Now that I’m officially withdrawn from school, I can focus on making our little apartment feel like home. We have a couch in the living room and a bed in the bedroom but nothing about the space shouts Mars and Sage. It needs colors. It needs art.
We’ll both make sure that happens now that we have more time. Up until the end of the semester, it has been a constant cycle of Mars taking me to classes then going to work. Most times, if Dad was around when I got out of class, he’d drive me back to the apartment and we’d get to spend time together. On Mars’s off days, I got to drive The Beast to and from school. Now that huge metal monster purrs like a kitten for me.
When we get outside, Mars places his hand on the small of my back and guides me to The Beast. I climb in, mindful that I’m wearing a dress. This time it’s not because my mother made me wear it though. I’m wearing a dress because I want to look nice at dinner. I’m determined to be comfortable so instead of heels, I have on flats.
I slide over to the middle of the seat and click my seat belt in place. Mars climbs in the driver’s side and gives my thigh a squeeze. I rub the back of his hand because I know he’s still nervous as hell.
“It’ll be fine,” I reassure him as we pull off. During the entire drive, I serenade Mars with my bad singing and I’m able to pull a few smiles out of him. We talk while he drives and it loosens him up, just in time for us to pull into the parking lot.
Dad chose a restaurant in a neutral zone so we wouldn’t have to go into Ashton Hills or Duncan, and I’m so grateful for his consideration. Little things like that let me know that no matter whose blood is running through my veins, Charles Emerson will always be my dad.
“Ready?” I ask Mars, as we head to the restaurant holding hands.
“I’m ready.” He nods and I see the bravery in his eyes that I love so much. I give his hand a squeeze then reach up to push my fingers through his hair. His lips look too good not to kiss, so I steal one while nobody is looking.
His strong arm hooks around my waist and I feel weightless. Well, I feel weightless until I hear someone clearing their throat behind us. I pull away from Mars, fully ready to ask why this person is so close to us, when I realize it’s Dad.
The moment I see him, I break into an uncontrollable smile. “Dad!” I hop into his arms and he gives me one of those hugs that makes me feel like a little girl.
“Hey, kiddo. You look beautiful.” His smile is so bright and happy. I wonder for a moment if him and Mom are getting along. I don’t want to ruin a good time by bringing her up though, so I don’t ask.
“Thank you.” I smile.
“And you must be the infamous Mars.” Dad holds out his hand to Mars.
“Yes sir, Mr. Emerson. Nice to meet you.” They shake and I can’t stop grinning like an idiot. I have my two favorite guys in the world here with me though. There’s nothing more perfect to smile about.
We walk into the casual restaurant and the maître d’ shows us to our table. It’s tucked away in a private corner. It feels like we’re away from the rest of the restaurant and I like it.
I sit beside Mars and Dad sits across from us.
Dad looks from me to Mars and then says, “What are your intentions with my daughter?”
I blink in disbelief.
Mars opens his mouth and closes it a couple of times without any words being spoken. Once Dad has successfully flustered us, he breaks into a big smile.
“I’m just messing around, Mars.” He laughs so hard he has to dab at the corners of his eyes. “God, you should have seen your faces. Listen, I’m not here to grill you, son. I just want to know that you love Sage and you’re serious about her, because she’s damn sure serious about you.” That’s the Dad I know.
Beside me, Mars relaxes and nods his head. “Absolutely, Mr. Emerson. I’ve never been so sure of someone in my life. Sage is my reason. She’s my everything.” He turns to look at me. I see love in those denim blue eyes and it makes me tingle all over.
“That’s good to hear.” Dad thumbs through the menu and we do the same. Not long after we all decide what to eat, a waitress comes to take our orders. Dad doesn’t let silence settle in for too long.