Page 50 of Loving the Sinner
“Um. Hi? Why are you so chipper at eight on a Saturday morning?” Izzy asks, sleep still in her voice.
“I have a date. Why are you up so early? It’s seven in Utah.” I ask.
“A date?! I thought you and Matt were just staying friends.”
“We are, I uhh, I’m going on a date with Wes, actually.”
“WHAT?!” Izzy screeches. “Why is this the first I'm hearing about it? Where is he taking you? What changed?”
“Well, I don’t know where he’s taking me. He’s surprising me. Nothing’s changed other than the fact that we finally realized we liked each other. He wrote me a song and performed it on Wednesday and then-”
“He wrote you a song?” Izzy coos, “Luke’s never written me a song. What the heck?”
“Luke isn’t a writer, Iz. He’s a performer. But I’m sure if you asked, he’d write you one.” I’m sure he would, and he would make a big show of performing it, too.
“Yeah. You’re right. Anyway, I just wanted to call you and let you know that Spencer got his mission call, he’s going to Sao Paulo, Brazil. He leaves August seventeenth. Mom and dad expect you to be here for his farewell. I just thought I’d call you before Mom does so you can be warned.”
Part of me feels a pang of sadness that my family didn’t even think to call me for his mission call opening. I’m sure it was a big, flashy party and not a single person let me know.
Another part of me rolls my eyes.Ooo Brazil. How original.I swear everyone from my graduating classwent to Brazil or Germany on their mission. “Thanks for the heads up. I can probably swing coming to Utah. Do you think I could bring Wes?”
There’s a long pause before Izzy responds. “Is that… I mean, is it serious already? Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“I think it will be serious by then. That’s just over a month. I know he doesn’t look like the typical guys I’ve dated, but he’s special, Iz. I’d feel more comfortable coming back with him.”
“You know I support you Els. But just know that Mom and Dad won’t be happy, and they for sure won’t let him stay at the house.”
“That’s fine. We’d probably get a hotel room anyway. Or see if Hannah has a spare room.” I haven’t chatted with Hannah in a while, but we were always close as kids. She got married pretty much right out of high school and started her master’s around the same time, so we occasionally got lunch when classes allowed.
“You didn’t hear?”
“Didn’t hear what?”
“Hannah and Liam are getting a divorce.”
“WHAT? When? Do you know why?” Why didn’t Hannah tell me? I mean, I guess we aren’t super close anymore, not like we were when we were kids, but still. How did I have no idea she was divorcing her husband?
“All I know is she moved in with Aunt Shelly two weeks ago and the divorce is still being finalized. No one’s said why.”
“That’s so weird. Well, I guess I won’t ask her for a place to stay. I’ve got to get dressed, Wes will be here soon.”
“Yeah, I have to get to the school to start painting sets anyway. Mandatory stagecraft hours or no credit for themusical this term. Love you bunches Els. Have fun on your daaaate.” She says.
“Love you too Izzy bee. I intend to.”
“I want to know all the deets later! How good of a kisser he is, and if he’s good with his hands since he plays the guitar.”
“Izzy!” I chastise.
“You know you were thinking it too! Love you, bye!” And then the line goes dead, the little butthead.
I double check my subtle make up in the mirror, and make sure my ponytail is secure. Deciding it looks good, I head back to my room and try to decide if I want to put on the new pink lacy thong and matching balconette bra I got. I don’t know what Wes has planned, or if he even wants to have sex yet, but… it can’t hurt to wear something sexy, right?
Slipping those on, I opt for some light blue linen shorts and a white, flowy tank top with little beads on the high neckline. I’m just lacing up my black converse when the doorbell rings. Butterflies erupt in my belly when I open the door to find Wes, looking more casual than I’ve ever seen him. He’s wearing black chino shorts, which show off the ink on his legs, a tight white t-shirt that enhances the ink on his arms, and his hair is pulled back in a low bun.
“Good morning, beautiful.” He says, leaning in to give me a kiss on the cheek. “Ready to go?”
“Hi handsome. Let me grab my purse, then I’m all yours.” I step to the kitchen to grab my purse off of the counter, then walk out the door.
