile before standing aside to let them in. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure if I sent anyone else the message I sent you they would have turned me down in an instant.

Saima smiles brightly at Lilli’s greeting, all too glad to see their dear friend. “Hello right on back, friend.” With a casual ease, they enter the place as it is one they’ve been to many times before – which is actually the case at this point. 

“You’re welcome. Ah – perhaps that’s very true with the folks you know. But  I figure it should be quite fun whatever you have in mind.“