Page 36 of A Simple Love

“Yes, I know where everything goes, asshole. I’ve done stuff and taken biology. I just don’t want to hurt her.”

Dean shakes his head. “Hate to break it to you, bro…. but that’s kinda unavoidable. It’s gonna hurt her a little. Just be gentle, go slow, and then things will feelverygood,veryfast.” He wiggles his eyebrows over at me, making me chuckle before he stands and grabs his keys.

“Alright. Well, daddy-duty calls yet again. I’ve only been gone a few hours, but I miss my kid and my woman, so I’m going to head back. Good luck tomorrow.” He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a brand new box of condoms, sliding them across the island to me. “Have fun and be safe,” he salutes me as I send him a death glare and he leaves my house.

Chapter 22

Victoria

Sleeping past seven has proven to be a struggle since completing school and starting my teaching job. I guess one of the perks to getting older and having a normal job now is an internal clock that ruins any plans of extra sleep you might want to partake in. Lilly running into my room this morning to say hello since she hadn’t really seen me in a few days didn’t help my quest for more sleep either.

“Lilly, do you know what time it is?” I mumble under my pillow, attempting to block out the light and Lilly’s overly enthusiastic voice.

“It’s seven o'clock, Vic! Time for breakfast. Mom’s making bacon and pancakes. Dad’s already headed to work, but I missed you and want to hang out with you today.” The sadness in her voice prompts me to uncover my face and find her eyes. Staring at the younger version of myself brings me back to being her age, desperate to spend time with adults because they were way more fun than kids my own age, or so I thought. If the roles had been reversed and I was the younger sister, I’m sure I would die to follow around my older sister as well. Adult lives seem so much more exciting when you're small.

“Okay, I guess I can’t be mad at you for that,” I tease while pulling her into my arms next to my bed. “I need to get a pedicure today. Do you want to go with me?”

“YES!” She shouts, kisses my cheek, then runs out of my room to relay the news to my mom. The smell of bacon and syrup hits my nose as I sit up, and then the biggest smile splashes over my face as I realize that tonight is finally my date with Mike.

My stomach is already in knots over the prospect of what could happen this evening. I don’t know if I’ll even be able to enjoy the meal my mom is making. I make my way over to my dresser to change my clothes, pull my hair up and off of my face, and slip on a pair of flip-flops before walking down the hallway and into the kitchen.

“Smells good, Mom.” I greet her with a kiss on the cheek, followed by one for Lilly.

“Grab a plate and dig in,” she replies, sliding the last pancake from the skillet onto the fluffy stack already on the counter. “So you’re taking Lilly to get a pedicure today? What about me?” She’s teasing, but the prospect of spending the day with my mom and sister actually sounds fun. Maybe it will help me keep my mind off the impending evening.

“How about we all go then?” I offer.

“Actually, I could use some pampering.” She smiles and we finish our breakfast before loading in the car and making our way into town.

While my mom and Lilly sort through the racks at Kohl’s in Lincoln, I sneak away to the salon to get waxed. I’m actually glad that my mom offered to tag along so I could take care of that personal deed without worrying about Lilly. Mike has already had his hands between my legs, but I was in-between my monthly appointments, so it will be nice to surprise him with a whole lot of nothing down there.

I find a few new outfits for work when I return, my mom and Lilly each find a few new pieces for themselves as well, we all settle in at the salon to get our much-needed pedicures, and then we grab some lunch before stopping at the grocery store back in Hopetown so I can pick up some supplies for a cake. Baking is one of my favorite things to do, especially around the holidays. It’s a pastime I made time for in-between classes and on special occasions. And since I’m going to have dinner at Mike’s house tonight, which is a special occasion in my mind, I figured the least I could do is bring dessert. A classic vanilla cake with chocolate ganache should be enough to win over Mike’s stomach since I’m pretty sure I’ve already won over his heart.

Once we’re home, I mix and whip the ingredients for the cake and icing, shove the pans in the oven to bake while I shower, and primp myself for my date. I decide to go for something casual, but still sexy, choosing a denim skirt and sandals, with a low cut blush top that shows off my average breasts and curves. Even though I’m insecure most of the time, tonight I don’t feel that way because I know Mike wants me, and the feeling is mutual. I leave my hair down and curled in soft waves, light make-up on my face, and gloss on my lips. Checking my appearance in the mirror one last time, I’m confident that I’m stimulating to the eyes, snap a quick selfie to Pauline seeking her approval, and then make my way to the kitchen to finish assembling the dessert.

“Victoria,” my mom calls behind me while I’m slathering the last bit of frosting on the two-tiered cake.

“What’s up, Mom?”

She places her hand on my shoulder, forcing me to stop icing and turn to her, a small smile gracing her lips. “I hope tonight is everything you’ve been waiting for hun.” My mom has been rooting for Mike and me since we were kids, and I confided in her about our date tonight and how I ended things with Ben. My mom also knows I’m a virgin still, but I didn’t inform her of Mike’s common status.

“Thank you, Mom. I’ve been waiting for this for so long… I think I might throw up.”

She laughs at me. “You’ll be fine. Just promise me you’ll be safe,” she states, raising her eyebrow at me in a warning.

“Yes, I promise,” I assure her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Are you staying the night then?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, honestly. I just figured I’d see where the evening takes us.” But there is an overnight bag packed and stored just moments ago in my trunk just in case, filled with a Costco-sized box of condoms and a change of clothes. My mom doesn’t need to know that, though.

“Well, don’t worry about letting us know. You’re twenty-five and it’s time you made a life of your own.”

“I’m trying, Mom.” I lean in for a hug, relishing in the feel of my mother’s arms holding me. She’s always been there for me, even now as my life is finally starting to take shape and my future is turning out exactly the way I wanted it.

I grab the cake after saying my final goodbyes to my mom and Lilly, making my way down the porch stairs and over to my car.

“Where are you headed looking like that?” I turn towards the voice to see my father approaching me, leaving the shade from the eaves of the garage as he steps into the sunlight.

---