Payback's A Bitch (Awkward Love 6)

She nods, looking marginally calmer.

“That would be nice. You really think it will turn up?”

“I’m sure it will, but if it doesn’t, it won’t matter,” I say. I stand up and drink down the last of my coffee. “Let me have a shower, then we’ll go.”

“Okay,” she nods. “Thanks Darcy.”We’ve been wandering around for what feels like hours, trying to find something for Mom to wear. Everything I suggest, she refuses, and the one dress she’s considered looks like a hessian sack. I’m just about to give up and throw Cam under the bus when I see it. I grab Mom’s arm and point in the window. She frowns and gives me a look.

“What?” I laugh. “Trust me and try it on.”

Very reluctantly she agrees to try it on. When I hear the squeal coming from the dressing room, I knew I was right, but I don’t realize how right I was until she opens the door and walks out.

“Holy shit,” I gasp. I cover my mouth with my hand and gape at her. “That looks even nicer than the other dress.”

“It does look pretty amazing, doesn’t it?” she agrees. She studies her reflection in the mirror and runs her hand over the intricate lace overlay. It’s lilac with a crushed raw silk underlay that is fitted to the waist, then it drops, creating the most flattering silhouette. Mom shakes her head, tears in her eyes. I smile, because she didn’t cry over the other dress like this when we found it.

“I never thought I’d wear anything this low in the back,” she says, laughing. She turns around and I nod approvingly. It is low, but the modest high neckline balances it out.

“You look incredible,” I say honestly. “And Jim will love it.”

She winks at me. “I’m sure what he’ll love more is the fact that I’ll need to go braless. I might even need to forgo panties.”I head up to my room and call Cameron when we get back from shopping. I smile when he answers and sit down on the bed. I like hearing his voice. For some reason, he sounds even sexier over the phone.

“Hey,” he says. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Good,” I say, smiling. “I think we should go out on a date.”

“Sure,” he says. “That sounds great.”

“And I think you should feel comfortable enough to be yourself on that date,” I add.

I bite my lip to stop from laughing when there’s silence.

“Meaning?” he asks when he finally speaks.

“Just that I thought since you wanted me to help you be who you really are, then you might be open to trying some of the things I suggest,” I explain.

“It’s just I know so many people around here—”

“Which is why I think we should go out somewhere along the beach. We can start small and just go out for dinner or something. I think it will be good for you, but if it’s not something you want to do—”

“No, fuck it,” he sighs. “In fact, let’s go tonight.”

“Great,” I say brightly. “I’ll meet you at your place at six?” I suggest. “I think you picking me up from here—”

“Would be a really bad idea,” he finishes with a chuckle.

I turn around when I hear a noise. My door is cracked open, but I was sure I closed it. I get off my bed and wander over, half listening to Cameron talk.

“I’ll see you soon, then,” I say, still distracted.

I toss my phone on the bed and creep over to the door, yanking it open when I’m close enough to grab the handle, sending Mack sprawling across the floor.

“Are you right?” I ask, scowling at him.

He rubs his arm and grins up at me with a sheepish smile.

“Really?” I snap. “Listening at my door?”

“Like you’d expect anything less,” he scoffs, brushing himself off.I get ready for my date with Cam, choosing a dress I brought earlier today when I was shopping with Mom the first time. It’s a blue so dark that it almost looks black. It’s very simple, but incredibly fitted and revealing in all the right places. I pair it with a set of low heels and study my reflection in the mirror. I look pretty damn good.

I creep downstairs, trying to sneak out without being seen. I think I’ve gotten away with it, but just as I’m sneaking out the door, Mom catches me. She raises her eyebrows and smiles.

“You look nice. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you dressed up like that,” she adds. “Hot date?”

I shrug. “Something like that,” I say with a grin.

“Have fun.” She says, waving over her shoulder at me.I knock on Cam’s door, my heart racing as I wait for him to answer. Oddly enough, I think what I’m most nervous about at the moment is that he thinks I look nice. Which is silly, because this isn’t a real date. My heart jumps when the door swings open as the sweet, musky scent of his aftershave hits me. I study him. He looks good in a pair of black pants and a dark grey shirt. He smiles, his gaze lowering over me.