Page 13 of Unholy Confessions
"Hey," I say, walking over to her.
"Hey yourself, rockstar." Her smile is soft, proud, and something else I can't quite read. "That was... wow, RJ. I mean, I knew you were talented, but seeing you up there..."
"Yeah?" I step closer, still riding the high of the performance and the way she's looking at me. And knowing our parents aren't in earshot or field of vision.
"You were amazing. Like, really amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off you."
There's something in her voice, something that gives me the courage to do what I've been wanting to do for months. If not now, then when? I reach out and take her hand, threading our fingers together. "Montgomery," I start, my voice suddenly rough. "I've been thinking, and after tonight... I don't want to keep pretending we're just friends."
Her breath catches, and I can see the surprise in her eyes. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I want to take you on a real date. Not studying together, not just being friends, not just we're hungry, let's go eat. A real date. Dinner, maybe a movie, me picking you up at your door, not honking from the driveway." I squeeze her hand. "I'm saying I'm crazy about you, and I think you might feel the same way."
The smile that spreads across her face is brighter than those stage lights that shined in my face all night. "I was wondering when you'd finally ask."
"Is that a yes?"
"That's absolutely a yes."
I lean down and press my forehead against hers, the noise of the crowd fading away until it's just us in this moment. "Friday night?"
"Friday night," she giggle, nodding in confirmation.
And just like that, the best night of my life gets even better.
Chapter 6
Montgomery (Age 16)
I've waited for this day my entire life. My sixteenth birthday. When I would think about it a few months ago, it didn't seem like a huge deal. I figured there'd be a special dinner, maybe a small party with my friends.
But that was before RJ and I finally started dating. The past few months have been more than I ever could've imagined, and now we're spending my birthday together.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Mom asks as she helps me curl the back pieces of my hair. "I know that you want to spend time with RJ, but we can still do it as a family. I can make some dinner, and..."
"Mom," I interrupt her. "I get it, but I want to spend tonight with him. He's taking me to a fancy steakhouse. The first time I'm going to dinner like an adult." I don't know how to explain to her how special I feel. Maybe she can't get it because it's been so long since she was my age, and she met dad later in life. I've literally been waiting most of my life for RJ to see me as someone other than his friend.
"Okay, I'll stop, but you can call us, no matter what time it is. Downtown Nashville traffic is overwhelming, even for us. If it looks like RJ can't handle it, one of us will come pick y'all up."
"I know. I love you, and I appreciate it." I give her a hug, rolling my eyes behind her back. We've snuck into downtown Nashville many times in our friendship. When I pull away, I finish up with the last of my makeup, and then have her pull the zipper on my dress all the way. "He's going to be here in a few minutes."
"Montgomery..." Mom starts. "I know we've talked about sex."
"Oh my God, Mom. Seriously? I'm not having sex with RJ tonight, or any time soon." I put my palms over my ears and shake my head with la la la. "We've only been together for a few months, and I'm not ready for that. RJ understands and has never pressured me. If it did happen," I inhale deeply, "then you have prepared me for it, and I know what to expect, but I'm telling you it's not going to happen."
Mom frames my face with her hands. "I trust you, and I love you. Have a great time tonight."
"I will."
And before I can say anything else, there's a knock at the door and Dad is greeting RJ. I'm afraid he's going to scare him off before I even get there. Rushing to the foyer, I greet them both with a smile.
RJ is carrying a bouquet, and when he sees me, he pushes it toward me. "Happy birthday, Montgomery. These are for you."
"These are gorgeous. Thank you so much." They really are the prettiest flowers I've ever seen. Roses with wildflowers interspersed throughout. When I see the name of the florist, I know he spent a ton of money on this. I smile. "You shouldn't have spent this much on them, but they're so pretty."
"So are you," he whispers.
Heat climbs up my neck, and I struggle with what to say in front of my parents. Mom shows up at my side. "Let me take these for you and I'll put them in water. Y'all should get going. You never know what traffic is going to be like."
