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He studies me for a moment before he nods once, his expression somber. “Very well, Charlotte. I must say, you’re rather—feisty this afternoon.”
“I’m feeling better,” I tell him, and I mean it.
I’m feeling better than ever. It was nice to get that off my chest about Jasper calling me Miss Charlotte. I need to be honest with my husband as well.
There are a few things I need to tell him. Starting tonight. Over dinner.
Grabbing my phone yet again, I send Perry a quick text.
Me:Let’s go out to dinner tonight.
He responds almost immediately.
Perry:You sure you’re okay to go out?
A sigh leaves me. This man.
Me:I need to be around people. Around YOU. Out of this apartment.
It takes him a few minutes to respond and I start to grow antsy. I drain my cup. Idly scroll through social media. Nearly jump out of my skin when my phone dings.
Perry:I’ll pick you up in the Chevelle at 7.
Relief floods me at his response.
Me:Perfect. Where are you taking me?
Perry:It’s a surprise.
Me:How should I dress?
Perry:Wear something short and sexy.
A smile curls my lips. He’s sounding like my old husband right now.
And I like it.
***
I spent therest of the afternoon getting ready for my date with Perry. I found a dress in my closet that I purchased during our engagement that I never wore. It’s a deep, vivid pink, almost fuchsia with a tie fabric belt and long sleeves. It covers me almost entirely, except my legs.
And Perry is a leg man.
I curl my hair and apply my makeup carefully. Spritz myself in my favorite perfume then immediately regret it. What if I’m wearing too much? What if I’m making a big deal out of nothing?
I shove all of my insecure feelings into the darkest corners of my brain. I need to stop doubting myself all the time, but old habits are hard to break. The majority of my life, I’ve thought this way and it’s gotten me nowhere.
I’m sick of it. Before Seamus forced me out of the lobby with a gun jabbed into my side, I was gaining more confidence. Feeling assured in my position as Perry’s wife. I lost that.
Tonight, I’m ready to reclaim that version of myself.
A little before seven, I receive a text from my husband.
Perry:Meet me downstairs. I’m parked at the curb, right in front of the building. Have Jasper go with you.
I want to protest, but don’t. He’s justified in still being worried about my safety. I’m worried too.
Me:Will do!
