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“Hey, don’t be like that. I’m sorry if I came on strong before. You know I only want the best for you.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess I’m tense.”
“How was Graham today? Did he say anything about the photo?”
“Nope. But he was maybe one-tenth less mean than usual, so that’s progress.”
“What a mystery,” Tess mutters.
“It’s a weird situation, but that could describe my whole life right now.”
“I’m excited for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” she says firmly. “Okay, the whole step-uncle thing isn’t ideal, but I’ve never heard you this giddy. Smitten. It’s your first real date.”
I allow her words to spread a glowing smile across my face.
“Any advice?”
“Yes, actually,” she says. “Don’t hate me for it, but forget about Noah and your mom. Forget about the guilt. Just try to enjoy it. Your problems will still be there when you come home.”
“Okay, but only because you told me to.”
She laughs, and I do my best to join in, but as usual, the guilt follows soon after. I shouldn’t be joking about this.
“He’s here,” I say when I spot his car.
“Have fun, and remember, I wantallthe details.”
After hanging up, I walk over to the car, wondering if he will notice my outfit change. I brought a dress to work like the one I wore to the reception, blue with lacy arms.
I know I made the right choice when he steps from the car. His attention fixates on me right away, pure obsession. He walks right up to me, then stops, stepping back. I could tell he wanted to grab and kiss me, press against me passionately, but he knew we couldn’t do that here.
“You look beautiful,” he says fiercely. “Hell, youalwaysdo. This is an extra level.”
His compliment has me beaming. I may listen to Tess’s advice. Forget about Mom and my stepdad. Focus on my step-uncle instead.
“You do, too,” I say. “Handsome, I mean. Not beautiful.”
He’s wearing a pale blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top two bottoms open, tempting me.
“You’re saying I’m not beautiful?” he smirks. “I should be offended.”
He opens the car door for me, and I climb inside. When he drops into the driver’s seat, his mouth tightens, and his eyes get hazy. He’s thinking about Mom and Noah and about how wrong this is.
“My friend gave me some advice just now,” I say. “Tess, my bestie since we were kids. I…” I pause, realizing I haven’t told him.
“What is it?” he asks, raising his hand as if to touch me, then letting it drop when a car passes beside us.
“I told her about us. I trust her completely. She’ll never tellanybody.”
He nods. “That’s your choice.”
“You’re not mad?”
“I’m the one who wants to tell Noah and Elena, remember? You can tell whoever you like.”
