“Listen to you.Somuch romance, I can’t take it.”
“Shut it, Mercer,” she said. “And lest you think I only changed my mind and became a possessive, stage-five clinger thanks to Elowen Blake’s little performance, I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Ieven bought a dress. So…yeah. I’d like to go. With you. If you’re cool with that.”
My grin widened. “I don’t know, I kind of like the idea of you being possessive of me, Bennett. Will you make a scene and claw Elowen’s eyes out for touching your man?”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Wait, wait.” I laughed. “I want you to come. More than anything. Should I pick you up?”
“No, I have to wait for Dash to get home. His teacher, Mrs. Andolina? She’s driving him from school since I was at the regatta and Mom’s at work. As soon as she gets home, I can go. I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good. I’m glad you’re coming. And if anyone gives you shit—”
“I know, I know. You’ll tell them off, beat them up, caveman sounds, manly bluster, yadda yadda.”
I laughed. “Exactly.”
“See you soon.”
“Can’t wait.”
I ended the call and rested the phone my chest, onto my “lockbox” of a heart that didn’t feel as bolted shut and sunk in the depths at all. It was closer to the surface than it had ever been.
I smiled then jumped, as outside my window, a bolt of lightning tore open the sky, and the rain came down.
Chapter 18Harper
I ended the call with Orion just as the sky ripped open and the rainstarted pouring down in sheets.
“That’s not ominous or anything,” I muttered, and heaved a nervous breath. “I can do this.”
I glanced at the dress laid out on my bed and let a small smile flicker over my lips.
I’d told Orion most of the truth regarding my hairpin change of heart. I’d been dead set on keeping us secret, but Sunday afternoon, I’d changed my mind. I’d been strolling Castle Hill’s tiny downtown. Amid all the bougie boutiques, antique stores, and fancier establishments was a consignment dress shop. In the window, a white empire-waist dress caught my eye. It had silver embroidery along the seams and intricate diamond-shaped appliqués along its flowing length.
I instantly imagined myself wearing that dress, my hair curled neatly, and maybe even something sparkly in it while walking Castle Hill Country Club on Orion’s arm. I imagined dancing with him, celebrating his regatta win proudly instead of hiding us. Hidingme.
And why not? Mom seemed okay. She’d been sober at home, andmy school stress wasn’t going anywhere. I was a tough cookie after all. I could handle more school scrutiny, and Orion was worth it.
Orion…
My pulse kicked up again. I’d vowed not to do casual with a guy again, andcasualhad been left in the dust. It was shocking and more than a little nerve-racking how much space this boy had taken up in my heart, leaving me breathless and utterly unprepared.
And I wasalwaysprepared.
Trust.
I nearly laughed out loud. In my experience,trustwas a dirty word.
“I need backup.” I punched in Emery’s cell number.
“Hey,” she said, sounding defeated.
“Hey, yourself.” I sat on my bed, next to my dress. “Are you okay?”
“Dad is making me go to the stupid election watch party for Tucker’s dad.”
I frowned. “The same Tucker you broke up with on Saturday?”
