I have three different outfits spread out on my bed. Dani helped me pick out each one. She’s been living up to her promise to be there for me with these sorts of things.
It’s impossible to pick an outfit though because I have no clue what Andrew and I are doing tonight. I can go casual in shorts with an off-the-shoulder floral top or jeans and a lacy tank top. But I can also dress a little more formal in one of my favorite sundresses, which also happens to bring out my eyes.
I check my phone for the time and any texts from Andrew. I still have twenty more minutes until he’s supposed to pick meup. I haven’t heard from him for the past hour, and I have to wonder what he’s up to.
I shoot him a quick text.
Me
Can I have a hint of what we are doing tonight? The suspense is killing me and I need to know whether to go formal or casual
To my surprise, he responds a couple of minutes later.
Andrew
Wear something nice but comfortable. I can’t wait to see you
My heart flutters as I reread his text. “Dani!” I call out. “I need your help again.”
She comes in from her bedroom next door and stands in the doorway. “What’s up?”
“He told me to dress nice but comfortable. What does that even mean?”
She leans against the door jam. “You guys are probably going to dinner since he’s picking you up at five. Maybe it’s a nice place, but he has something else planned for after?”
I nod absentmindedly. “So, what should I wear? Are jeans too casual?”
Her eyes flicker to my bed again. “Go for the dress. You can always put spandex underneath and then, knowing you, you can do anything in a dress.”
I purse my lips as I consider her suggestion. “What about shoes? Oh gosh, I didn’t even think about shoes!” She begins laughing at me. “Why are you laughing? This is serious. Andrew is going to be here in—” I glance at my phone again “—nine minutes.”
She holds her hands out, giving me the universalcalm downhand signal. "Take a deep breath. First of all, shoes aren’t the make or break. Andrew is a guy. Do you think he cares what shoes you wear? He’s just going to be happy to be with you. Second of all, you have plenty of time. Andrew will wait for you if you aren’t ready.”
I let out a breath after realizing I’ve been holding it the entire time she’s been speaking.
Moving toward my closet, she asks, “What are your options for shoes?”
I flip on the light, and peer at my shoes sitting on the rack, blissfully unaware of the stress they’re causing me. “I have Birkenstocks, fancier sandals, or I could probably even pull off Converse with this dress.”
Dani’s face scrunches up. “I know sneakers and a dress is your style, but veto if he said to dress nice. I’d go with the nicer sandals.” I schlump my shoulders a little as I grab them out of the closet. “You better get going if you’re going to be dressed when he gets here.”
“You just told me I had time!” I shriek.
She smiles. “I’m giving you crap, but I still recommend at least getting your dress on.”
With that, she turns, putting an AirPod in her ear and walking back into her room.
I grab the dress off the bed and a pair of black spandex from my drawer full of running clothes. I slip the two on and begin to strap my sandals on when I hear the doorbell ring. That must be Andrew. He’s early!
I grab my purse from the hook on the back of my door and take one final look at myself in the bathroom mirror on my way down the hall. “Dani, he’s here. I’m leaving.”
She pokes her head out of her doorway, pulling an Airpod out of her ear again. “Have fun.” She smirks.
I rush out the door and swing it open to find Andrew standing on the porch with a bouquet of vibrant indigo flowersand dainty white baby’s breath. “Oh, Andrew, they’re gorgeous,” I exclaim, taking the flowers from his hands.
“You look…” he trails off, and I feel heat rushing to my cheeks. “Absolutely stunning.”
I’m blushing now. I try to play things cool and brush off the compliment before I get embarrassed and start acting weird. “Can I put these in a vase before we go?”
