“You sure I don’t look like I’m going to a funeral?”
Winnie snorts. “I can see your boobs.”
“What she’s saying is you look hot.” Hope gives me an encouraging smile.
I tug at the shirt. I barely have boobs. “And the shoes? I’m too tall for heels. What if this guy is shorter than me? I’m like six foot in these things.”
I couldn’t borrow shoes from any of them because my feet are so damn big. Tall girl problems. But Aunt Sienna gifted me these Louboutins a few Christmases ago. This is the first time I’ve pulled them out of the closet, because where in god’s name would I wear them?
“Savannah knows how tall you are,” Winnie says, breaking out the older-sister tone. “She’s not going to set you up with a man you aren’t comfortable with.”
But what if I’m uncomfortable with all men? What if I’m awkward and I’ve never gone on a date because men don’t find me attractive? What then?
What if the only man who’s ever shown the slightest interest in me is the one man I can’t be with? The one who’s hurt me the most.
“You’re going to be late.” Vivi clambers off the bed and pushes me toward the door. “Come on, I already ordered you an Uber.”
I pull up short. “Why can’t I drive?”
She sighs like I’m exhausting. “Because if things are going well, then you have an excuse to let him drive you home. Or, you know, to go to his place.”
My stomach rolls. “You think he’s expecting that? Is that what people do after dates? Theysleeptogether?” I whisper hiss.
Winnie snorts. “Oh my god. As your big sister, I clearly failed at my duties. You can’t even say sex?”
Hope swats her arm. “Be nice.”
Head dropped back, I groan. “I’m so nervous. What if he hates me? What if he’s only doing this because of the magazine? What if?—”
“What if you just take a deep breath and have fun?” Hope prods softly. Like a ray of sunshine, she practically glows as she grasps myarms and smiles. “He doesn’t have to be the one. Even if he’s a total dud, tonight will be a success because you put yourself out there.” She releases me and takes a step back. “Have fun, Addie. You deserve this.”
I blow out a breath and nod. “Yeah, okay.” Without my permission, my attention darts to JJ’s door. I haven’t seen him since he stormed out this morning, mumbling something about the gym.
The girls and I were in the kitchen making breakfast. I have no idea what got his panties in a wad, but I can’t keep worrying about him.
“He’s not here,” Hope says.
“Hmm?” I hum, my chest pinching when I realize they’re all looking at me.
Hope’s tongue goes to her cheek as she stares at his door too. “I think he might have a date tonight.”
My stomach drops.
“So his marriage is really over?” Vivi asks, oblivious to my reaction.
“I think it’s been over for a while, but her disappearing on Avery was the last nail in the coffin.” Hope shrugs. “But he left with a smile on his face, dressed like he was going out on a date. So maybe he’s moving on.”
I snort. So fucking typical. Here I am spinning out over a goddamn pinky brush, and he’s already dating.
Well, fuck him. I’m going to do it better. I’m going to date the fuck out of this date.
Okay, yeah, that sounded ridiculous, but still…
I straighten and lift my chin. “All right, I’m going.”
“Yay.” Hope claps, bouncing on her toes.
Winnie smiles proudly. “Have the best time.”
