Mom’s eyes widen and I’m afraid they just may pop out of their sockets. “A date? Honey, do you hear that?” she asks my dad.
He nods, continuing to eat like Darla is doing.
“Yes, Mom, a date. I understand if you don’t want to.”
“Give me a chance to answer, Paige. I’m glad you’re meeting people. I’m all for you moving on from Brendan.”
“Mom,” I groan. “I’ve been over him. He made his choice.”
“I’m just saying. We’ll keep Darla until you’re done. We can keep her overnight if you want, just let us know. You deserve to have a chance to meet someone and move on with your life,” she tells me.
I could jump up and hug her but I tell her a simple thank you. “I’ll be by to get her, Mom, I won’t be late at all. You know me.”
“Just make sure you’re safe if something happens.”
“Mom! It’s a first date, and I can’t believe you just said that!” My face turns crimson and I notice my dad giving her the same look I am. It’s the what-the-fuck-did-you-just-say look.
“Sorry, I’m just being a mom.” She takes a sip of her wine and doesn’t say another word about any of it.
I don’t reach for my phone too quickly. I take my time so I don’t seem so desperate.
Paige: Yes, you can.
Austin: I can’t wait.
This is exciting all of a sudden. I haven’t been on a date in years. I’m going to have to call Nora up later to help me out with what to wear and how to act. God knows I’ll need all the help I can get.
***
Work flies by and before I know it, I’m texting my mom to let her know I’ll call as soon as the date is over and to kiss Darla for me. I feel guilty having them keep her extra, but Mom insisted. Nora walks me out to the car, continuing to give me pointers on everything. I’ve been hearing it all day; she’s so damn excited for me.
“So, I definitely think you should pin some of your hair back. Your eyes pop when you do. And just wear something casual but cute. Take a picture for me and have a good time.” She grins as we both stop at my car. “I’m glad you’re finally doing this. He seems like a really great guy. Text me when you get home from picking up Darla. I don’t think I can possibly wait until tomorrow to find out how it went.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll hear everything,” I assure her as I unlock my car.
“Where are y’all going?” she asks. That’s a good question because I don’t even know that answer.
“Um, I’m not sure, but probably just to eat somewhere,” I tell her.
She raises her eyebrow probably about to insinuate something like my mom did last night. I raise my eyebrow back, challenging her to say something. She doesn’t, though. She just wraps her arms around my neck and tells me to have a good time. I plan on it.
I drive back to my apartment and once there I head straight for the shower. I pin my hair back just as Nora suggested and decide to wear a soft pink v-neck blouse and my favorite jeans. Once I put on my sandals, all I have to do is touch up my makeup. My phone rings and I see Austin’s name. A sickening feeling overcomes me and I get nervous that he’s calling to say he changed his mind.
“Hello?” I answer, keeping my guard completely up.
“Hey Paige. I forgot to ask you about this when I asked you on this date, but I’m not really driving again yet. After the accident, I guess I haven’t gotten the courage to get behind the wheel. I want to pick you up, though. Do you feel okay riding with me?”
I never thought about any of this. He’s about to overcome something huge just to take me on a date. “If you feel comfortable, Austin, then I trust you.”
“Give me your address and I’ll head out the door.”
I rattle off my address and he tells me he’ll be here soon. My stomach, which has been invaded by butterflies, now begins to cramp. I’ve had butterflies before but I don’t think I’ve ever had them this intense.
I hurry to the bathroom to fix my makeup and no sooner do I set my tube of mascara back into my cosmetic bag than there’s a light knock at the door. It’s now or never. I grab my purse and make sure my house keys and everything I need are inside. I tuck my phone into a pocket and open the door.
My heart swells when I see him. He’s dressed in a solid black t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His lime green Nike tennis shoes make me giggle a little. He’s casual, so I’m glad I followed Nora’s advice.
“You look beautiful,” Austin tells me as I step outside. I thought about inviting him in but there are way too many signs of Darla around and I’m not ready for him to know about her just yet.