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She snickers and throws an arm over my shoulders. "Okay, good, because I've missed you."
BECCA AND I SPEND the day driving around in my new car and enjoying time with my dad. My mom was right. He must have had a horrible night last night, because he definitely isn't himself today. I can tell Bec is shocked by how much he’s declined. Each day is different, though. So I just hope tomorrow is a better day.
When Jace gets done with his classes, he comes over with a massive strawberry shortcake. However, when I go to eat it, he smacks my hand away and tells me I need to wait until after dinner. And no amount of my pouting or puppy dog eyes changes his mind on it.
The time finally comes when we have to get ready for dinner. Jace goes home to change and pick up Carter, telling us he will be back soon. I decide on a pale pink dress that hugs my body, and Becca curls my hair for me while I do my makeup.
My best friend looks gorgeous in her black dress, but nothing compares to the way Jace looks when he shows up. The black suit he's wearing makes me realize the place we are going to must be really fancy. His hair is styled out of his face, and he's freshly shaved. It makes me realize how special I am. I mean, half of NHU would probably kill to be me right now.
Carter hops out of the car, and as the two of them walk toward the door, sunglasses on, they look like something out of an action movie. Becca leans against me as we admire the view.
"They're playing this up, aren't they?"
I chuckle and shrug. "I don't care. They look good doing it."
She rolls her eyes at me then goes to give Carter a hug hello. Needless to say, she likes him a little more than Jace, but that's probably because I've never done anything with Carter.
Jace comes over and looks me up and down before pulling me close. "You look fucking incredible."
Biting my lip, I pull the sunglasses off his face so I can look in his perfect blue eyes. "Me? You showed up looking like something out of Men in Black."
He smirks. "It was Carter's idea, but it was a good one."
"Remind me to thank him."
THE RESTAURANT IS ABSOLUTELY gorgeous, and a part of me wonders how long ago Jace made reservations here. It's a new place, but the kind that makes you feel like you're afraid to touch anything. However, the menu looks delicious.
As Carter orders a bottle of wine for the table, I kiss Jace's cheek and excuse myself. "I'll be right back." I turn to my best friend. "Becca, you coming?"
"Yeah."
The two of us get up and head to the bathroom. It's not even that I really had to go. I just needed to take a breather. Things have changed so much lately. I've always imagined my twenty-first birthday, but I never thought it would look like this.
"Okay, I have to admit," Becca starts, "maybe he's not the worst thing for you."
My brows raise. "That didn't take long."
She shrugs, and I can see how easily he's winning her over. "I mean, he makes you happy, and as long as he keeps making you happy, I have no issues."
Now that is one of the best presents I could have asked for. Becca is the one person I have always talked to about everything. So it goes without saying that knowing she doesn't like my boyfriend was a tough thing for me. She's not the kind to tell me to leave him every chance she gets, but I'd know in the back of my mind that she's thinking it. Therefore, I'd be less likely to complain about him to her.
"I love you," I tell her.
She winks at me. "I know."
We make our way back out to the table, and as soon as I sit down, Jace puts his arm around me. It's the most comfortable feeling I've had in awhile.
"So what did you two do while we were gone?" Becca asks.
Carter grins broadly. "I was just telling Jace how he's my favorite cougar chaser."
"Cougar chaser?" she and I ask in unison.
Jace throws his head back and groans. "It's because you're three weeks older than me."
I look over at him in mock disgust. "Now that I think about it, you are kind of a baby. And I'm a grown woman now."
A laugh bubbles out of him as he pulls me closer. "You're not going anywhere. Besides, someone is going to need to change your diaper one day. You need a younger man."
