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“The building is fully secure,” Jason says. “With private underground parking and on-site security twenty-four-seven. And there are two bedrooms.”
My face heats at the mention of bedrooms, because now I realize that the sleeping arrangement is probably the uppermost question on everyone’s mind. I honestly hadn’t thought that far ahead.
Now your parents are picturing you sleeping with Jason. I told you, you’re a whore.
Oh, my god, shut up.
Mom and Dad stare at each other, doing their silent communication thing. It’s crazy how they practically read minds.
“Well,” my mom says in a careful and thoughtful tone. “I can see how a young woman your age would be eager to pursue independence and venture out on her own.”
“Ian moved out when he was eighteen,” I remind my parents. “And he livedalone. At least I’ll have a bodyguard.”
“Yes, but Ian’s a boy,” my father says, stating the obvious.
“That’s sexist, Dad.”
“Yes, but it’s true,” he counters.
I catch Jason grinning. My parents don’t look thrilled about my idea, but at least they haven’t come right out and said no. I’m pretty sure if they did, Jason would rescind his offer.
They’re still doing their silent communication act.
My dad addresses Jason. “And you’re okay with this arrangement?”
“Yes, sir,” Jason answers without hesitation.
“Please let me do this,” I plead. “Jason said he’d only agree if you guys do.”
“Very well,” my dad finally says after a last long look at my mom. “A trial run.” He raises his index finger. “Oneweekend, and then we’ll reassess. And not this weekend. Let’s wait at least a week and let poor Jason recover from the events of today.”
Jason squeezes my hand. “Sounds fair.”
“Deal!” I say to my dad. And then I throw my arms around Jason, and he hugs me back.
* * *
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Jason asks as he watches me pack my suitcase. “It’s only for a weekend. Do you really need to bring that much stuff?”
“You never know what you’ll need. I’d rather bring too much than not enough.”
It’s been a week since my parents agreed to let me do a trial run at Jason’s apartment for the weekend. I’m even more excited than I was before because I’ve had a chance to think about it. We’ll be living together in his apartment, just like any other couple. We’re officially dating now, although it’s been pretty platonic. Jason thinks I’m not ready for more. I disagree.
What better way for our relationship to progress than living together? Just the two of us, with no chaperones. We’ll have his place to ourselves. It’s going to be fantastic.
“Yes, I’m ready,” I tell him. “Why? Have you changed your mind?”
He smiles. “No, I haven’t changed my mind. I just want to make sure you haven’t.”
“Absolutely not. I’m looking forward to this. It’ll just be the two of us—no staff. Just us.”
He laughs. “Right. There will be no one to do your laundry for you, no one to cook for you. Or buy groceries. You’ll have to slum it like the rest of us peasants.”
“But that’s just it. Iwantto do those things for myself. I want to prove that I can take care of myself.”
You’re going to crash and burn.
No, I won’t. I can do this.
