Now I can’t wait for this date, but I need to pick something to wear. I have changed my outfit a hundred times.
I finally settle on a pair of light-washed jeans and a black off-the-shoulder sweater. I finish the look off with a pair of black suede calf-high boots. I pull my hair up into a half ponytail and put the bottom half in large waves.
I can’t help chewing on my lip. Frustrated, I blow out a breath and groan. Arlene flops on my bed and picks up a few of the items I’ve tossed aside.
“What’s wrong? This one was cute on you,” she says, holding up a dress I chucked.
“Did I go too casual? Should I change one more time? I want to be more than cute. It’s my first date,” I reply.
“Zahirah, you are gorgeous in anything you wear. I wish I could pull off everything like you. Like, you have the perfect amount of everything.”
“Ugh, it doesn’t feel like it today. Okay, okay. I’m going to try one more outfit. You can pick between the two and I’ll wear whichever you pick,” I say as she looks back at me pointedly.
I rush to pluck through the pile to find something else. Arlene grabs a dress from the mess and hands it over. I take it and hold it up.
“It’s cute and flirty. The color looks great against your skin. Trust me, this is the one.”
I purse my lips and nod, then quickly undress to slip the dress on. Once I’m in it, Arlene comes over to hand me a pair of toeless espadrilles. I look in the mirror and smile. This does look good.
“That’s it, that’s the one. Here, use your shimmer lotion and spray on this mist. You always smell nice when you wear it.”
“Thanks,” I say as I go to sit on the bed and lotion up again.
When I’m done, I spray on the mist. Looking over myself in the mirror, I can’t help but smile. The dress is yellow and looks perfect against my skin.
“I don’t know why I changed my mind about this one. It’s perfect,” I say.
“You’ve been overthinking everything. Don’t think I didn’t see you styling your hair a hundred times.”
“Speaking of which, maybe I should change that too.”
There is a knock on the door before she can reply, although she’s sending me a glare. I curse under my breath and stomp my foot. I was going to try one more style. A glance at the clock tells me it’s Bentley at the door and I’m out of time.
Arlene jumps up and answers the door as I smooth a hand over my hair and take one more look in the mirror. I release a sigh. This will have to do. When I turn to face the door, Bentley is standing there with a smile on his face and a bouquet of roses in his hand.
“We’re running out of room to place all these flowers,” Arlene teases.
“I’m sorry. I can’t help wanting to spoil my girl. It’s her birthday. She deserves these and more.”
“I can’t say I’m mad at all. Keep up the good work,” she says.
I move to the door and take the flowers, then give them a sniff. A smile comes to my lips as I look up into Bentley’s eyes. He gives me a crooked grin and leans in to kiss my lips.
I’m a little disappointed when he pulls away too soon. Arlene takes the flowers and hands me my bag. I give her a smile and step out the door.
Bentley places a hand on the small of my back, causing tingles to run up and down my spine. His hand is so big and warm.
My mind goes back to his room earlier. I was tired and things were moving a bit fast, but I really stopped because I didn’t want to rush into making that type of decision. I was grateful for his understanding.
“Where are we going?” I ask as we get outside.
“They’re still fixing up my ride, so I borrowed a friend’s.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Where are you taking me?”
He shakes his head and smiles, then opens my door for me to get in. I roll my eyes and bite my lip. Bentley tugs me to him by my waist and pecks my lips.
“That will be a surprise. Just trust me.”
