Page 106 of Keep My Heart
Just before six, Nick shows up at my door in a light gray suit, white dress shirt, and blue tie, looking sophisticated and hot. I can’t believe I’m dating him. There’s still that part of me that thinks I’m not good enough, that I don’t deserve him. But Iamgood enough, and Idodeserve him. Nick believes that, and I should too. I just need to keep telling myself that until it sinks in. All my years with Chris had me doubting myself, doubting my self worth, but he’s gone now and it’s time I let go of those doubts.
‘Wow.’ Nick’s eyes widen as he looks at me in the dress. ‘Lyndsay, you look incredible.’
‘Thanks!’ I reach up and kiss him. ‘You look great in that suit.’
‘I feel like I’m at work. This is what I wear every day.’
‘And you don’t have a girlfriend?’ I check him out, noticing how perfectly the suit fits him. ‘How is that possible?’
‘I was holding out for one girl in particular.’ He pulls me into his arms. ‘But I never in a million years thought she’d actually go out with me.’
‘I guess dreams come true sometimes.’
‘I guess so.’ He takes my hand and leads me over to Sawyer’s shiny black convertible.
‘We get Sawyer’s car?’ I ask.
‘He loaned it to me. I thought it’d be easier to get into than Dad’s truck.’ Nick opens the door for me.
‘Tell him thanks,’ I say as I get into the car. ‘This is definitely easier.’
We head to the restaurant, the nice one we went to before. We only had drinks that night, so we decided to go back there for dinner this time.
‘When did Sawyer get this?’ I ask, running my hands over the soft leather seats.
‘A few years ago. He worked two jobs to save up the money.’
‘He must’ve really wanted this car.’
‘He did. He has expensive taste. He likes expensive cars, designer clothes. He paid like 300 dollars for those sunglasses he had on the other day.’
‘You know, it’s funny, but I could see Sawyer living in New York more than I can see you living there.’
‘I’ve thought the same thing. He wouldn’t want to live there, but he’d fit in better than I do.’ Nick points to his suit. ‘He’d actually like wearing this. I only wear it because I have to. I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt type of guy.’
‘But you look really good in the suit,’ I say, smiling at him.
‘Not as good as you look in that dress,’ he says, smiling back.
We arrive at the restaurant and are seated at the same table we were at before. The last time we sat here I was heartbroken, thinking I’d never see Nick again. But now I’m elated, my heart filled with joy, knowing Nick and I are a couple.
The dinner is wonderful. The food, the atmosphere, being with Nick. He keeps gazing at me across the table and reaching over to hold my hand. It’s nice to be with someone who’s affectionate and can’t take his eyes off me and gives me compliments. Chris was never like that.
After dinner, we go to the hotel where the reunion is being held. It’s a historic hotel near downtown. It’s beautiful and has a grand ballroom that’s rented out for weddings, but tonight it’s reserved for the reunion.
‘You ready for this?’ Nick asks as we walk up the steps to the hotel.
‘Areyouready?’ I ask. ‘You’re the one who’s been dreading this.’
‘I’m not now that I have a gorgeous date.’ He leans down to give me a kiss, then opens the door.
Matt’s standing in the lobby, wearing a tux, a big grin on his face.
‘Hey! You guys look great!’
‘Thanks,’ Nick says as we walk up to Matt. ‘What’s with the tux?’
‘I thought I should look formal since I’m kind of in charge of this.’ He leans in, lowering his voice. ‘And Tessa kind of has a thing for tuxes.’
