Page 76 of A Better Place

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Carly

I’m gonna puke. Ididn’t puke this morning after waking up with my first — and very last — hangover. But now? Now I’m gonna puke. No doubt about it.

My hands are shaking and sweaty. My heart feels like it could explode from my chest, and not from the way I normally feel like that from James. My legs feel like they could wobble right out from underneath me.

It’s been literally decades since I went on a first date. How do I dress? James didn’t tell me what we’re doing tonight so I have no idea. Do I wear a dress? Jeans? Are yoga pants appropriate? Probably not.

I’m pacing in my very small walk-in closet, back and forth, chewing on my thumbnail.

“Mom, I just got off the phone with James!” I hear Jack call to me from my bedroom. “Mom? Where are you?”

“In here,” I say in a small voice.

His body fills the doorway to my closet, and the second he glances at me, his eyes worry, and his shoulders drop. “Mom,” he says in a comforting voice.

“I can’t do this,” I say as I fall to my knees onto the floor.

“Can’t do what?”

“Date!” I shout in a voice much louder than necessary.

“Mom.” He deadpans. “It’s James.”

“That’s the point!”

“I hate to break it to you, but you’ve basically been dating him since the night we ate pizza.”

“Have not,” I defend.

“Ri-i-i-ight. Mom, who did you sit by at all the playoff football games?”

Silence.

Blink.

He crouches down beside me so he’s eye-level. “Who do you text and talk on the phone with every day?”

Silence.

Blink.

“Who came over, on his own, and helped decorate our house for Christmas? Talks to me when I need someone? Stops over to introduce us to his daughter and gives us some killer Christmas presents? Brings you home and makes sure you’re safe when you had twelve too many margaritas?”

“Hey!”

“You may be trying to deny it, and maybe you haven’t been dating in the way you are going to tonight, but you know what I mean. Now. As much as I love your flannel pajamas, how about you change into something slightly less loungewear?” he asks with no room for argument.

“It’s just…”

“It’s just nothing. Relax. I called James a few minutes ago to ask him a question, and he told me to tell you to wear jeans tonight. That means whatever he has planned, it’s casual.”

I blow out a breath and smile what I’m sure is the most awkward smile ever. “Okay.”

“Just okay? Do I need to give you a speech? Pump you up? Motivate you?”

“As much as I appreciate it, I’m not getting ready to take to the football field. I think I’m good now.”

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