Page 33 of Being Julia

“Yes, sir. He’s, my dad.” Jake smiled.

“I knew it. Jake’s father owns the largest dealership in the city where I buy my Range Rovers. I’ve been buying from your father for years.”

“Mr. Black. I’ve heard your name before. You own Black Enterprises. My dad talks about you.”

“All good, I hope.”

“Of course.” Jake smiled.

This was excellent. My dad knew Jake’s dad, and he seemed to really like him. I couldn’t have asked for this meeting to be more perfect.

“You and Julia have already met,” my dad said.

“What? How?” I asked.

“Back when you were about eight years old, I bought a new Range Rover. You wanted to come with me to the dealership, and Jake was sitting behind his father’s desk. The dealership had a play area, and your father asked you to take Julia and show her the toys while we reviewed the purchase numbers.”

“See. I told you I felt like we’d met before.” Jake grinned.

I wished I had remembered that, but I didn’t. Jake and my dad continued to talk while my mom pulled me into the living room.

“Oh my God, Julia. He’s hot.” She smiled.

“He took my breath away, Mom.”

“Sweetheart.” She smiled as she put her hand on the side of my face. “I don’t know what to say except ‘be careful.’”

I smiled as she placed her arm around me, and we walked back into the kitchen. Jake turned around and flashed me a smile.

“Mr. Black, would it be all right with you and Mrs. Black if I took Julia on a date?”

I looked at my mom, who was grinning from ear to ear. My dad looked at me and then back at Jake before giving his answer.

“Yes, Jake. You may take my daughter on a date.” He smiled as he put his hand on Jake’s shoulder.

Jake walked over to me as his striking green eyes stared into mine. “Julia, I know we’ve only known each other a couple of hours, but I was hoping you would do me the honor of going on a date with me tomorrow night.”

I was so excited that I wanted to scream yes, but I remained calm.

“Yes, Jake. I’d love to go out on a date with you.”

The fact that he asked my parents first scored him big points. As the guests were starting to leave, Jake said that he should get going. When I walked him down to the beach, he pulled his phone from his pocket and asked me for my number. I gave it to him, and he told me that he’d text me so that I would have his.

“Goodnight, Julia Black. I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow night. How about I pick you up around seven o’clock?”

“Seven o’clock is perfect.” I smiled.

He leaned closer to me, kissed me lightly on the cheek, and began to walk away. I called his name, and he turned around. I put my hand up and gave him a small wave.

“Goodnight, Jake Jensen.” I smiled.

“Sweet dreams, Julia,” he said as he turned around and walked down the beach.

I said goodbye to the last guest and closed the door. I leaned up against it and sighed. My mom walked over to me and smiled.

“What a great party, but I’m glad it’s over.”

“Me too, Mom. Thank you for everything.”

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