But I did it. I got up, I got showered and ready. And I feel…better than expected. Stressed-out for sure, but still.
I’m just proud of myself for pushing through the thick fog in my brain, andnotcanceling. That’s got to count for something.
Whatdoesn’tcount for anything is sitting on the edge of my bed, still in my towel. I need to get dressed and moving, but my limbs don’t feel like listening.
How am I even supposed to dress for…whatever this is? Is this a date? No, it’s not. I mean, why would it be a date?
He just wants to explain himself to me, for reasons unknown to me. It’s not that he’s interested. I need to not read into this too much.
As if I wasn’t already overthinking it.
Finding my legs, I stand up from my bed, making my way slowly to my closet. If I dress up too much, then he’ll think I care. But if I’m too casual, he might just leave.
And that would be embarrassing.
But…why do I care? I shouldn’t. He’s nothing more than a problematic genie. Atemporaryproblem, since he’s not from Harmony Glen.
Yet, the thought of this new problem disappearing makes my chest hurt.
I shake the thoughts away, sliding my hangers across the bar as I scan my clothes. I’ll keep it mostly casual—some black jeans and a nice top.
As I put my hand on a high-necked long sleeve, my eyes travel over to the shirt tucked into the back corner. A shirt I bought ages ago, but haven’t had somewhere to wear.
I can’t really have anywhere to wear it though if I don’t make plans.
Screw it, I’ll wear it tonight.
I snatch it from the hanger, grabbing a belt from where it’s strewn on top of the dresser. Quickly, I change, staring at myself in the mirror once I have everything on.
The top is much lower-cut than I thought, but that’s what I get for not trying things on before I buy. Not that I’m complaining—it’sveryflattering.
Will he even notice?
Ugh, why do I evenwanthim to notice? I can mentally scold myself on the way there. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.
As I head out the door, I quickly shoot a text to Orie.
On my way to dinner now—if you don’t hear from me again, he probably made me disappear!!
She responds simply, not showing me any concern.
Remember to have fun <3
Have fun? With him? Well…I guess it doesn’t seem like atotallyimpossible idea.
My heart pounds as I stand outside the restaurant. What if I beat him here? Am I supposed to get a table then?
As I push through the door, I instantly see the light blue of his skin from across the room. His eyes meet mine, and they almost look like they light up. That can’t be the case though, can it?
I’ll have to tell Orie about all of this tomorrow, and she can tell me if I read into anything. Maybe heisinterested though, and that’s why he cares about what I think of him.
When I approach the table, he stands, moving to pull my chair out for me. Very gentlemanlike, which is a surprise after the penis-pants incident.
“Pinky, you came.” He helps me tuck my chair in before sitting down again.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Well, we had a plan, didn’t we?”
Did he really think I wouldn’t show up? Hecaredif I showed up? Why is my heart beating so fast?
