Four Real

“See, that won’t be too bad, honey,” Mom tells Dad. “They’ll still both be close.”

Dad scrolls through the product listings. “I’m not sure about having pictures of you on the site, Bianca.”

“I don’t plan to continue to do that. Right now, it’s a test to see which type of images get more attention. If shoppers like the modeled shots, I’ll find other people to do the modeling.”

“You look great on there, sweetie,” Mom says. “The whole site looks terrific, and I feel terrible that we never realized that what we’re paying you is not enough for you to live on. We should have been paying you more all along, and you’ll have to forgive us that we still think of you as our little girl, even though you have obviously grown up into a strong, smart woman.”

I don’t know about the strong part, but my parents’ positive reaction to the site makes me proud.

“Let us talk for a minute, okay?” Mom says.

I go to the living room and stare blankly at the TV while my parents talk in a low murmur in the kitchen. They don’t leave me waiting long, and soon come in to join me.

“We’re very impressed,” Dad says. “On the strength of your ideas, we’d like to give you money for a security deposit and first month’s rent for an apartment, assuming your rent will be a reasonable amount.” He looks to my mom before looking back at me. “And, we’ll give you a raise, effective immediately, so that you’ll be able to afford rent and other living expenses going forward.”

I jump up and give him a hug, before also hugging my mom. “Thank you! Thank you both.”

“Is the website live, dear?” Mom asks.

“Not yet. I wanted to get your approval first.”

“Let’s go for it,” Dad says.

“And, of course, you’ll get commission on everything that sells online,” Mom says. “Let’s sit down tomorrow and look more closely at the numbers to decide what will be fair.”

“That sounds great, Mom.”

“Of course, and we’re sorry, Bianca. We should have realized sooner that we weren’t being fair to you.”

I’m still floating on a happy cloud when Logan contacts me the next day.

Logan: I’ve been patient while you went out with my brothers. Now it’s my turn.

Me: Is that right? Your brothers were more gentlemanly when they asked me out.

Logan: I’m not surprised, but you’ll have more fun with me.

I didn’t know my nipples could go hard just from reading a text message.

We make plans to go out on the weekend. Like Ryder, Logan refuses to let me drive myself, so I agree to meet him at his house. His promise of fun echoes in my head for the rest of the day. Exactly what kind of fun is he talking about? After the frustration of having to stop things abruptly with Knox, I might be up for just about anything.

These dates really are turning out to be the perfect way to get experience – both dating, and physical experience. I know these men well, and I trust them completely.

They’re taking their time with me, and I know they’d never laugh at my inexperience. They’re patient and kind. Perfect for a virgin like me, though I won’t go all the way with them, of course. I still want that experience to be with someone I’m in love with, and with someone who loves me. In the meantime, I may as well get all the experience the Evans brothers are offering.

15

Badge of honor

I’m bubbling with excitement when I meet Logan on Saturday night.

“You look extra happy,” he says, his smile spreading in a reflection of mine. “Is it because I’m your date tonight?”

“I am happy to see you, but my excitement is about my online store. After a glitch with the credit card processing, the site went live yesterday, and we already received our first order!”

Before I know what’s happening, he wraps his arms around me and lifts me off the ground, spinning me in a circle. “Then let’s go celebrate!”

He leads me to an oversized truck and opens the door for me.

“I thought you had a car,” I say as I climb in with the support of Logan’s hand on my back. “Ryder drove it when we went out.”

“I do, but tonight I’m taking my truck because there’s more room in here for us to make out.” He closes my door and leaves me with that thought as he circles around to the driver’s side.

When he’s sitting next to me I can smell the enticing scent of his cologne or aftershave. Though he’s dressed casually, his short hair is freshly combed and his beard is neat and trim.

“That’s great news about your store. Was it a big order?”

“Just two items,” I say, “but I’ve only barely started promoting the site, so it’s encouraging.”