Page 26 of Learning to Love

"That's not what it looked like from the outside looking in. Before he found out I was your cousin, he staked his claim on you like a caveman at his first buffet."

Toby is such an idiot. I can't help myself and laugh, and so does Sasha. "Whatever, it's not that serious. You've been waiting for the perfect time to say that line, haven't you?" That's all I got because if I say it's not serious, then it doesn't make me feel sick to my stomach. Serious is scary.

"Of course, I've been waiting for over an hour to say that punchline!! It seemed appropriate to slide on in the convo, finally! Dani, you can say what you want. I don't know what his intentions are, but he's serious. Guys don't get jealous like that over girls they're not serious about."

I shrug, then change the conversation because I can't let this one continue. It will hurt too much to find out Toby is wrong. I ask about his Mama and Daddy. I find out what he's been doing during all his free time. He tells me that he's been checking up on my family and that Granny Betsy Jean has a new admirer. I'll have to ask her about that one later!

We are lazy the rest of the afternoon. Thankfully, the Jake talk is at a bare minimum. Toby tries to say stuff on the sly, but I ignore it, and Sasha laughs at us but doesn't say anything. I don't want to overthink what any of this means. I want to live only in the moment for once in my life. I ignore how my stomach gets nervous when I think about what's to come or how it will end.

Chapter 14

Don't mind me. I'm Just in My Bra!

Everything Fearless 24/7

If the rumors are true, it's Dani's nice rack that brings all the boys to the yard. Her rack is better than yours...she could show you, but she'd have to charge.

I've already showered and curled my hair for tonight. I hope Jake likes it. He's never seen it this way before. I scan my closet for what I should wear. Ugh. I text Sasha.

Fashion 911!

She rushes into my room with a laugh. She looks gorgeous in a sleeveless royal blue silk top with white knit shorts. The ensemble makes her beautiful tan skin-pop. "And I was beginning to think you didn't need me anymore. Love the hair, by the way."

"Thanks. I love everything you've done with your look, by the way! I'll always need your help, Sash. For classes and dinners from hell, I've got the hang of dressing myself. At least, it's better than it’s ever been, but dinner date at a steakhouse is new territory for me. I need your help! P-L-E-A-S-E!" I give into the dramatics every once in a while.

She puts her fingers in her ears, patiently waiting for my loud p-l-e-a-s-e to stop. Then she smiles a genuine smile. "Okay, Drama Queen. It all starts with how you're feeling. What's your mood today? We've got jeans, shorts, dresses, and that faux leather skirt I slipped into your closet the day after we went shopping?"

What the what?! She pulls it out, and my eyes go big. It is short, but oh, so gorgeous! I'm not ready for that baby just yet. I blush. "I'll wear the leather skirt for a party or something. I think he's already seen my jean cut-offs, and he also saw me in that casual red dress. So, I think I'll go with jeans."

"Girl! That booty is gonna bounce! I love it!" She grabs a pair of dark blue skinny jeans. "I love these. Now we'll go with a more dressy shirt. Do you want lace or maybe something colorful, or we can be dull and go with something plain?"

I laugh. I'm not the only Drama Queen. "Let's go with colorful. I feel like I want to get his attention tonight."

"I dig it. I love getting attention."

"I don't know why he still makes me feel so nervous. We haven't labeled what we are yet, which makes me feel more nervous than anything. If it's just a fling, I wish he would just say the words."

"I understand. Please, Dani, what I'm about to tell you has to stay between us. From what I've heard from Dallas, Jake used to be quite the lady's man." Seeing the look of repulsion on my face, she rushes to continue. "I know, just hear me out. Jake found out he was adopted last year, and after that, he buried himself in football, booze, and hoes. He's rebuilding his relationship with his dad now. You see, his Dad is not his biological father. He made up with his Mom shortly after he found out, but his Dad was the one that didn't want him to know and he's having a hard time forgiving that. Dallas also said he almost got kicked off the football team last year, but he wouldn't give me details. He told me that ever since he's met you, he's been different. Jake quit drinking so much, and he's studying. He won't go ten feet around any of the fangirls. His mind might be saying it's too early for a label, but his actions prove otherwise. All the guys see it."

So many thoughts are going through my head. I mean, WOW! He's been through a lot this past year. That makes me want to hold him close and take all his pain away. I can't imagine the level of bitter betrayal that he must have felt. On the other hand, I'm glad to hear he's staying away from the hoes. I mean fangirls. And he might really like me. "Whoa. I'll keep my mouth shut. Jake's been through so much! And I won't pretend that my heart didn't flutter when you said he was staying away from the hoes. I like him, Sasha, and I tried not to."

"The heart wants what the heart wants, Dani."

"In a world that thrives on drama, it truly is that simple."

She hugs me. "Let's show that man that he better act quick because you're in high demand, baby! You don't see it, but I see how guys look at you."

"Oh, whatever. I don't believe you, but I'll take it, and I'll run with it! Tonight, I'll be hot, and they will be jealous I'm not in their arms."

"Yes, they will! I know you don't believe it; promise me you'll keep your eyes open. If you do, I know you'll see what we all see."

She hands me a halter top that is linked together by a gold chain around the neckline. It has bright pink flowers with vivid green leaves. It adds even more color with purple accents everywhere. If happy were a shirt, this would be it. She waits for my reaction with an expectant face.

I give her the smile to end all smiles. "This is the one! This shirt is the one I've waited for my whole life."

My phone buzzes on my nightstand, butterflies start in my throat and travel slowly down to my abdomen, multiplying in the millions as they go down. If Toby has sent me a video from TikTok, I will do him bodily harm. I cross my fingers like I'm eleven and pray it's my unlabeled boyfriend/summer fling. I sprint to my phone, not even ashamed of my behavior, as a loud laugh escapes Sasha's lips.

What's up? Almost ready?