Page 135 of Choosing You

“Sounds good.” He slowly walks out like he’s already half asleep.

I close the door and return to the mirror to admire the earrings. I’ve never had anything so beautiful. Could it really be that Garret has never bought a girl jewelry? It can’t be true. Maybe he just forgot. Or maybe he really does like me more than the other girls he’s dated.

Even after the months we’ve spent together, part of me still can’t believe Garret could possibly like me as much as he says he does.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

On Saturday morning,I go for a run on the track. It’s cold, but not as cold as it was earlier in the week. And the snow that fell has already melted.

I’m feeling anxious about tonight, like maybe I shouldn’t be going to this thing. People will be staring at me, wondering why someone like me is even there. Thinking about it makes me even more anxious and I have to do sprints to burn off the nervous energy.

“Jade.” Garret’s walking toward the track wearing sweats and carrying his duffle bag. He looks much more awake now.

I run over to him. “Hi. Going to practice?”

“Yeah, but I saw you here and had to make a detour.” He kisses me. “Sorry I was so out of it last night.”

“It’s okay. I know it’s been a busy week.”

“I slept in so I’m all rested up for tonight. I usually hate these things, but now that we’re going together I’m actually looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see you in that dress.”

“Kensington, get your ass to practice!” It’s Blake. I spot him walking with a group of guys toward the pool building.

Garret ignores him. “What are you doing out here? I told you not to be out by yourself.”

“It’s the middle of the day. There’s people everywhere. I’m fine.”

He glances around. “Well, don’t stay out here too long. I’ll see you tonight.”

* * *

In the afternoon,Harper helps me get ready. She does my makeup first, then works on my hair, saying I need to wear it up to show off the backless dress. She folds the sides of my hair in, then combines it with the back and somehow forms a loose knot and pins it in place at the base of my neck. It looks even better than if I’d gone to a salon. She’s really good at hair and makeup. Must be because she has two sisters. I didn’t have anyone to show me how to do that stuff.

“Jade, you look so pretty,” Harper says once I’m all put together with the dress, shoes, and earrings. She guides me to the mirror. “I love those earrings. That was so sweet of him to pick those out.”

“It almost sounds like you’re not mad at him anymore.”

“I like him better now that he finally stood up to his dad and isn’t hiding the fact that you two are dating.” I see her smiling at me in the mirror. “Plus, I see how happy he makes you, so I have to give him points for that.”

I turn back around. “Thanks for doing all this.”

She hugs me. “Anytime, Jade. You know I love doing this stuff. I better get out of here. You guys have to go soon. I want to hear all the details tomorrow.”

She leaves but I hear her talking to someone in the hall. I assume it’s Garret and open the door.

It’s him. Standing there redefining the word handsome.

He’s in his tux, which is a modern style tux that fits him perfectly. His crisp white shirt highlights the golden tan he still has from his time in Houston. His face is freshly shaved and he has on that great cologne I love so much.

“Hi,” I say, in a complete daze as I stare at him.

“Hi,” he says, looking the same way back at me.

Harper’s still standing there. “You two look great. Let me get a picture. Garret, give me your phone.” He reaches in his pocket, not taking his eyes off me, and hands Harper the phone. “Go stand next to her in her room.”

I step aside and let him in, getting another whiff of how good he smells.

Harper laughs. “Can you two stop staring at each other long enough for me to get a photo?”

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