Ruby Red Dress

It was an office party and Sara was actually wearing a dress. To say Catherine was stunned was an understatement. What was even more baffling was that the dress was so perfect for her colleague. She must have had help, Catherine was sure.
The only thing really Sara about it, was the fact that she was heavily over-dressed. Everyone was in slacks, shirt or sweater except for Sara.

Catherine couldn't resist. She walked through the small crowd in the conference room (hideously bland for such an occasion, but you could hardly throw a party in a lab), squeezing past the table with the insipid food from a caterer -which still managed to have a large assembly of people hanging around it- and ended up at the little group Sara was a part off.

They were talking about the latest technology the lab had acquired. The nerd squad within the nerd squad; mostly lab techs. Greg made room for her, but she stayed quiet and observed Sara. She was talking animatedly, seemingly completely oblivious of herself in relation to her surroundings. The dress complimented her body and her coloring perfectly, was obviously expensive, classy, but there was something about the cut… It left room to be playful, a little casual even. It didn’t just compliment her body and coloring; it even seemed to compliment her character, enhancing her femininity, giving warmth to her sharp passionate voice.
The group was hanging on her every word and Catherine was almost interested in the discussion, because of Sara. When there was a break in conversation and some people went for refreshments, Catherine took her chance.

‘Hey Sara,’ she put her hand casually on the tall back, feeling the smooth supple fabric glide under her hand. Sara almost jumped forward away from the touch.

She smiled nervously. ‘Hi.’

‘Just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look.’ Catherine kept her compliment purposely brief and the effect was instant.

Blushing, Sara thanked her. She seemed a little angry too though, as if she enjoyed the compliment, but would have preferred to stay oblivious of her body and the effect it was having on others.

‘A special occasion?’

No answer came, instead Sara started to look around her, searching for a way to escape.

‘Someone to impress?’ Catherine asked, playing a hunch.

For a second Sara’s awkwardness grew, then she straightened her back and looked the blonde right in the eyes. ‘You.’ She quirked an eyebrow, smirked and sashayed off in the direction of the drinks.

And how was she supposed to interpret that?!