“Sounds good.” He offers me a stiff nod.
“May I be excused?” I make sure to ask my father before standing. Even though I’m a grown woman, I am still expected to abide by the house rules and asking to be excused from the dinner table is one of them.
“Of course,” my mother answers.
I gather my plate and glass as I stand, depositing them into the sink.
“You sure you don’t want me to stay and help with the dishes?” I ask, turning back to her.
“You helped cook. The twins can help with the dishes,” she says, both boys groaning in response.
“Should have come riding with me,” I playfully torment.
“No take backs now,” my mother interjects before either of them can voice a change of mind.
I laugh, remembering how many times as a teenager my mom did the same thing to me.
“Have a good ride, honey,” she calls after me as I head out of the kitchen.
After taking the stairs two at a time, I rush to my room. The moment my bedroom door shuts behind me, I press my back against it and let out a shaky breath. I don’t know why but suddenly I’m a million times more nervous about riding with Thad than I was two minutes ago.
“Pull yourself together,” I tell myself, shaking off some of my nerves. “He’s just a guy,” I mutter under my breath as I head toward the closet, snagging one of my old Swindell High School Cheer hoodies off the hanger before sliding it over my head.
“A very hot guy,” I mutter when I stop in front of the mirror on the back of the closet door and take in my appearance.
My hair is still in the same braid as this morning, but has fallen loose with little pieces hanging out everywhere. The little makeup I applied this morning is still in place, but in some serious need of touch ups. I consider throwing on another layer of mascara but quickly decide against it. I don’t want to give Thad the wrong impression...like I actually care what he thinks.
Of course I care what he thinks, but he certainly does not need to know that.
Pulling my sweatshirt down over my hips, I close the closet door and quickly exit my room.