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He arrives in just over ten minutes and drives me straight back to his. I continue staring out the window, processing everything that happened over the last few hours. I feel like when I look back at my life in years to come, this day will be one that’s ingrained in my mind as a core memory.
As soon as we walk through the door, I tell him everything that transpired. I tell him about my mom, the ring, hers and Nana’s hospital history and everything else. When I finally finish, I look up and see that Tucker is just staring open-mouthed at me.
"Tuck, say something," I beg.
Tucker leaps up from his seat, pulls me to my feet, and gives me the tightest hug I’ve ever received.
"I’m so proud of you! This calls for champagne! Shit, you don’t drink, and soda just doesn’t cut it, though!"
"The way I’m feeling right now… maybe one small beer wouldn’t hurt," I declare, with an overwhelmed sigh.
"On it!" Tucker shouts as he runs to the kitchen, coming back with two beers in his hands and the widest smile I’ve ever seen.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ISABELLA
Acar horn blares and I hurry down the stairs. I'm closing the door when I hear Pops call my name and come running over. I stop in the doorway and wait. As soon as he's close enough, Pops hands me a hundred dollars. "What's that for, Pops?" I ask.
"Look, I know your parents sent you money to buy yourself a dress, but we wanted to spoil you too. Here's a little something. Your Nana and I have been saving for the last few months, so buy yourself some matching shoes or a handbag. If nothing else, treat yourself and your friends to lunch on us."
"Thanks so much, but you really don't have to do that. I've got enough money, Pops."
"We don't have to, you're right. But we want to," Pops offers proudly as he continues to put the money in my hand.
"You really are the best Pops a girl could ever ask for." I beam, hugging him and pressing a small kiss to his cheek before walking down the driveway, where I see Ava and the other girls waiting.
"What was that all about?" asks Ava from the driver's seat.
"Pop just gave me this," I say, holding up the stack of twenty-dollar bills in my hand. "He told me to buy shoes, a purse, or lunch from him."
A collective gasp of ‘Awe’ fills the car.
"He's the cutest. I want a Pops, too." Ava smiles.
I turn and see him waving in the doorway, so I roll down my window and yell, "I love you, Pops!"
The girls join in and shout "We love you!" next to me and laugh. Pops just smiles proudly and bows.
We drive with the radio up, the windows down, and the feel of the sun on our faces as we sing along to our favorite songs. ‘Miley Cyrus - Flowers’comes on, and we all sing our hearts out, belting out the lyrics to the Single, Independent Woman, power ballad, even though…
I'm with a man who would never allow me to 'buy my own flowers and hold my own hand'.
Ava wouldn't allow Tucker to make her buy her own flowers.
Riley would rather burn the flowers than buy them.
And Harper is too cool to even want the flowers.
We pull up into the city and park just a few blocks from my dad's office. Even though I already know the answer, I text my parents and ask if they want to meet for coffee or lunch since I'm here and I haven't seen them in forever.
Me:Hey Mom, hey Dad, I just wanted to say that I'm in the city with the girls to buy our prom dresses. I'm parked near the office. Do you maybe have time for coffee or lunch? I'd love to introduce you to my friends. X
Dad:Your mom and I have plans, sorry.
Me:Oh okay. I told you I was coming today, but maybe you forgot. Don't worry, have a nice day then.
Mom:I put $40 into your account. Coffee for you and your friends is on us.
