Page 44 of Truth
“Look.” I slap the card down between us and watch her face go through a myriad of reactions until her gaze rejoins my face.
“Yep. My thoughts exactly,” I say, blowing out a breath as I lean back into the booth.
We both sit for a minute just looking at each other and the card. “You better take kneepads because begging is not typically from a standing position.”
I scream out with laughter and cover my face with one side of my cardigan.
“What are you going to do?” Gretchen laughs out while the waiter delivers her bagel and my fruit.
“I don’t know, but is it crazy that I’m this giddy? It’s our second chance, Gretchen. All I know is he’s going to have to put up a helluva fight to get rid of me.”
“You have to wear something crazy hot. You should wear that new jumpsuit. The black one that cuts down all the way past your cleavage.”
I’m talking about my forever, and she wants to discuss clothes.
“What cleavage.” I laugh.
“True, but he’s already seen the goods.” She takes a bite, mumbling out the rest of her sentence.
“I just don’t want to make the same mistake. I hesitated—I made him feel like I didn’t believe in him. He isn’t…strike that, we aren’t anything like my past relationship. Choosing him doesn’t mean disregarding myself. It took me a minute to understand that, but I can’t wait to tell him. I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything in all my life.”
“Sweet Jesus you’re in love. I’d ask if he has a brother, but I already know the answer. The real question is how do we get rid of his wife?”
I roll my eyes at her and dig into my fruit.
The rest of the morning we laugh and plot out the evening. I say my goodbyes to Gretchen and make my way back to my house to change from my hobo wear and begin my transformation to sex goddess. Tonight, I’m going to stake my claim on Dominic King.
IMANAGE A NAIL APPOINTMENTand some lingerie shopping as well as a blowout. I’ve handled every possible aspect, but the day drags by, and I find myself ready to go two hours early. Strumming my fingers on my couch, I go to the bar cart by my window and pour myself a drink to calm my nerves. I’m nervous—very nervous. I can’t help but feel like this night has been orchestrated to make me feel this way. He’s definitely making this happen on his terms, but I’m okay with it. A guy like King doesn’t bend or compromise, but the rules are different for me and I know he’s giving me what he can give.
My cell rings and I see it’s my dad. I debate for a moment, hoping he doesn’t ask what I’m doing tonight. I’m not sure I’m ready to share.
“Hey, Dad.” My voice is chipper.
“Hello, stranger. I almost forgot what your voice sounded like.”
“Oh geez, come on. Works been busy, that’s all.” Grabbing the remote, I turn the television down.
“Oh, I was hoping to hear you’d met a guy.”
“Dad, come on.”
“Well, I don’t want to you turning out like me, is all. Speaking of, have you talked to your mother lately? How is she?” Every conversation is the same with him. They’ve been divorced for ten-ish years, but he always asks about her.
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?”
“Because it’s easier to ask you…”
Yeah, right.“Mmhmm, sure.”
“Oh, now, now. Let’s get back to your love life.”
“No, thanks! Although, I do have a date tonight.” Date seems like the wrong word.
“Well, there you go. What’s his name? What does he do?”
“His name is Dominic, and he is in real estate mostly.” I leave off the part about a sex club. No need to traumatize my father.
“That’s great, kiddo. I hope it works out.”Me too.
