Page 129 of At First Smile
“Hey, luv.” Rowan’s low timbre drifts from the phone’s speaker. “I promised my girl I’d take her out tonight, and I always keep my promises. Wes is here to take you for some pampering before he brings you back for our date tonight. I know you hate not having all the details and you can be mad at me later for that, after I spoil you, of course.”
The promise in the almost rumbly way he says “spoil you” zings right to my core.
“But I will let you know that everywhere you’ll be going is someplace you know very well. See you soon, luv.” There’s an unmistakable grin in his voice.
“Alright, gorgeous. Let’s go.” Wes offers his arm and I take it.
While surprises aren’t my fave, a girl could get used to this. Wes first delivers me to Amarpreet’s, my favorite day spa in town, for a pedicure and a blowout. Just as the stylist is putting the finishing touches on the loose waves she’s styled my auburn hair in, JoJo appears.
“What are you doing here?” I blink.
She holds up a large shopping bag and points to my body. “You don’t think you’re going to wearthaton your date, do you?”
True. Yoga pants and a tank top aren’t my standard date night outfit. Though I’m pretty sure I could show up in one of the flannelLittle House on the Prairiestyle nightgowns Aunt Bea used to wear and Rowan would still find me attractive.
In the changing room at Amarpreet’s, JoJo helps me with the sexy red lace strapless bra that matches the barely-there panties. Rowan may have paid for this, but this selection is pure JoJo.
Dolled up, I stand in front of the mirror. A red satin dress hugs my breasts and hips and the sweetheart neckline accentuates my ample cleavage, thanks to the bra’s gravity-defying push-up power.
“I would bang you so hard,” JoJo purrs, patting my behind.
“I can’t believe Rowan roped you all into whatever he’s planning.” I bend and slip on the red kitten-heeled shoes JoJo brought with the outfit.
“Of course. You deserve all the sweet stuff. Not just after the dog bite but after everything with Alex. I know this summer has been a mix of the amazing and not-so-amazing.” JoJo takes my folded, discarded clothes and slides them into the shopping bag atop the bench in front of the lockers for patrons.
“Rowan’s plan… This is just all so much.”
“Sweets, it’s never too much when you love someone. Rowan loves you. We love you.”
A satisfying sensation cocoons me. This amount of love is like a decadent dessert. It’s sweet and delicious, but I’m scared too much will churn in my belly. So much of the foundation for my understanding of love was built by my mother. Even with our strained relationship, I know she loves me. We’re going to forge a new path, but for so long her love had been focused on fixing and taking care of me.
My friends and Rowan’s love envelops me in the knowledge that, though they may take care of me, they love me as I am. Still that foundation is strong. An uneasiness creeps up my spine, but I smooth it away with each caress of my palm over the dress’s smooth fabric.
“Hey.” JoJo moves up beside me, placing her palm on my shoulder. “What’s going on there?”
“Just trying to figure out where the date is. You know me, I like all the details,” I say, hoping the lie isn’t evident.
“So, we’re just going to pretend you’re not freaking out about something?”
Groaning, I toss my head back. “Why am I friends with a filter-less social worker?”
“Because I’m fabulous.” She shimmies her hips. “But since you were attacked by a dog, I’ll give you a get out of being socialworked free card. Though, I will remind you it’s far healthier to process things. Your choice; emotional health” …she lifts her right hand… “or denial.” She lifts her left hand.
“Denial, please. This dress is far too pretty to be upset in.”
“Fine.” She sighs. “Can we at least talk about what sexy business you have in store for your man tonight?”
“If we can talk aboutwhyyou haven’t read Gillian’s letter?” I challenge, waggling my eyebrows.
She points her pink-tipped finger. “If we’re not processing your stuff, we’re certainly not processing mine.”
“Why, Ms. JoJo… are you now swimming in denial river?”
“I’m a social worker, we’re in everyone else’s shit so we don’t have time to deal with our own.” She laughs. “Now, let’s get you to your man.”
Entering the house,my heels click against the hardwood floor. JoJo and Wes dropped me off saying my date would meet me inside to escort me to the final location for the night. A blended aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate fills the room. The quiet hum of an acoustic guitar drifts in through the open windows.
“Rowan?” I call, stepping further into the living room from the foyer.
