IT WAS dark out after their “white chocolate mocha” date, so Daddy picked them up. He dropped Eli off at his house, and then they headed back home.
“That was a pretty quiet drive,” Daddy said, smiling at her.
“Yeah? I didn’t notice.” That was such a bad lie. She knew Daddy wouldn’t buy it.
“You have something to tell me?”
Did she? Oh God.
“All the things, Daddy. Eli asked me to a dance, and I need a dress. I asked him what color he was wearing, and he freaked, so I think black. Do you think black? Will you take me shopping? I need shoes too. I really like him, Daddy. Like for reals. He’s so sweet and just dear. Do you think they dance the same here? He’s not very tall, so I can’t wear real tall heels….” She couldn’t believe she wasn’t going to get to have a homecoming mum for her junior and senior years. It wasn’t fair. Not at all. All the girls back home would have them—giant mums—four or six of them with streamers and lights and bells and her name on them for all the dances and the parade, the game. Everything. How on earth could a whole state not know about this when it was everything you worked for during football season?
“Didn’t you tell me you bought a sequined thing? That sounded pretty. I’m a terrible shopper, but yes, I’ll take you anywhere you need, sweetheart. Jian is good in heels. Maybe you should be talking to him.” Daddy gave her a wink. “Eli freaked about what he was wearing?”
“Yeah, so first, I did not need to know that. TMI. Second, I need to wear something that will go with anything, you know? Not too fancy, but not too cas. You know, something perfect.”
“Oh, well that won’t be hard to find. We can just walk into the mall and buy the dress with the sign that says ‘perfect’ over it. Which, yeah, is probably black. Maybe a sweater, nights are getting chilly. And a 10:00 p.m. curfew to go with it.”
“Daddy! Ten?” No way. Ten o’clock was so middle school. “Midnight is totally more fair.”
“You want me to let you be out until midnight with a boy when I know damn well the dance ends at ten thirty? Fat chance, kiddo.”
“So, pick us up after the dance, and let us grab a coffee at Java Jam?” At home, she’d be riding with her friends, and she’d be home by midnight.
“That might be okay. Have his parents call me.”
“Okay. Uh… how? I haven’t met them.”
“Really, Sammy?” He looked at her. “Text him my cell number. He can give it to them.”
“Oh, right!” She giggled, but her cheeks heated. “Sorry. Sorry, I’m all OMG the guy I like likes me, and we’re dating! You know? I’m just a little stupid about it. I wasn’t being a bitch.”
Daddy snorted and pulled her into a hug. “I didn’t think you were being a bitch. I thought you were all OMG I can’t talk to his parents OMG panic!” He laughed.
“I know he has a sister, but that’s all. I mean, he’s nice, so they must be nice too.” She hugged him back. “I love you, Daddy. I didn’t think anyone would like me. I was worried.”
“I get you. He seems like a nice kid too. Go easy on him, though.”
“I’m not mean, Daddy!” God, Daddy was acting like she was a… cougar.
“That was just an observation, Sammy, not a judgment. He just seems… new to me. Sensitive. You know more about this stuff than he does; I can tell. He’s nervous. That’s all I meant. Obviously, you see that already. I’m sorry.”
“We’re the majesties of I’m sorries today.” Sammy thought they were both a little wigged out about this date. “Yeah. I think I’m the first girl he’s asked out. That’s sort of sweet, huh?”
“It’s adorable. And it says something about you too.” Daddy smiled at her. “You’re pretty special.”
“I don’t know about that. I’ll get back to you.”
He let her go. “Oh, hey. I have something for you.” He disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a couple of glossy brochures. “I’ve been doing some research,” he said, handing them to her. “That’s a dance school in town. They have an acro team, and I thought maybe it might be something you’d like to try? It’s, um… acrobatic dance. Tumbling and stuff and… what do you think?”
“Oh….” She wasn’t sure what was cooler—the fact that this was a thing, or that Daddy had cared enough to find this. “I would totally like to go see. How cool! Thank you, Daddy. You are made of win.” She hugged him tight. “This has been the best day!”
He hugged her back. “I’m glad, Sammy. I truly am.” He kissed the top of her head. When he let her go, he looked at her. “Okay, then. If you want to stay out past the dance, you better get Eli that number. And I’ll call the dance school tomorrow and get you a couple of trial classes. Good?”
“Yes, sir. Oh, is it cool if my friend Mari spends the night tomorrow night?”
“Definitely. Is it cool if Jian comes to help me finish the dining room? We’ll stay out of your way.”
“Uh-huh. If you want, I’ll help in the morning? I’m meeting Eli and them at, like, two-ish.”
“Hey, I’d love that. Maybe we’ll be able to eat in there again by Monday or Tuesday.” Daddy headed for the kitchen. “I gotta finish cleaning up in here; I was doing the dishes when you called for a pickup.”
Sammy’s phone played “Texas Fight.” It was Erik.
Hey Sam find out from Mari what color she is wearing 2 the dance & dont tell her I asked
np. She wouldn’t want to match or clash with Mari anyway.
ty. So…. you going?
Me and Eli are, yeah. Cool huh?
YES! That’s my man I knew he’d pull it off
She cracked up. Be nice! Dork. :D :D :D
Then she texted Mari. so 3 things: whatcha wearing 2 dance? Wanna spend the nite 2morrow? OMG ELI ASKED ME OUT! I totally need a dress!