17
The feels. I totally have them. Last night, I picked out the green dress quickly, dabbed on a bit of makeup, and was out the door in a flash. Tonight is a whole other scene. I’ve changed my outfit three times. I’ve spent thirty minutes curling my hair. And now I’m curling my lashes.
I care. A lot. I want to be pretty for him.
Ethan studies me curiously as he works on his wooden puzzle on the floor of my bedroom. “Does Mommy look pretty?”
His adorable grin is as wide as can be. “Pretty!”
“I decided on the pink dress,” I tell him. “It’s more fun. The red dress was too fancy. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. This is just dinner out with the boss.”
* * *
The door buzzes,and I’m a pile of nerves. I’ve spent all day tidying the place, hoping to live up to Boss Man’s very high expectations. His place is like a furniture showroom or a museum, not a thing out of place. I really don’t want to scare him off with the mess that is my life.
My knees buckle a little when I open the door. He looks amazing in slim pressed pants, a paisley button shirt, open at the collar, and a cool brown leather jacket.
Damn, the man knows how to dress to impress.
His eyes linger over me, and he smiles sweetly. “You look lovely,” he says. “I love that dress.”
“Thank you. Please, come in,” I urge. “I want you to officially meet Ethan.” He’s seen him around, in the elevator, but I’ve never officially made the introductions.
Ethan is a little guarded when Weston approaches and kneels down to him. “Hey, little man,” he says. “How are you?”
Ethan smiles. Thankfully, he’s a very friendly boy, and he’s over his playing shy phase.
“What have you got there?” Weston asks. “A forklift?”
Ethan looks down at his yellow toy, and then back up at the beautiful stranger.
“You’re a Caterpillar man, I see,” Weston goes on. “I’m more of a John Deere man myself.”
Ethan stares at him, riveted.
I smile. “Ethan loves his trucks,” I chime in. “But I think all boys do at that age.”
“I think I did too,” he says.
“You should ask your mom,” I suggest. “I’m sure she remembers.”
He smirks. “My mom and I don’t often talk, and besides, I guarantee you she wouldn’t remember. My nanny would though.”
I decide not to explore the rest of this conversation. So he has a strained relationship with his mother. What about his father? Suddenly, I’m curious, but I let it go.
The door buzzes again. I’m thankful for the interruption and I run to greet Claudia. I’m sure it’s her.
Sure enough, she’s smiling when I swing the door open. She seems positively delighted when she spots Weston and Ethan behind me.
“Hey, sweet boy,” she calls out. “Auntie Claudia is here.”
He runs to her, and they embrace sweetly. It almost brings a tear to my eye. When Ethan finally lets her go, she stands and introduces herself. “Hi, I’m Claudia. We’ve met before of course.”
They shake hands. “Yes, at the party.”
She nods. He nods. It’s awkward.
She perks up. “Well, it’s nice to see you again. We should all go on a double date sometime,” she suggests. “You and Gretchen and me and my boyfriend, James. It could be fun.”
