Page 41 of Out of Place

Olivia

Getting ready for my date with Landon is the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been on a lot of dates, but I’ve never really cared what the guys thought about me. I knew where it would end up and that it wouldn’t go anywhere else. But this is different.

For one, I have to see Landon every day until my parents decide I’m responsible enough to handle money.

And then there’s the fact that I like him. I really, really like him. I like his stupid Southern drawl and his stupid, backward hat. I like his stupid cut-off T-shirts that give me glimpses of his perfect, stupid body. And most of all, I like his stupid eyes and the way they look at me like he wants to devour and cherish me all at the same time.

I’ve never been wanted in that way before.

In an effort to ease my nerves, I video call Serena, who is pre-gaming for a night out.

“I wish you were here, Liv. Going out just isn’t the same without you,” she pouts.

“Yeah, I wish I was there too,” I say, but I’m not sure if I believe that anymore. I haven’t thought about partying or drinking for weeks now. I don’t know if my body is too tired from all the manual labor throughout the day or if I’m just not interested, but either way, it’s a little strange and a big change for me.

“Oh, please. No, you don’t. You’re going on a date with your hot farm boy.” I sent Serena the selfie of Landon and me from the night at the lake. She called me squealing about how hot he is and what a lucky bitch I am. I had to remind her that he hadn’t even kissed me at that point.

But everything has changed. He smiles at me every time he sees me and will send me little texts telling me how beautiful I look even though I think he’s full of shit because the baggy jeans I wear are really unflattering. I can’t wait to see what he thinks when he sees me all dressed up tonight.

“I know.” I hold a little black dress up to my body and look in the mirror. “But I have no idea what to wear.”

“That dress is cute and makes your boobs look amazing,” Serena tells me. She’s not wrong. I wore this to a restaurant opening in the city and ended up going home with the owner’s son. “Do you know what you’re doing on the date?”

I sigh. “No, I have no idea, which is why this is so difficult.”

I throw the dress down and pick up another one covered in gold sequins. I’m not sure why I packed this. Where did I think I would wear this in the middle of nowhere? Old me was so clueless.

“None of these dresses feel like Landon,” I whine and flop back on my bed.

“What do you mean they don’t feel like him?”

“I mean, Landon wears boots and T-shirts every day. His ex-girlfriend, who he still hangs out with by the way, is a cute little blonde who wears jeans that perfectly hug her hips, is perfect, and everyone likes her.” It really annoys me, and I hate that I’m annoyed by it. I’ve never been the jealous type, but seeing her standing next to him every time I turn around does something uncomfortable to my stomach.

“Honey, listen to yourself. She’s his ex-girlfriend for a reason. He doesn’t want to be with her anymore. He wants you. So you go on this date and be you. Just you. That’s what he wants. Any man would be lucky to have you, Liv.”

“I know. I know. It’s just. . . being me feels like too much in this town.” And too much for Landon. I’ve never been worried about what people think of me, but for some reason, I care about his opinion. I don’t want him to know about my past—who I’ve been with or what I’ve done. For the first time since I got here, I’m starting to think that maybe my parents were right. Maybe I was embarrassing and needed a kick in the ass to be responsible.

That thought just pisses me off even more. I hate it when they’re right.

“You are too much for that town. That’s why you aren’t staying forever, right? You’re there a little while longer, and then you can come home and be with me again.” I try to mirror her smile. I am excited to go home. I miss the city. The humidity and fucking mosquitoes down here are no joke and, honestly, really bad for my hair and skin.

But I do think there are things I might miss about this place.

At least I don’t have to worry about that just yet. My parents haven’t given me any hints about when this test period will end. So, for now, I’m still here indefinitely.

I dig through all my clothes and pull out a white dress with big blue flowers. I bought it to go to a charity golf event but ended up wearing something else.

It’s pretty and perfectly hugs all of my curves. I hold it up to the phone for Serena to see.

“Yessssss, girl. That’s the one.”

I quickly throw it on and turn to face Serena. “He’s going to die. If he doesn’t fuck you tonight, there’s something wrong with him.”

We both laugh, but I hope she’s right. I’m really hoping something happens tonight. That one kiss we shared left me wanting him so badly. It’s insane how patient Landon has been while I’m over here, ready to hump his damn leg. Every time I see him working on the farm, with sweat glistening on his muscles, I start drooling. Like, I’m fairly certain actual drool drops from my mouth. It’s embarrassing.

Since there’s not a single waxing place in this freaking town, I took the time to shave all my important bits, just in case. I like to be prepared, and prickly legs are never fun.

Serena and I say our goodbyes so that I can do my hair and makeup.