“Oh my God, you two were so hot together when it was good. There has to be something still there.”
I laugh, internally agreeing with her. “Maybe, but this isn’t about just being hot. There’s a baby.”
“Oh, of course. I know that. I just think this is going to be good for the two of you. I hope you both realize that you’re meant to be. Finally, just be happy. Now that Lucas is gone—”
“He is gone. That’s why I’m calling you from an old phone. He called me and asked me to bail him out.”
“You said no, right? Please tell me you said no.”
“I did say no. That guy is long gone. I can’t afford to look after him anyway.”
“No, not with your baby, but I suppose with Brock in the picture now, that won’t be so hard.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. This is just a date to see if there’s anything there.”
“Okay sure, you keep telling yourself that. You’ll be married in no time.”
I can’t help myself . . . I get so lost in the idea I almost lose my mind. Me, in a white dress, marrying him, making him mine forevermore. Him, vowing always to be there for me, to love me for his whole life. Talk about getting carried away—I feel like I’m already wed to him and we’re going to be happy forever.
“Well, I need you to come around here tomorrow to dress me nice. Can you do that? And I’m not talking about wedding dresses because I’m not getting ahead of myself. I’m talking normal date outfit. Well, normal pregnant lady date outfit if that’s even a real thing. Do people normally go on dates when pregnant?”
“You don’t need my help. You have a thousand things to wear. I’m sure this happens all the time . . . actually, no, I’m not sure of that at all. This is a very weird situation, but I’m sure it’ll have a good ending.”
“I have clothes for my pre-pregnant body, but now I don’t have a clue. And this is the most important date of my life.”
“Alright, alright, I’ll be there for you. You already know I will. What time is he picking you up?”
“Seven. Will you come a couple of hours before so I don’t freak out?”
“Sure, I’ll see you at five. Love you, girl. This is going to be awesome.”
“I love you too. See you then. And thank you again, Millie. You really are the best.”
* * *
“You look absolutely beautiful, Jodi. You’re going to blow him away tonight.”
I twirl around, seeing my outfit from every angle. I have on a black dress that I wouldn’t normally pick out. Millie practically had to force me into it, but it actually looks surprisingly okay. Especially with the nice curls she’s put in my hair and the way she’s made up my face. I actually look radiant.
“I hope so. I’m just all worked up about it all. I don’t know how it’ll go.”
“As long as you’re open and honest, as long as you answer any questions he wants answering, however hard it might be, and as long as you communicate effectively, then you’ll be building a solid foundation.” She rests her hands on my shoulders reassuringly. “This is your chance to have a proper relationship, as long as you trust.”
“Trust. That’s a hard word for me. It’s hard for him too. What if we’re too far gone?”
“Then it will become obvious, won’t it? You’ll figure it out. But if you don’t try, then you’ll never know.”
“It’s weird, isn’t it? For me to be so nervous? I already know him. We’ve spent a lot of time together already. We told each other that we loved each other once upon a time . . .”
“Yes, and it all backfired, so no wonder you’re nervous. But that was then, and this is now. Things have changed. Don’t you forget that. It isn’t just a sexy office fling anymore. It’s real.”
I suck in a few deep breaths and glimpse my reflection once more. “At least I look ready for it.”
“You sure do. You look ready to kick some serious ass, girl. Not that I think you’re going to need to. I have a feeling that this will be the most wonderful night ever. The start of your love story.”
The start of my love story . . . that makes me feel incredible. I want a true love story, a fairy tale ending, a happily ever after. I can see it, in the distance. All I need to do is reach out and grab it for it to be mine.
“What time is it? How long until he gets here?”