He turns to face me, his expression one of pure horror. I’m sure he didn’t realize his faux pas until now. “You’re correct—Mrs. Constantine.”
I grimace. “That’s so formal.”
“That’s how I should address you. Or ma’am.” He stands up taller, clutching his hands behind his back.
“I’m only twenty. You can’t call me ma’am,” I say irritably, taking another sip of tea.
“It’s what’s proper.”
“Well, proper can suck it.” I laugh at Jasper’s wide eyes. “You’ve known me since I was a child. I barely remember life without you in it. Can’t you just call me Charlotte?”
“It’s too informal, too intimate…”
“I consider you a family member, Jasper. Call me Charlotte,” I say firmly.
He studies me for a moment before he nods once, his expression somber. “Very well, Charlotte. I must say, you’re rather—feisty this afternoon.”
“I’m feeling better,” I tell him, and I mean it.
I’m feeling better than ever. It was nice to get that off my chest about Jasper calling me Miss Charlotte. I need to be honest with my husband as well.
There are a few things I need to tell him. Starting tonight. Over dinner.
Grabbing my phone yet again, I send Perry a quick text.
Me:Let’s go out to dinner tonight.
He responds almost immediately.
Perry:You sure you’re okay to go out?
A sigh leaves me. This man.
Me:I need to be around people. Around YOU. Out of this apartment.
It takes him a few minutes to respond and I start to grow antsy. I drain my cup. Idly scroll through social media. Nearly jump out of my skin when my phone dings.
Perry:I’ll pick you up in the Chevelle at 7.
Relief floods me at his response.
Me:Perfect. Where are you taking me?
Perry:It’s a surprise.
Me:How should I dress?
Perry:Wear something short and sexy.
A smile curls my lips. He’s sounding like my old husband right now.
And I like it.
***
I spent therest of the afternoon getting ready for my date with Perry. I found a dress in my closet that I purchased during our engagement that I never wore. It’s a deep, vivid pink, almost fuchsia with a tie fabric belt and long sleeves. It covers me almost entirely, except my legs.
And Perry is a leg man.