enough time to shower before he picks me up.”
“What are you going to wear?” She picked up the cloth on the counter and looked me over.
“I have no idea.” I looked down at my clothes and frowned. Most of the things I owned were suitable for running the sanctuary, not for going out on dates.
“What about your pink skirt? It looks great on you.”
“Can’t, he’s bringing his motorcycle.”
“Ah. I see.” Mom frowned. “I hope he has an extra helmet.”
“I’m sure he does.” I never saw him without one, so I was pretty sure he wouldn’t expect me to ride without it.
“Okay. Then how about capris and some cute sandals?” She set the rag down and headed for my room. I followed behind her and watched as she deftly flicked through my closet. “This top looks good on you.”
She handed me a low-cut top that flowed away from my body. “The aqua is so pretty against your skin.” Next she fished out some khaki capris and handed them to me.
“You’re pretty good at this.” I smiled at her. The shirt even went with my nail polish.
“I’ve been on a few dates in my time.” She looked at me, her eyes a little bit sad. “This is good for you. You need to experience a little more of life.”
“But Blake Weathering?” I set the clothes on my bed. “Shouldn’t you be raising hell about me going out with someone who is doing community service?”
“I’ve read his record.” I looked at her sharply, but she didn’t look remorseful in the least. “We get to read them all when they’re sent to us, but rarely do. You know how Dad is—everyone deserves a second chance. I pulled Blake’s chart after that first breakfast. The way he looked at you… Well, you’re gorgeous and he’s pretty good-looking himself.” She shrugged. “His record is clean. A few run-ins with teachers or other students, but when you read behind the lines, most of it looked like he was standing up for himself. He makes good grades, doesn’t get into any serious trouble. Everyone makes mistakes. But if he does anything out of line or you feel threatened, you tell me. Deal?”
“Deal.” I bit my lip. “Did it say why he did what he did?”
“He refused to explain himself, which is why he wasn’t allowed to walk.” She shook her head. “I really don’t know.”
“Huh.” I didn’t really want to ask him again. It felt like I was prying, even though I felt like I should know. Mom left so I could shower, and I had a mild moment of panic. What were you supposed to do before a date? I didn’t have a lot of experience in this department. I had gone on a group date with Violet once, but that was more to be her wingman. The boy I had been paired with was allergic to seafood, which had made me incredibly nervous. I had spent the whole night avoiding his attempts to hold my hand because I was worried I’d send him into anaphylactic shock. Violet’s older brother, Max, has kissed me once, but it had been more of an experiment than anything else.
I picked up my phone and texted Violet. If I didn’t tell her I was going on a date, she would skewer me alive. Her response was immediate and just as exuberant as I expected. The next text from her was a long list of things to remember. Bring my own money, don’t eat spaghetti, don’t let him kiss me on the first date. Sheesh, I didn’t need a mom with a best friend like Violet.
After my shower, I played with my hair, picked out my favorite shell necklace, and sat in my room chewing my nails. I kept looking in the mirror and wondered what I had forgotten. I had liberally applied deodorant and then wiped it off, worried I’d get it on his shirt while holding on for the motorcycle ride. Then I reapplied some, because I couldn’t go on a date and stink. Thankfully, it was one of those hypoallergenic kinds, so it didn’t bother my skin too much. A lot of chemicals gave me blisters and rashes. Even the majority of my clothes were cotton. Synthetic stuff made me
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