Should I really be thinking about marriage when I’ve only known James for a week? My heart is racing thinking about all of it. Which is why I try not to. Marrying James isn’t in the cards for me. At least I don’t think it is. It definitely isn’t in my mom’s.
She’s been blowing up my phone about meeting one of her friend's sons since we’re both in the same city now. Probably another one of those stuffy self-involved jerks. I’ve met plenty of them thanks to my mom. The only thing that has been keeping her off my back is me saying I’m too wrapped up right now with Tinsley getting married and still settling into my place. I know that I’m not going to be able to hold her off much longer. That thought has me wanting to spend as much time with James as I can.
“No flipping way. Not after all the things you’ve told me about him doing for you. A man isn't doing all that unless he’s playing the long game.”
“It’s not like that,” I rush to say. “He’s helping me with my list.”
“You told him about your list?” She seems surprised by my revelation. I guess I don’t really talk about it that much because sometimes it seems as if it’s a losing battle. That I’ll never be able to fit in all the things I want to experience before my mom has me married off into some cookie cutter life. Now that James is in the picture, I have hope that I’ll at least be able to check off a big part of it. The thought of him not being with me to complete it or add to it makes me sad.
“Earth to Carly.”
I snap out of my thoughts and push that sad feeling to the side. “Yeah. It sort of popped out.”
“How many things has he personally checked off that list?” Tinsley gives me a devilish grin. I reach up to touch my face, which is flushed. Not enough is my first thought.
“Well, all the stuff we’ve done. That’s why he did the drive-in date.” One of the many things he’s done to help me. I know it’s silly, but I’ve never been to a drive-in movie before. I bet my mom doesn't even know what they are. James didn't just check it off my list. He hit it out of the ballpark with his setup.
He somehow rented out a park and had a giant screen put up. Lights had been strung up and everything. I almost died when the screen came to life and it wasn't a real movie. It was an upcoming episode that wasn't scheduled to be out until later in the week of my favorite show.
I have no idea how he pulled that off, but he did. What I do know is that I couldn’t stop smiling that entire night. It was incredible, and I’m happy that I was able to share those moments with him. No matter where the future brings me, I’ll always remember that night. I’ll always remember James.
“He could have taken you to a normal drive-in.” She picks up a chip, dipping it into the salsa. “Everything he does for you is over the top.”
“I don’t want to jinx anything. He hasn't talked about the future. I mean he’s never even invited me over to his place.” James shares lots of things with me, but I feel there is this side to him I’m missing.
“We didn't think Reed was into me either and look how that turned out,” she reminds me.
“I know, and now we’re going to flip this around and think James is super into me. We have to be careful that we’re not getting wrapped up in what happened to you and Reed. That was an isolated situation. Now we’re just going the extreme other way when it comes to James and me.” That’s the truth whether I want to admit it or not. I have to be conscious of that fact.
“Maybe.” Her face scrunches. I can tell she’s not buying it, though.
“I don’t want to talk about it. This night is about you.”
“Fine, but I’m telling you that Reed and James are a lot alike in many ways. Neither do things they don’t want to.”
“Reed let you come out tonight.” I steal a chip for myself.
“He would never get between us.”
“I know, but I thought it might be harder.” James' eyes had raked over me before I’d left, but he hadn't stopped me. I am in a strapless dress that hugs me tight around the top and flares out at the waist. I told Tinsley to wear something simple. I adore this style of dress but what I love more are my heels.
I could run in heels if I actually ran. My mom has had me in them since I can remember, dressing me up like a doll. Now that I am away from her, I can pick what I want. I feel sexy. James kissed me and told me he’d handle Reed. Secretly I wanted someone to have to handle James, which is stupid because I want tonight to happen for Tinsley. My thoughts are all over the place when it comes to that man.