go to a perfumery and got them to make me something
custom. It’s basically an essential oil that I dab on and it lasts
for a few hours. It doesn’t have that strong, chemical or
alcohol scent that the store perfumes sometimes do. For
special occasions, I bring out the tiny bottle of vanilla scented
oil. I only ever dab it on at my wrists and behind my ears.
Adley’s hand shifts in mine. I think she’s going to pull
it away, and I freeze. The next piece of music starts, merry and
jaunty. Adley’s finger strokes my palm before she clasps my
hand again.
It was the tiniest of movements, but it makes my
stomach feel pinched and my chest tight. It makes everything
burn and throb. It makes me feel shivery and thrilled.
This whole night is our night. Our night together. For
me, that is incredibly monumental. It’s incredibly special. It’s
a huge deal. I have a right to be insanely excited.
Is it wrong to be proud that the most attractive woman
in the entire place tonight is mine? I know what they say about
pride, but I am proud. And happy. I’m so freaking happy that
Adley agreed to come to this with me tonight. That I’m sitting
next to her. That for now, she’s not thinking about whatever
happened to her in the past. She’s enjoying herself. She’s on a
date. With me. I’m on a date. With her. In public.
I don’t have to think of an excuse after. I don’t have to
pep-talk myself into staying. I didn’t have to fight down my
rising panic at having to fake yet another night of my life.
I’m just me. Sitting with her.
I think this might be the most amazing night of my
entire life so far.
Chapter 13