We pulled into the parking lot of the banquet hall, and I managed to find a spot fairly close to the main doors. As soon as I slipped off our seat belts, Molly turned to me. “Everyone’s going to wonder whose car this is,” she said.
“Yes, we haven’t discussed that,” I said, trying to sound as calm and agreeable as possible. “I’m here to help you, Molly. I will play absolutely any role you want tonight to impress your family. If you want to tell them that we just met, or that we’ve been dating a month – whatever you think will make your evening go smoothly, I’m in.”
Good grief, the way her eyes shone at me. The rest of the world didn’t exist, just the two of us in the front seat of this car, as I realized I was holding her hand gently in mine.
“It will probably help if you didn’t mind saying that we were already dating,” she nearly whispered.
“Sure. So, shall we say that we’ve been dating for several weeks? That would make us officially boyfriend and girlfriend, but would cover for anything we didn’t know about each other yet
.”
Her luscious lips curled into a sassy smile. “You’re really good at this instant dating thing,” she said. “That’s perfect.” Then she grew serious. “At least tell me how we met, and what you do for a living?”
“You can just tell people that I’m some sort of computer engineering nerd,” I said with a chuckle. “Is there a pub near your apartment? Probably a something and firkin?”
“The Pheasant and the Firkin,” she grinned.
“All of those pubs are practically the same. We met there about four weeks ago, when I was there for my friend Stephen’s birthday party, and you were there for your friend’s…something.”
“My work friend Carlie had a promotion party six weeks ago. Close enough.”
“I will agree with everything you say,” I said, looking out the back windshield to see people filing into the hall. “If you start a story, I’ll be enthusiastic about it, and add in what I can. What do you normally drink at these things?”
“I alternate a glass of white wine with a glass of water.”
“Perfect.”
“Wait.” She sounded slightly nervous. “If we’ve been dating a while, um…”
My thumb caressed the back of her hand as I held it. “Most couples aren’t big on public displays of affection at a family event,” I said softly. “Take my hand whenever you feel it’s right. I’ll give you a kiss on the cheek now and then, and I’ll hold you close when we dance. You can feel free to guide that part, okay?”
She nodded, “Thank you so much, James. You’re absolutely amazing.”
It was startling how deeply I felt her words. Not long ago, I wasn’t sure whether I would be broken forever. Both my body and spirit took a massive hit when I...when certain things happened...and I honestly didn’t know whether I’d make it through.
Now Molly and her sweet energy seemed to be healing me from the inside out.
I also felt something in the way she held my hand as if she didn’t want to let go, but we had to get going. Getting out of the car, I was careful to limp as little as possible as I came around to open her door.
Taking her hand as I helped her out, I could see an older couple about to walk into the hall, but the woman stopped dead in her tracks. She was dressed very stylishly, wearing just a bit too much makeup, and was a little heavy on the jewelry as well.
“Is that Aunt Madison?” I asked without looking again.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Closing the car door, I used the movement to swing my arm around her waist, shifting my weight to my right leg and lifting her lightly over the curb and onto the sidewalk while she giggled.
Leaning down, I kissed along her cheekbone to her ear. “You’re so beautiful, Molly. This is already the best date I’ve ever been on in my life.”
Her sweet smile told me that she was definitely feeling something similar.
CHAPTER SIX
* Molly *
I thought that Janice was going to blow out my ear through the phone when I called her last night to tell her I had a gorgeous, incredible man as a date.
Now her squeal rang through the hall as she came rushing over to greet us. “Molly!” She shrieked, hugging the daylights out of me. I likely hugged her back for a bit too long, but this was one of the rare occasions that my family was affectionate, and I couldn’t help needing it.