“Brandon, I love you,” I whispered to his back, half expecting him not to hear. But the gorgeous man looked over his shoulder so quickly that I worried he’d fall into the water.
“Did you just say what I think you said?”
I giggled, blushing furiously. “Um, yes.”
He stood up, brushing grass from his pant legs, and swept me into his strong arms. “Miss Lucy Church,” he murmured into my ear, “I love you too. Thank you for coming into my life, baby.”
My heart’s pumping with renewed joy when I’m brought back into the present by the chorus of my favorite song. Stopping at a red light, I sing the lyrics at the top of my lungs, completing my performance with hair flipping and dramatic gestures. I’m sure the cars stopped next to me are staring, but who cares? I’m a woman in love, and I’ve got a man who makes me indescribably happy.
When the song ends, my good mood persists. I check myself out in the mirror as I pull into the restaurant parking lot. Damn, Lucy, love looks good on you, I think appreciatively to myself. My hair has great volume, my skin is clear and rosy, and my eyes seem to have a new sparkle to them. I hope that my bestie is just as impressed as I am.
Sarah doesn’t disappoint.
“Lucy!” she squeals as I enter the restaurant, where she’s waiting for me by the front door. “You look uh-mazing!” She throws her arms around me and I squeeze her tightly back. We don’t have any classes together this semester and haven’t been seeing each other as much lately, so it’s so good to go in for a hug. My best friend is just like me. We’re both curvy girls with curly brown hair, although her locks are more of a chestnut as opposed to my dark brown.
“Seriously, girl,” she gushes, stepping back for a moment, “why do you look so good? Are you wearing new makeup or something?”
I laugh, grateful for the compliments and for my best friend’s company. “Barely any makeup, actually, as per usual,” I reply. “I dunno. I think I’m just feeling really happy, you know?” We sit down at a booth and order a round of Cokes as her dark eyes continue to survey me with wonder. Then my friend beams at me.
“I’m so glad to hear that because I was worried about you when the whole Jasper shit hit the fan. I know you took it really hard, but it seems like you’ve totally bounced back lately.” She leans forward with her chin cupped in her palm. “What’s your secret?”
I laugh. “I’ll tell you in a second. Let’s get our food first because I’m starving!”
I’m torn between a big juicy burger and an enormous green salad, and decide to compromise with the burger and a side salad. Sarah orders the same. Again, she’s voluptuous, just like me, but my buddy is way more comfortable with her body. I have to admit, though, that ever since I’ve been with Brandon, I’ve learned to appreciate my curves more. My boyfriend so obviously worships them that it’s hard not to flaunt them sometimes.
Our salads arrive and we dig in as we continue chatting. Sarah’s been casually dating a new guy at our school, Logan, and tells me all about him. He sounds nice, and she likes him a lot, so I guess he’ll get the best friend seal of approval.
“What about you?” she asks, looking at me pointedly. “Come on, girlfriend, there’s no way you’re not seeing someone new. You’re practically glowing. Is it someone I know?”
I try to think for a moment. Has Sarah met Brandon before? It’s possible, seeing that we’re classmates with Jasper.
“There is someone,” I admit with a blush.
She raises a brow. “Someone at school?”
“Nope,” I say. I’m starting to get nervous. I’ve made the decision to tell Sarah about my new relationship, but that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to go well. After all, Brandon’s so much older than me, and he’s literally my ex’s dad. What if she warns me away? What if she judges me? What if she thinks it’s a terrible idea?
Then again, I trust Sarah with all of my deepest, darkest secrets, and I’m confident she’ll be kind, even if she disapproves. Meanwhile, my friend begins bouncing up and down in her seat.
“Ooh, is it someone at Rutgers?” We live in New Jersey, and a lot of senior girls end up dating guys from the local university. When I shake my head, she throws her hands up. “C’mon, Lucy, you’ve got to tell me! You know I’m going to find out eventually, anyway.”
“Okay, okay,” I say, nervously stirring my straw around my Diet Coke. “Um, did you ever meet Jasper’s dad, Brandon?”
Looking confused, Sarah shakes her head. “I don’t think so. What, does he have another son? Oh my God, are you dating Jasper’s brother?” she asks, scandalized. When I don’t respond, she shakes her head. “I don’t get it, Luce. If not Jasper’s brother, then whom?”