God, I wish I could run away right now. Maybe find a hole to bury myself in.
He rubs the back of his neck. “I actually did want to ask you out. On a date. If you’re open to it.” The tops of his ears turn a bright shade of pink.
“You want to go on a date?” I ask. “With me?”
He nods, the top of his cheeks taking on the same pink hue. “Yeah. I do. You?”
Surprise flashes through me, and I blink at him. “Me?” I don’t know why I asked that again. I just can’t wrap my head around why he’s even interested. I mean, have you met me? I don’t exactly scream fun to hangout with.
Wyatt nods again, his gaze steady on mine. “Yes, you. I’ve seen you around, and I thought ... Well, I thought you might want to grab a burger or something sometime. I mean, if you’re not too busy, of course. I just figured it would be nice to get to know each other.”
His words are laced with a hint of awkwardness, but it only makes him more endearing. I don’t get any strange vibes from him, and he seems relatively safe.
I’m tempted to say yes.
But I wasn’t lying when I told Adriana I’m not looking for a relationship. Far from it, actually. But a date with Wyatt … it might be nice.
Besides, it’s just burgers, right?
I smile at him, ignoring the strange feeling in my chest. “I appreciate the offer, Wyatt. Burgers sound nice.”
His face lights up with a mixture of surprise and delight, and I can’t help but find his reaction contagious. “Yeah?”
I laugh and match his smile. “Yeah. Why not?”
We exchange numbers and decide on a date. Tomorrow night at seven.
As Wyatt waves goodbye and walks away, I watch him with a newfound sense of curiosity and, if I’m honest, a little anticipation. Maybe Adriana is right. Putting myself out there might be good for me.
CHAPTER 40
CECILIA
“Idon’t think I can do this.” Wringing my hands, I look at myself in the mirror.
“You’ll be fine. It’s one date. You can do it,” Adriana says, coming up behind me. Her fingers comb through my hair, pulling it away from my face. “What do you think? Up or down?”
Biting on my lower lip, I shrug. “Does it matter? I think I’m going to cancel.”
She sighs. “No, you’re not.” Then, “I’m braiding it. You always use your hair to hide. It’ll be nice to get it out of your face.”
“Do not.”
She chuckles. “Yes. You do. And I’m picking out your outfit. None of this baggy shit. If you can wear a swimsuit, you’ll survive wearing a dress.”
Worry gnaws through me. Agreeing to a date might have been a mistake.
Adriana rummages through my closet in search of the perfect dress. Her fingers glide over the hangers, scanning the array of clothing I’ve collected over the years. Each piece carries a memory—a reminder of the girl I used to be. A summer dress Iwore once to a spring fling. A red number that used to be my go to anytime Kim, Joelle, and I did a girls night out.
My mouth goes dry when Adriana pulls out a simple black dress, and I swallow hard. The fabric is delicate, clinging to its hanger. My heart races, and I curse. Of course she’d pick that one.
It’s a short-sleeved, scoop-neck bodycon dress. And it is skin-freaking-tight.
It’s been well over a year since I’ve worn it. Will it even fit? I mean, it should. If anything, I’ve lost weight since this summer. Not gained any. But what if it looks awful on me now?
Adriana turns around, holding up the black dress for me to see. Her eyes sparkle with encouragement. “What do you think about this one? Maybe with a cute heel or a knee-high black boot?”
I hesitate for a moment, then take a deep breath. “I like it. But no heels. I’m wearing sneakers.” You know, in case I need to make a quick getaway or something.
