Page 15 of One of Six

The moment the door closes behind me, I slump against it and meet Evelyn's worried gaze. "Water. I need water."

She nods and pours me a glass. "You look white as snow." She moves forward, letting her eyes roam over me, and a soft smile comes to her face. "You look beautiful, Beatrice."

I drink the water as if I've been in the desert for weeks. "Thank you."

"What happened?" Evelyn puts her hands on my shoulders, rubs them down my arms to my fingers, and gives me a knowing smile. "I haven't heard anything bad about Jason, so as long as you keep him at arm's length, you should be safe.”

A laugh comes out before I can control it. "Mother told me he couldn't touch me, but she recommended I get on my knees for him!"

Horrified, Evelyn takes a step back. She tries to recover from the shock, but it takes a moment. "Don't worry. I told her that was not going to happen."

"I don't know what to say."

"Nothing to say." I smile and take a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "The country club will be busy since it's a Saturday. Please don't worry about me. I'll just get it over with."

Evelyn pulls herself together. "Call me if you need me. I'll come get you, no matter the time or the consequences."

I hug Evelyn quickly, feeling tears press against the back of my eyes. "Thank you." I smile and walk into the living room.

The doorbell rings before I greet my mother, so since I'm already here, I open the door. Jason is standing there with his hand ready to knock. He takes a second look before his eyes go wide in surprise. "Beatrice! You look amazing."

I giggle for no reason. Maybe it's the shock on his face. "I scrub up well."

He clears his throat and runs a hand down his sports jacket. "Yes, you do." I don't miss the way his eyes darken as they sweep over me.

"Beatrice, manners." Mom pulls open the door. "Please come in."

Mom leads him into the living room while I stand like an idiot in the doorway.

Not wanting to prolong this evening, I stay where I am and wait for one of them to notice.

Jason has his hands in the pockets of his navy-blue pants. He is wearing a white button down and then a blue sport coat. His blond hair is slicked back, and his face is clean-shaven. He looks nice, but because my parents like him, I'm trying to rebel. But I'm not sure it works. I'm under their thumb.

"Mrs. Lincoln," Jason says, then looking me in the eye adds, "if you'll excuse us, we have to go, or we'll be late."

"Oh! Yes, of course. Please don't let me keep you."

"Remember what I told you, Beatrice?" My mother says as Jason leads me to his little red sports car. The top is down, and I imagine howgreatmy hair will look after this ride.

"What did your mom say?" he asks once we're alone.

"You don't want to know." I grab my hair and pull it to one side, so it is easier to control.

We move down the driveway, and as we turn onto the street, Dad turns into the driveway. He looks at me and smiles. Something must be going well.

The drive is in silence, with Jason staring at my legs. I want to call him on it, but I keep my mouth shut. The tension between us is palpable, but I concentrate on the passing scenery to avoid a confrontation. We finally arrive at our destination and Jason pulls up so the valet can park the car.

Jason jogs over to my side and opens the door. It takes me a moment to decide how to get out, but then I decide to swing both legs out and give Jason my hands. Oh, great! He's seen my breasts. With a tug I'm on my feet and he puts an arm around my waist. "You've really grown up, Beatrice," he comments.

I swallow my nerves and let him lead me inside, where I see my grandfather, the judge. He's at his usual table, and I pretend not to see him. The waitress seats us at a window table. The view is beautiful. Outdoor lights wrap around the porch railing, casting a warm glow over the outdoor seating area. I take a deep breath, trying to push down the nervous flutter in my stomach as I concentrate on the menu in front of me. It ends up being in vain as Jason orders for me without my input.

A glass of wine is placed in front of me, to my surprise considering my age. Jason smiles. "So, tell me,” he says, leaning back in his chair, "how long do we have before your father expects wedding bells?"

My eyes open wide, and I choke on the mouth of wine I've just swallowed. His eyes are filled with glee as I let out a nervous chuckle. "I'm here to eat, not discuss wedding bells." I tilt my head to the side and nibble on a breadstick. "Why are you here?"

"Something tells me you are a handful," he comments. "I'm here to dine with a beautiful woman." His eyes search mine. "Let's start over, Beatrice. Forget why we're here together and let's enjoy the food and a little dancing. How about that?"

I smile. "I can do that." I wonder how long it will take him to forget his words.

---