Page 62 of At First Smile
A beat passes. Our woven gazes engage in a silent conversation. Her eyes seeming to assess and weigh all my truths. While I’m sure mine glint with hope, pleading for the second chance I don’t deserve.
“We’ll have a baklava croissant,” Pen murmurs and clenches my hand.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
A First Date?
Pen
“Cardigan or—” I pull the thin white sweater off my shoulders and toss it onto the plush, pink-cushioned window bench. “—or no cardigan?” Hands on hips, my gaze bounces between in-person JoJo, and Trina, who’s zoomed in virtually for this get together.
JoJo gestures. “Take it in case it gets cooler, but you look scrumptious.”
With a laugh playing on my lips, I face the standing full-length mirror tucked into the corner of my bedroom. The teal dress’s fit and flare silhouette hugs my curves with just the right amount of sexiness. The twirl-worthy skirt stops at my knees. A tiny, golden teacup pendant dangles below my collarbone, punctuating the hint of cleavage. It’s the third outfit change for tonight’s date with Rowan and the one that boosts my confidence most.
“I don’t know why we activated first-date protocol. Isn’t this like date four?” Trina grumbles.
First-date protocol, which started four years ago, isn’t something we do for every initial date. It’s reserved only for someone we really like, someone ripe with the possibility of a future. OnceP4EVRPAKApossible forever personis sent via our group chat, the troops assemble. Outfits are selected. Hair is styled. Condoms are restocked.
“Technically Pen never formally declared Rowan a P4EVRP. You just brow-beat her into this.” Trina’s red eyebrows draw together.
“We’ve gone over this.” JoJo’s huffed exasperation is still somehow sweet and playful. “I exercised the bestie privilege clause, allowing for intervention.”
“You realize you’re the only one that ever exercises that clause,” I laugh, putting in my gold hoop earrings.
She shrugs. “Hazards of being besties with a social worker.”
“Tread softly, Pen, or she’ll ask us how we feel about it any minute now,” Trina snarks.
JoJo sticks out her tongue and then continues, “Plus, it’s their first official date.”
“Whatever.”
It’s taking Trina longer to get on the Rowan second chance train. JoJo’s squeal was epic at Sunday brunch. Trina’s overprotective nature is akin to a mama lion guarding her cubs. Since age eleven, she’s been my big sister from a different mister.
I smooth down my freshly blown-out hair before turning to face the laptop. “Remember, Trina, part of first date protocol includes getting to grill the suitor.”
Trina’s pout smooths to a wicked grin. “And I’m a grill master.”
“That you are.” JoJo flops onto the bed and howls with laughter.
I join in, but my laughter soon fades. Poor Rowan.“I really like him,” I say softly, fiddling with my pendant.
“I know, Pen. That’s why I’m worried. The last guy you liked did a number on you,” Trina says.
“Rowan isn’t Alex.”
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” A gentleness replaces Trina’s normally steel-edged tone.
“Neither do I, but I may… And I’m okay with that.”
It wasn’t just Rowan who held himself back out of fear. As much as I went towards him, I still hesitated. I waited for him to make the first move because of the need for reassurance that I wasn’t in this alone. The Pen before Alex didn’t need that reassurance. The Pen before Alex didn’t question her heart. I want to bethatPen again, even if it scares me.
“If he hurts you, I’ll go scorched earth on his pucking ass,” Trina growls before letting out a long breath. “But I trust you… I trust your judgement. Doesn’t mean I’m not going to enjoy interrogating him.”
The doorbell chimes, and all of our gazes flick to the ajar bedroom door. Even Trina’s eyes appear to drop to the door from the strategically placed laptop.
“Showtime.” Trina’s low tone sounds almost villainous.
