Me: Slow down.
Me: What's going on?
Buttercup: Do you remember a few nights ago when you first texted me?
Buttercup: You asked if I was okay.
Buttercup: I told you we'd had a weird family dinner.
Buttercup: My family's... really traditional.
Buttercup: We go to church every Sunday. Dad works and Mom stays home.
Buttercup: That's what they expect my life to look like too.
Me: That's the life they'd pick for you.
Buttercup: Yes. Whether I want it or not.
Buttercup: There's a man from our church, Daniel.
Buttercup: He asked my dad if he could take me to dinner.
Buttercup: Dad said yes.
Me: Did anybody think to ask you?
Buttercup: Not really, no.
Buttercup: I told Dad I didn't want to go.
Buttercup: He said it wasn't really my decision.
I scrub a hand over my face. Jesus Christ.
Buttercup: I know we're just getting to know each other.
Buttercup: We aren't really anything yet.
Buttercup: I just didn't want you to think I was playing games with you.
Me: I'd never think that about you.
The knot in my stomach tightens. Some church boy gets to take my Buttercup out to dinner. I don't like that thought one damn bit. I wanted tonight to be mine.
So naturally I do what I always do when something bothers me. I start running my mouth.
Me: Well...
Me: Since you're apparently going on a date...
Me: Guess I should give you a few pointers.
Buttercup: Pointers?
Me: Rule number one.
Me: If he orders for you without asking what you want...
