Turning again, I peek at myself in the mirror above his dresser. Nate steps closer so we’re both reflected there. I run my hands down the front of the dress to the flared skirt. “You have good taste.”
His hands slide up my bare arms to my shoulders. Leaning down, he kisses the side of my neck. “I do.”
Knowing I need to do my hair and makeup, I smile in the mirror. “I need to finish getting ready.”
“You look perfect.” He says into the mirror.
“Ha ha.” I step away from him I make my way to his door. “But that’s sweet.”
“I mean it.”
You know what, I think he does. “Give me ten minutes.”
“Take your time.”
* * *
“Where are we going?”
It’s after dinner. Nate took me to a Japanese restaurant known for its sushi. I smiled when we pulled up to the place, because he remembered something I had told him months before. That I’d never eaten sushi, but I wanted to try it.
So that I had the “entire experience,” Nate ordered a wide variety of things for me to try. I can’t say I liked all of it, but most of it was delicious. Sushi might be my new thing.
“It’s a surprise.”
I love surprises. I don’t understand when people say they hate them. They’re the best. Except, when he turns down a familiar street, I feel a sinking sensation in my belly. “Is my place done?”
“It is.”
Which means it’s time for Brynn and me to go. To leave his place.
I bet he’s excited to have us gone.
“They finished everything up this morning.”
“Great.” The word makes it sounds like I’m excited, but my voice? Not so much.
“You’re not excited to get home?”
“Oh, sure.” I’ve got my skirt scrunched up in my fist now.
I hate surprises.
As Nate unlocks the door to my apartment, I’m holding my breath. Probably because I’m nervous to see it. And also because I know it’s going to be emotional to see it without some of my things. Before he opens the door, Nate turns to me. “Okay. Now. I need to warn you.”
And there it is. He’s going to tell me about losing my furniture. I keep my mouth shut. Saying the words myself… well, I can’t.
“Some of your things weren’t salvageable.”
My nose starts to burn.
I knew it.
“The items they weren’t able to get completely clean, like some of your clothes, are in boxes. You’ll need to go through them to see what you want to keep and what you don’t.”
I nod, but I’m not thinking about clothes.
“You ready?”
