Everything You Never Had

Playing dress up

She's agreed with your request to wear one of her carpet dresses. You didn't see that one coming. Feeling that everything's possible at this moment, you take your chances with the next question. "Can I pick?"

Again, she gives in, seeming that you've already made her go this far. "Go right ahead." She gestures towards the lined-up gowns as she takes a step back.

The power she seemed to have before the camera minutes ago, all handed over to you. You casually sift through all the options, some of them you're reminded of, some of them brand new for your eyes. One however, sticks out. Her Oscar-winning-dress for lead actress. You can't believe she got to keep it. Carefully grabbing onto the fabric, you gently tug it to be visible for Cate. "Made my choice."

She chuckles. "Oh god, that'll take a while to get into."

Having made your choice, you confidently walk to the door, ready to wait in the hall. "Take all the time you need."

"Alright, you wait there." She says, gesturing to the bedroom.

You walk out the closet and close the door behind you, giving Cate the time to get dressed. Having some time to monitor the room, you take notice of the broad bookshelf stacked with books. Afraid to touch anything, you ask Cate for consent. "Can I take a look at the books?" You ask with a voluminous voice.

"Go right ahead." You hear beyond the door.

You browse through the books until you find one that is of your interest. You carefully motion the book towards you and hold it firmly in your hands.
"The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith
Having done your research before working with Cate, you know this is the book used for the adaptation of the movie "Carol". Sitting down in the comfy chair that stands just before the wall of books, you begin to page through.

"Can you help me a hand?" You hear the smooth voice just loud enough to reach you ears.

Laying down the novel on a side-table, you get up and walk towards the closed door. Once you open it, your attention is set on the blonde woman, fully raptured by the gorgeous, intricately detailed gown.

"Zip me up?" She asks, her body already turning to show her back.

Not wanting to let your bewilderment shine through so much, you easily walk over to her. No words are shared when you stand just behind her, grabbing hold of the zipper, gently sliding it up, touching her shoulder when you're near the end, to eventually form words again. "There." You say. "All done."

"Thanks." She cautiously says, turning smoothly around. "What do you think?"

You take a step back and with slow deliberation look her up and down. Observing every dress fold, seeing the curves of her body seamlessly gliding into one another. Your inspection seems to last for hours, though it must've taken only seconds. Your eyes travel back up to focus on hers. "You look gorgeous."

She puts on a shy smile. "You're making me blush."

You smile at her attempt to play timid. "Oh please, I'm sure you hear it plenty."

Cate laughs, a short sound, more surprise than amusement. "You'd be surprised."

"Don't you?"

"I mean, not as much as you apparently think."

"Your husband doesn't tell you at least six times a day?" You joke, but also not really joking for she deserves to hear it.

"Well I know he feels it. It's just become needless to say, for we know what we feel for each other."

"Sure, but it won't hurt to hear it once in a while." You try to understand her explanation, but have difficulty to.

"I suppose."