“I’m here. Was that okay?”
“That was....” I pause to catch my breath. “Hang on, Alex.” I rush up the steps to my bedroom because I need to get as far away from the kitchen as I can. I don’t want my parents to listen to our conversation. “That was fantastic. Now they have no doubt. It’s probably going to take my dad a week to come down from the high of talking to the amazing Alex Emerson,” I say, giggling.
“What about your mom?”
“I have no idea what to expect from her. It’s not going to be good. She’s just realized that she was wrong––that shemisjudged the situation last night. She isn’t going to take kindly to being made a fool of.”
“I’m sorry, Pixie.”
“No need to be sorry. I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight. That means I need to get packed up.”
“Okay, I’ll hang up so you can get here sooner. I’ve got a team meeting this afternoon, so I won’t be around. I’ll just see you at six thirty sharp. Okay?”
“Yep. Six-thirty sharp.”
“Drive safe.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Bye, Pixie.”
As I pack up my things, I hear a knock on my door. It’s Dad.
“Hey, pumpkin. What’s going on? Are you leaving?”
“Yeah, I’m heading back early. Lots to do and all that.”
“What about the barbecue?”
“I don’t have it in me today. Yesterday was really the tipping point for me with Mom, and with you, to be honest. You didn’t believe that I could be with someone like Alex Emerson. You thought I made him up.”
“I know, honey, and I’m very sorry for not believing you. It’s just that he’s a, well, he’s a celebrity, and you don’t expect anyone you know to date someone famous. It’s not that I think you’re not good enough or pretty enough. I do. You’re my beautiful Stella. As for your mom, I don’t know what I can say about that. She’s got some soul-searching to do. I can understand why you don’t want to be around today. I don’t blame you, actually.”
“You don’t?”
“No, I don’t. I’ll let your mother know. I don’t think you need another confrontation with her today. Do you need any help with your bags?”
“No, I only have the one.” I go up to him and wrap myarms around him for a hug. Stepping back, I smile up at him. I can’t say I’m completely okay with my dad’s reasoning about me and Alex, but I want this to be over. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you next weekend?”
“Yeah!” he says excitedly. “That’s going to be great!”
The trip back to school goes quickly. Driving my own little car back is so liberating. Finding a parking spot is another story, though. It’s almost impossible to find a place for long-term parking without an N.U. Parking permit. I find a parking garage a couple of blocks from campus that allows monthly parking. That will have to do until I get an assigned spot. I grab my bag and start the trek to my dorm. I’ve been thinking about the events from yesterday and the call from Alex this morning. Why was that so satisfying? I suppose it’s just the fact that I was vindicated. Alex did that for me. Then, my mind turns to my roommate and the fact I can’t wait to move in with Lily. I’m going to miss going to the cafeteria with Alex and Hank, but the rest of it can’t end soon enough. I hope, after I move, I never see Brooke Clark again.
As soon asI step into my dorm, I breathe a sigh of relief because it’s silent, which means Brooke’s gone. I set my things in my room and plop down onto my bed and send a text to Alex.
Me:I’m back. Going to unpack and do some homework. C u tonight! I can’t wait!
Donnie: Same! Glad you’re back safe and sound. ;)
After finishing my homework, I begin the fruitless search for something to wear on my date. Besides my graphic tees, there’s not a lot to choose from. When I spy something darkblue, I grasp the hanger and pull it out. It’s the dress from the July 4th party. The one where Bradly…. Never mind him. Lily told me I looked hot in this dress, like a 1950s pinup girl, so it’s the perfect dress for my very first date.
At five thirty, I begin the process of getting ready. I hop in the shower and shave everywhere—and I mean everywhere. I’ve never shaved my lady parts before. It’s not easy to do when you have a tummy—there was a lot of contorting going on, but I think I’ve managed to get it all taken care of. It’s not like I expect Alex to try anything tonight. But he might. I want to be prepared for anything.
I pull out my fancy, blue, lace boy shorts and slip them on my smooth legs. What is it about a pretty pair of undies to make a girl feel good about herself? I decide to go braless because the dress is snug enough in the bodice that a bra is unnecessary. Besides, Alex will never know. I step into the dress and pull it up over my hips and slide my arms into the sleeves. Luckily, the long row of buttons that run down the front of the dress help open the dress far enough to allow me to put it on this way. I start the tedious process of buttoning it up. There are twenty-four in all, and it takes a bit of time. Once it’s all cinched up, I turn and peer into the mirror above my dresser. Uh-oh, my chest is practically bursting from the top. “I don’t remember my boobs being this obvious when I wore it last summer.” I hold the dress with one hand and press my chest down into the top with the other. It’s better, but they’re still really obvious. It’s going to have to do unless I want to wear my tee that says,Every night’s date night.
After hooking the little belt at my waist, I peer at my reflection one more time and decide that I don’t looksobad. My boobs are a bit obvious, but not in a trashy sort of way. I hope not anyway. Since I’m not sure, I send a selfie to Lily and ask her if it’s okay. I’d talked with Lily earlier about my date tonight. She’s excited for me. She writes back with two thumbs up emojis, which I take as a good sign. I finish up by flat ironing my hair. It looks shiny and sleek. I add a little pink eyeshadow, brown eyeliner, and mascara. Then I dab on some pink lip gloss. I don’t want to wear flip-flops and definitely don’t want to try heels, so I pull out some silver, practically new flats from the back of my closet.
When a knock sounds at the door, I gasp. “He’s here.” I reach for my small clutch person, throw in my ID card, my debit card, and a small brush, just in case. Oh jeez, I’m so nervous. I shouldn’t be, but I am. When I walk out into the lounge area to answer the door, I spot Brooke standing in her bedroom doorway.
