Chapter 28
After Josh’s declaration that he wanted to take me on a real date and do something nice for us, he texts me saying to dress casual. I’m not even sure what that means. Did he think I’d wear a ball gown so he wants me to wear just a normal dress instead? Did he say it because his old girlfriends always dressed too nice? Does he mean jeans and a shirt or workout clothes?
My stomach sinks at the thought. Surely he wouldn’t take me to the gym on our first date? Ugh.
I’ve been racking my brain to remember who he used to date in high school. I’m pretty sure he had a girlfriend or two—all of the popular guys did—but I can’t remember who. Up until I was whacked with a football on Blue Beach a few weeks ago, I never really cared about that group of people. Did his last girlfriend dress nice for dates? Was she beautiful?
I sigh so hard it makes the hair in my face fly around. Of course she was beautiful. Why wouldn’t she be? So why is he dating me?
The world may never know.
I stare at my vanity; at the collection of crappy cosmetics I’ve accumulated over the years. Makeup is so not my thing, but I feel compelled to wear it for tonight. I only have two hours left until he’s coming to get me, so I need to figure out this whole what-to-wear fiasco immediately, that way I can spend every single second getting ready.
Grandma taps on my doorframe. “Are you going somewhere tonight?” she asks after surveying my state of being wrapped in a bathrobe, vanity full of makeup, dejected look on my face.
“Yeah, um, it’s kind of a date actually.”
Grandma lifts an eyebrow, her bright red lipstick puckering up in surprise. “A date?” She lets herself into my room and sits on my bed. “Well, this is exciting. Who’s the lucky boy?”
When I’d told her I was going to a party with a friend last week, I left off his name. Luckily, I don’t have to lie to her now . . . I just won’t tell her this date is with the same “friend” from the barn incident.
“His name is Josh,” I say, dabbing some foundation on my cheeks with my fingers. “He’s one of Maddie’s boyfriend’s friends.”
Grandma brightens. “Oh, that’s nice. I like Colby.”
She’s only met him once when he dropped off Maddie at my house so we could go to the mall, but Grandma pretty much likes everyone. “When are they coming back from their vacation?”
“Soon,” I say. My teeth bite down on my bottom lip as I focus on my makeup application in the mirror. I can’t exactly look at Grandma now, or I know I’ll blush.
Grandma watches me in the reflection of the mirror. “Is he cute?” she asks, her voice all low and conspiratorial.
I shrug, trying to be cool about it. “Yep.”
“Wonderful,” she says, rising from my bed. “I knew Julie’s makeover would give you a lot more confidence. I’m so proud of you, Bess.”
My phone rings, saving me from any further obligation to talk about Josh and his cuteness. “It’s Maddie,” I say, closing the lid on my powder compact.
“I’ll let you chat,” she whispers, and she ducks out of my room, closing the door behind her.
“Hey,” I say, answering the phone.
“BESS!”
“Don’t sound so surprised,” I say with a laugh. “You’re the one who called me.”
“I know, I know, but Bess! Oh my God! I’m so excited for you!”
“What exactly are you excited about?” I ask slowly, figuring I already know what she’ll say.
“Josh just told Colby about your date tonight. I’m so excited for you, Bess. You’re going to be the cutest couple. Josh is a really good guy.”
“You think?” Now my hands are all shaky and nervous and I can’t focus on finishing my makeup.
“He’s really excited to be going out with you,” she says, her voice all swoony. “When we get home in two days, we’ll have to double date. It’ll be awesome.”
“That’s assuming this date tonight goes even slightly well,” I say with a laugh. “I’m still not convinced I won’t find some way to screw it up.”
“No way, he likes you a lot. Just be yourself, Bess.”
