I wave off her concerns. “All of that stuff is for research and you know it.”
“Oh really? Have you even noticed what you’re wearing today?”
I glance down—a gingham midi skirt, matching boatneck tee, and ballet flats.An adorable ensemble, if I do say so myself.
“I’ve never seen you wear that color before. I’ve never seen you wear apatternbefore! You look like Doris Day’s body double. And you wore this to work, so you can’t blame it on a date with Jack.”
Who is she, the fashion police?!“First of all, comparing me to Doris Day is not the insult you think it is.” I want to clarify that this particular outfit was actually inspired by Brigitte Bardot inCome Dance with Me, but I refrain.Not the time.“And I don’t know what you’re getting at with this, butsince you’re clearly desperate for me to admit to something, then fine—I love my new wardrobe. There, I said it! These clothes are classy and feminine and wearing them is an instant mood booster. Happy now?” I grab my martini and start guzzling it like water.
She presses her lips together in amusement, covering my hand with hers. “I’m not giving you a hard time for the sake of giving you a hard time, okay? I’m just looking out for you. Are you doing this to fit some mold for him? Because you think that’s what he likes? I just want to make sure Jack’s getting to know therealyou.”
“Oh. Of course he is,” I assure her, softening a touch at her concern. “Sure, I’ve said some silly things in service to this story, but I’ve been truthful about all the stuff that matters. My family, my job, my frustrations... I even unloaded on him about wanting to getmarried. I don’t think it gets more brutally honest than that.” A fresh wave of humiliation washes over me at the memory. I wouldn’t mind getting that one back. “This?” I motion to my clothes. “Is just window dressing. I’m still me. If anything, I think I’m just finally starting to understand what my grandmother’s been talking about all this time.”
“And what’s that?”
Before I can answer, my phone dings with a text and I glance at it.
Jack:Hey you. What are you up to?
“Is that him?” Nat asks, and I nod. “Know how I knew? You’re already smiling.”
I groan and cover my face with a hand.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Text him back!”
Me:Getting a drink with Nat. How was your day?
Jack:Confession: I can’t stop thinking about you. It’s extremely distracting, I can’t get anything done.
Me:Wow, can’t even play it cool for 5 minutes.
Jack:I thought we established that I’m a boring nerd? Playing it cool isn’t really my thing.
Me:Lucky for meAnd confession: I missed you today too.
Jack:I know we made plans for this weekend, but it’s too far off. How about tonight? I’ll come pick you up and take you anywhere you want.
I refuse to acknowledge Nat, who’s smirking at me over the rim of her wineglass—and I don’t even bother trying to wipe the smile off my face.
Me:I thought you had a work thing tonight?
Jack:My Cassidy thing tonight is much more pressing.
Me:I can’t be responsible for you bailing on your work obligations!
Jack:What’s the point of being the boss if you can’t bail on work? Anyway, Tom can handle it. It’s one of the perks of having a partner.
Jack:Now, is that a yes?
Me:It’s a yes, under one condition.
Jack:Name it
I bite my bottom lip, deliberating. I’m not usually so brazen, but today’s events have lit a fire under me, driven me to take the bull by the horns and step outside my comfort zone in a way I never have before.Cynthia thinks I’m a coward? I’ll show her.
Me:I want you to kiss me the second you see me.
The three typing bubbles appear for all of about one second before his reply comes across.
