“What’s going on?”
“Jared asked me on a date. A real date.” Her tone came out more frantic than the situation warranted, and her dramatics snapped her out of her nervousness, causing her to laugh. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
Rysa laughed. “You have a closet that’s bigger and more packed than anyone I know. How is it possible you don’t have anything to wear?”
She blew out a hard breath that moved a hair from her face. “They don’t fit me with this growing baby.”
“I’ve got you covered. Are you at home and what time is he picking you up?”
“Yes, I’m home and six.” She glanced at the clock. Time ticked away.
“Where is he taking you?”
“It’s a surprise, but he said to bring a light sweater.”
Rysa’s smile came through in her voice. “I have the perfect solution. Hold tight, and I’ll be there soon.”
“Thank you.”
While waiting for Rysa, she stewed over the night ahead. If she’d had any self-control, she would have said no, but she liked how she felt when Jared came around. He listened to her and made eye contact. He treated her with respect and never made her feel less of a person. She’d even opened up to him about her past and the dysfunctional childhood she’d had.
Then there’d been the way he looked at her today. He’d wanted her to say yes because he wanted to spend time with her. Not for reasons other men had. They’d made that mistake already and had a baby on the way to show for it, but after all that, he still wanted to be around her. It was a healing balm to a girl’s fractured ego.
A smile crept to her mouth. She needed to stop focusing on the negatives and the what-ifs and learn to enjoy the gifts that came her way. She wouldn’t follow in her mother’s steps. In the small glimpses she’d had of a different lifestyle, she knew she couldn’t go back.
Rysa showed up fifteen minutes after five o’clock. She had a garment bag draped over her arm as she rushed through the door. “Sorry, I’m late. It took forever to check out.”
Sybil eyed the bag. “Please tell me you didn’t spend money on an outfit for me.”
“I most certainly did.” Rysa flashed an unashamed smile and walked to the kitchen. “Wait until you see it.”
“What did you get?”
“You’ll see.” Rysa couldn’t stop grinning.
“What?”
Rysa expelled a breath. “I have a confession. After you called me, I called Jared to find out his plans. I wanted to make sure what I had in mind wasn’t too casual.”
“You called him?” Her mouth gaped. “He’s going to think I’m ridiculous and can’t dress myself.”
“Nothing of the sort. I played it off that you can’t have shellfish because of the pregnancy and I didn’t want the date ruined because he took you somewhere where you couldn’t have anything.”
She rubbed her temples. “But I can have shellfish as long as it’s cooked.”
“He doesn’t know that.” Rysa laughed and clapped Sybil’s shoulder. “You’re going to enjoy tonight, and he didn’t think anything of me calling. Trust me.”
“All right.” She tamped down her irritation. Rysa had only been trying to help, and Sybil appreciated her efforts, even if they embarrassed her.
Rysa held up her hands, then moved them as she spoke. “You need an outfit that will grow with you and is also versatile.” She grabbed the bag and lifted it over a hanger. “Thus, I introduce you to your new best friend—the maxi dress.”
“That’s genius. Why didn’t I think of that?” She took the dress from Rysa and held it to her body. “The solid black will help disguise my belly.”
“Girl, don’t even think about hiding that bump. Enjoy being pregnant and having that belly.” Rysa reached over and tugged at the fabric. “It’s not a maternity dress, but it’s very forgiving, and you’ll probably be able to wear it all the way until birth and after.”
“I love it. Thank you.” Clinging to the dress, she fought not to cry. Hormones were getting on her nerves. “You’re the best.”
“There’s more.” Rysa pulled a denim jacket from a bag that had been hiding behind the other. “instead of a sweater, wear this over it. I know you already have a regular one, but this is a maternity one and it’s super soft. The associate said it’s very stretchy and comfortable but doesn’t lose its shape.”
