Play Along

I nod as my eyes hold his. He has no idea how much it means to me that he remembered what I told him.

“You’re playing along with my lifeline?” I whisper.

His eyes hold mine. “Maybe it’s my lifeline, too.”

12

I stare at him as a clusterfuck of emotions whirl around me like a tornado.

“Asking my dad if you can take me on a date is your lifeline?” I whisper.

“Taking you on a normal date is,” he answers as his eyes search mine. He’s genuinely nervous. Maybe he thinks I’m going to say no.

“Seven sounds wonderful.”

He smiles. “I’m staying downstairs on the next level.”

I smile. He even booked a room for himself.

He stands awkwardly in front of me. “I will…” He pauses as if not knowing what to say next. “I will see you at seven then?”

I nod through my smirk. He turns and walks up the hall and I watch him. The elevator doors open and he disappears, looking very pleased with himself.

Holy shit!

I jump up and down on the spot. He asked me on a date, he asked me on a date. I run into my room and punch the air. Oh my God, what am I going to wear?

I have to look good.

Irresistibly good.

I open the closet and find the two date dresses that we bought today. Damn it… I wasn’t even paying attention to them when we bought them, I was too distracted by my Top Gun fantasies. I pull out the one that was his favorite—a flowing, backless, ice-pink number. It has shoestring straps and a cowl neckline that dips low into the back. I can’t wear a bra with it.

If I’d have known I was actually going to get this date I would have paid more attention to his choices and maybe picked something better. I slip it on and look at myself in the mirror. I turn to check out my behind. Butterflies flutter in my stomach and I smile broadly. I pick up the phone and ring reception.

“Hello, reception,” they answer.

“Yes, hello.” I smile. “It’s Mrs. Williams from 1204.”

“Hello, how can we help you?”

“Is your general store still open?” I ask.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Would I be able to get a razor and a hairdryer brought up to my room, please?”

“Of course.”

I glance down at my toes. “Oh, and… and some nail polish,” I stammer. I don’t think I have painted my nails since prom.

“Of course, Mrs. Williams. Which color?”

I shrug. “A natural pink, or a color not too bright if you have it. Just something pretty and feminine.”

“Okay, we can do that.”

I smile broadly. “Can I also have a toasted sandwich?” I am starving already and I don’t want to look like a pig on my date. I fumble around with the menu. “Um.” I scan the choices. “A club sandwich, if that’s okay?”