“Tell me again about the kiss.” I roll my eyes at the giddiness in Paige’s tone as I put her on speakerphone so I can finish getting ready. How she has the ability to combine giddiness with a hint of know-it-all, I’ll never know.
“I already told you everything there is to know about it.”
“God, I’m so excited for you guys! I knew you two would be perfect for each other if you’d just get out of your own way. You have to be the two most stubborn and difficult people I’ve ever met.”
I hold a figure-hugging black dress against my chest, looking in the mirror.
“I don’t think this dress is sexy enough. I look like a nun, despite how this dress would hug my curves.”
“Try the deep crimson dress. You never wear it, but it makes you look smokin’ hot.”
I look in the mirror one last time, pursing my lips. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
“What do you think changed?”
I shuffle hangers while I dig around to find my red dress. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you said he seemed different when you kissed, and he wasn’t standoffish afterward like he has been. What do you think changed?”
“I don’t know. Has Jack said anything to you about Will?”
“Not since he told me about Will getting benched. But maybe that has something to do with it. I’m sure sitting there watching the games has given him a lot of time to think.”
“Maybe.”
“You sound nervous.”
“I’m not.” I am.
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not, I swear.” I am. I really am.
I don’t know that I’ve ever been so nervous about a date. Maybe when I was fifteen and went on my first date ever with Trevor Thompson. He came to pick me up, and my dad answered the door with a shotgun along with my three brothers behind him all holding baseball bats. Poor Trevor. I wasn’t the least bit surprised when he never talked to me again.
Tonight, my nerves have nothing to do with my family intimidating my date. Tonight, they’re about who I’m actually going on a date with. I wish I could understand what’s changed for Will. If I close my eyes, I can still feel his lips pressed against mine. I just hope I don’t get the old bait and switch tonight. My brain has put Will into two categories—Hot Will and Cold Will, his very own version of Jekyll and Hyde, basically. Hot Will makes my heart flutter and tingles spread throughout my body. Cold Will makes me want to rip my hair out and cry. I’ve had enough of Cold Will ruining whatever is happening between us.
“I don’t believe you.”
Of course she doesn’t. Because she knows me. “You could at least pretend, you know.”
She laughs. “Yeah, right. That’s not the kind of friend I am, and you know it. If you want someone who will lie to you all you have to do is look in the mirror.”
God, ain’t that the truth. “Harsh, Paige.”
“But true. Have you put on your dress yet or what? Text me a picture!”
“Calm your tits. It’s been ages since I’ve worn this dress. I hope it even still fits.” I pull it off the hanger and slip into it, impressed my ever-expanding hips haven’t made this an impossible feat. The older I get, the more I understand my mother’s jokes about getting wider with age.
I pull the back zipper all the way up and then turn around to face my reflection in the mirror.
Woah.
“Well? I’m dying over here, Gina. How’s it look?”
“I look hot,” I say, somewhat surprised. I don’t remember looking this good the last time I wore this dress.
“Send me a picture!” Paige demands excitedly.
I swear, I don’t know who’s more excited for this date, her or me. I send her a picture and wait for her response.
“Holy shit!” she gasps. “You’re going to bring this man to his knees!”
I smile seductively at my reflection. “I’m sure I can find something for him to do while he’s down there.”
“You’re terrible,” she laughs. “But seriously, Gina. You look absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could see the expression on Will’s face when he sees you.”
I glide my hands down the soft, deep crimson fabric and glance at the clock. Nerves flood through me when I see I only have ten minutes before he’ll be here. I swipe on some dark red lipstick to match my dress, slip on my shoes, and then reach for my clutch. Just as I’m transferring over my debit card and driver’s license, there’s a knock at my door.
“He’s here. I’ll call you later.”
“Have fun!” Paige hangs up and leaves me to face Will all on my own.
I look into the hallway mirror next to my coat closet. “Okay, you’ve got this. You are a strong, confident woman, and even if he flips the switch and turns into Cold Will, you will survive. Go and have fun. You can do this.” I nod my head at my reflection, determination fierce in my eyes, and head for the door.