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It’s just Grace, for God’s sake.
Running my hand over my face, I grab the silky black robe from the hook on my door and slip it on, making sure I’ve tied it securely around my waist before getting out of the bathroom. “Which one?”
“The sleeveless one?” She pulls the hanger from my closet to show it to me. “I mean, it’s a bit chilly, so I’ll have to wear a jacket, but still.”
“Yeah, sure, go for it.”
“Great, thanks.” She slips the dress from the hanger and pulls it over her head. “I still can’t believe you agreed to the double date.”
It’s not like I’ll be wearing that anytime soon. I walk past her and go through the hangers until I find a tight dress with sleeves that come to my elbows. It’s a bit on the longer side, but the back dips pretty low, leaving the whole upper part of my back open, showing off the delicate flower design of my tattoo.
I never thought much about getting a tattoo, but then I saw this design, and I knew I had to have it. The tattoo went from my neck, across my spine, all the way to my lower back; a thin ribbon was intertwined between the lilies and some greenery, a perfect tribute to my mother.
“Can we not make a fuss about it?” I groan and go to the window, cracking it open to let in some fresh air. “It’s just a group of friends going out for dinner. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Mhmm… keep telling yourself that.”
“I don’t have to keep telling myself anything. That’s the way it is.” She opens her mouth, but I lift my finger and point it at her. “And if you don’t stop talking about it, this is going to be the first, and the last time anything like this happens.”
Grace rolls her eyes but starts toward the door. “Fine. I’m going to finish my makeup. The guys should be here in thirty.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Just as she’s at the door, Grace slows down and looks back. “Hey, how did the game go?”
“We won, but it was a tough game.”
“That sucks. Although a win is a win.”
It was, but I’m not sure Nixon or any of his teammates will look at it that way. It’s not realistic to think they’ll beat every single team without any difficulty, but some teams should be easier to win over others.
I wait for her to leave and close the door behind her, but even then, I don’t risk getting changed in the bedroom.
Grabbing some underwear and my dress, I go to the bathroom and close the door before dropping my robe, my back to the mirror.
Only then do I change.
* * *
“You look beautiful,” Michael says as he holds my door—seriously, do people still do that?—to help me slide into his car.
Grace insisted that although we’re going to the same restaurant, we should take two separate cars since she’s planning to go to Mason’s after their date. When I asked why we don’t just meet the guys at the restaurant so I could get back with her car, she gave me a death glare of all the death glares before leaving the room. So like the good friend I am, I waited for my ride and let her have it.
So what? It was one date. It’s not like it’s going to change anything.
“Thanks, you clean up nice too.”
He’s wearing a white dress shirt that makes his skin look even more golden than usual. The first two buttons are left undone, revealing a patch of skin and firm muscle beneath it. His dark hair is perfectly styled, jaw clean-shaven. Any girl would feel lucky to be on Michael’s arm.
So why do I not feel even a twinge of excitement?
Closing the door behind me, I watch him walk around the car and slide into the driver’s seat, giving me a curious glance as he starts the car.
“I didn’t take you for a tattoo girl.”
“And why not?”
“I don’t know,” he shrugs, giving me an apologetic smile. “I guess I just didn’t think about it? I’m making a mess of this, aren’t I? I haven’t been out on a date in way too long.”
