The part where your dad finds out and kills you both?
Nope. Not even the thought of my dad’s reaction could ruin my mood right now.
Thismustbe what being in love feels like because nothing else seems to matter anymore.
Too excited to worry about consequences, I’m right back to where I started last night.
What to wear?
I think a little make-up and maybe an actual dress isn’t overdoing it for a dinner date, is it?
Even if my dad’s gonna be there, it’ll still be like a first date with Brandon, and a girl wants to look her best, especially for a guy like him.
I keep hugging myself until I realize it’s him.
It’s his smell, that cologne thatisBrandon. I have it all over me. No wonder I’m so happy.
It’s like he’s still hugging me even when he’s not here.
I set about going through my clothes again. This time, I feel a little more adventurous, knowing that Brandon obviously likes what he sees, so I don’t have to feel so self-conscious about what I wear.
Dad’s home office phone rings loudly, and I ignore it, letting it go to the machine.
But when it rings again, I groan aloud, figuring it might be more work for dad, so I’d better get it.
The last time I was home, somebody called with a breakdown, and I didn’t answer.
I never heard the end of it, so I drag myself to the phone.
I’m surprised by the sound of my voice when I hear my dad on the line.
I sound so…guilty.
“Dad!” I exclaim. “What are you calling for? I mean, Brandon’s not here,” I stammer, sounding like a maniac.
But dad doesn’t seem to notice. His power tools in the background tell me he’s at work.
“What’s up?” I finally ask, taking a breath that I hold, certain he knows already somehow and that keeping this thing between just Brandon and me is going to be impossible.
I can just tell already.
“I just called to see how your hand is, sweetie,” Dad says. “Is it okay now? I feel like a real jerk getting in a mood with Big B before,” Dad confides.
“I didn’t get a lotta sleep last night. Too excited to see my old buddy again… But can you believe it? I actually thought he had eyes for you for a second there. Crazy, huh?” he snorts, but I’m not laughing.
“What do you mean, Dad?” I ask in a level voice but feel a chill run over me.
“It’s nothing, honey. Dad was overtired and trying to blame his friend. Forget I mentioned it, and don’t say anything to Big B, will ya? I just called to make sure your hand was okay,” he says, and I can hear someone calling for him from his end.
“Look, honey? I gotta go. I’ll see you tonight… And don’t dress up again, alright? It’s just Brandon and me,” he adds before hanging up.
That magic feeling I was just having?
The one where it’s Brandon and me, forever?
It’s still there, sure. But after dad’s phone call, it’s got a big wet blanket hanging all over me.
“I just wish I had a place of my own,” I growl to myself.