Jessica
I showered quickly and gave serious consideration to pulling on what I’d normally wear to dinner—yoga pants and a t-shirt but decided I didn’t want my parents’ ire. Especially since Papa had specifically told me to “wear something pretty”.
As I put on another church-donated dress, I realized it was a lot easier to just keep the peace and do what I was told. Especially since they were all still convinced I was headed to hell and taking my daughter with me.
I didn’t think I was going to hell. Despite having Ruthie out of wedlock, I was still a good person and a good mom. Surely God knew what was in my heart.
Although, I hoped He didn’t know what was going on in my head because I’d had some rather sinful thoughts about Alan today.
Mama stood at the bottom of the stairs when I came down and took her time perusing my appearance from head to toe.
“You couldn’t have put on some lip gloss?” she asked as she tucked my hair behind my ears.
“Why would I do that? I’m about to eat.”
She let out a sigh as she shook her head, like I was a lost cause, then suggested, “Go tell your father and Kevin that dinner’s almost ready.”
Ugh. I knew Kevin’s gaze was going to go straight to my boobs the minute I appeared in the living room.
Still, I replied, “Okay,” and trudged toward where the men were watching the news.
“Mama said to tell you dinner’s ready,” I said as I peeked my head around the doorjamb. I’d hoped to make the announcement and retreat, but I had no such luck.
My father called out, “Jessica, come say hello to Kevin.”
I dutifully put on a polite smile as I walked into the living room. “Hello, Mr. Roberts. How are you?”
“I told you before, Jessica—call me Kevin. And I’m great.”
“I’m glad. Thank you again for driving me and Ruthie home yesterday.”
That oughta buy me some brownie points with Papa.
I noticed from the corner of my eye that my dad was smiling and took it as a good sign.
Then he said, “He wants to pick you up again, tomorrow.”
What?! No!
Alan is supposed to take me home tomorrow! Not him!
“Oh, you don’t have to go out of your way. Paulina said she could give me a ride.”
Yeah, I was lying my ass off, but I had a feeling that Alan driving me home had been a problem for my dad.
But I realized it wasn’t just Papa who had the problem with it when Kevin said, “I’m happy to do it. We don’t want to run the risk of another man bringing you home, again.”
Why do you care who brings me home?
Did they think because I was no longer pure, that I’d hump any man the second I was alone with him?
I mean… the thought had crossed my mind with Alan… but still! He was an exception they didn’t need to know about.
I wanted to argue, but knew it would be pointless, so I nodded and mumbled, “I should be off around four-thirty.”
As if that was settled, Papa clapped his hands together and exclaimed, “Let’s eat!”
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