I let out a nervous laugh while I stand in front of my wardrobe, looking at my clothes. “Yes, I’m freaking out. What do I wear?”
“What are you asking me for? You know how to dress yourself.”
I step forward and grab my favorite comfy black acid wash jeans. Touching the soft denim before letting it go and stepping back again. “I know, but do I go in jeans or sweats?”
“Did you just seriously say jeans?”
I pause, frowning. What’s wrong with jeans? They hug my curves in all the right places and when I sit for long periods of time, they don’t dig in. “Yeah, why?”
“No, it’s at his house for a movie night. Jeans screamI’m trying too hard. Wear sweats.”
I pinch my lips together, still not certain, but I need to trust her. It’s why I called, right? Advice, and that’s exactly what she’s giving me, so I’m best to follow. “Okay, I’ll go through my sweats and find a nice pair.”
“What time do you have to go?”
I lean over to pull open my drawer, sorting through them. “No set time, just whenever I turn up.”
She groans. “That’s the worst. It’s like, pick a time so I can stick to it.”
I pull a few out and toss them behind me to land on my bed. I laugh at her comment, knowing that’s how I feel. I prefer set times and schedules. “I know, right? I think because I had to finish my shopping and get ready, they didn’t want to put any pressure on me. Yet, I’m frantic.”
I run my hand through my greasy hair. Another time-consuming task to do before I leave unless I use dry shampoo; but what if he touches my hair? I’ll be thinking of how yucky my hair must feel. Nope, I can’t have that, so I need to shower.
“Well, talk to me on speaker as you get ready. It will distract you.”
“Good idea. But I need to shower quickly, so I’ll call you right back.”
“Yeah, freshen up in case, you know, things go well, and you better call me tomorrow. I need all the gossip.”
I smile, knowing how excited I was when I got to hear about all of her and Josh’s dates, so I get her enthusiasm. I just wish I was feeling more excited than nervous.
The food and essentials are all put away, and now I’m getting ready. I found a comfy yet cute matching pair of cream sweats. I braided my hair and popped a little fresh makeup on. Mascara, concealer, and gloss. When I’m ready and I can’t stall any longer, I leave my house and begin the walk to his, bringing the Oreos and Reese’s cups with me.
The closer I get to his brownstone, the more my heart rate increases. And the fear of Aria not liking me. And is this all too good to be true? I don’t have enough time to dwell, though, because I turn the corner and cross the road, and I’m staring up at his wooden door.
Here goes…
I press the bell and wait for him to answer. But it’s not him. Aria answers the door, wearing a pair of black leggings and a pink sweater. Her hair is in a messy bun on top of her head.
“Hi, Gracie,” she says with a smile, opening the door wider. “Come in.”
I smile back, my nerves still weighing me down heavily.
“Thanks, Aria. I brought the Oreos and Reese’s cups.” I step inside the house, and I immediately internally bug out. This is serious money. The dark brown wooden floors complement the cream walls, and the dark wooden staircase is lit with a warm glow from small lights trailing all the way upstairs.
“Oh, goodie,” she says, distracting me from checking out more of the house. And I chuckle at her excitement. It makes me feel better that she seems happy I’m here.
She takes the stairs, and I follow.
Reaching the next level, I suck in a breath. It’s gorgeous. The large cream couch is double the size of mine and looks way dreamier. I bet I could sink right into it.
He has the largest wooden table that seats eight, with black metal chairs, and I wonder if he has dinner parties to use all of them.
I keep following her until we reach the kitchen, and my jaw drops. It’s massive. I’ve never seen one this big or beautiful. Movement flickers from the side, and I turn to find he’s watching me, leaning on an entry wall. Aria has gone somewhere, leaving just us.
“Welcome.” He pushes off the wall and comes to stand near me, and I realize my nerves have completely calmed, replaced with butterflies and warmth. Only he can do this to me.
“Your house is stunning. I’ve never seen a house like it.”