Page 47 of Make Her Mine
Darleen went into the zone she’d go to when faced with a problem. “What’s in Dallas you could possibly need to do?”
Something sparked in my brain. “Hey, what if I said Sherry will be out of town and needs me to dog sit for her?”
Darleen’s head tilted to one side. “What if Mom calls Sherry’s mother, and asks about that? They’re sisters…”
Nodding, she was right. That’s why I asked for her help after all. “True.”
Folding her hands in front of her as she paced back and forth, she finally stopped. “Sherry might actually need your help. I talked to her a few months ago. She said she was starting up a daycare business. I bet she could use your help, in a volunteer role. We could get that worked out for you. And I’ll let her in on what the real deal is. She’s cool. She’ll go with it.”
“How soon could you get that going?” I wanted to get moving on it as soon as possible.
“I’ll grab my cell and give her a call. I’ll be back in a little while.” She walked to the door, her hand on the knob. “Are you going to tell Brandon?”
Shaking my head, I wasn’t about to have a conversation with him about that. “No way. Are you nuts? How awkward would that be?”
Clucking her tongue, she shook her head. “In my opinion, Ella, you’re still too adolescent for this.”
“I agree. But I’ve got to mature somehow. Getting away for a month, being with our cool cousin, finally getting the exam most women had at least a few of, should put me on the road to maturity. I plan on being a different person when I return.” Visions of me walking back into the mansion, maybe at dinner time, Brandon checking me out as I’d be wearing something awe-inspiring outfit that I picked up in Dallas. A new hairstyle, total makeover. His jaw would drop. He’d be lost for words.
“Um, that’s a pretty tall order.” She opened the door. “You really should go talk to him. See how he acts in the light of day and sober. I doubt he’ll be as lovestruck as he was last night.”
“You’re wrong. He’s crazy about me.” I had faith in the guy. He’d wait for me. He understood things about me before I had. Brandon would know instinctively that I’d gone to gather myself and become a real woman for him.
I started packing, knowing Darleen would get it all finalized. Then I got online and looked up the bus schedule. I’d never driven in a big city before, so I couldn’t ask to take the family car to Dallas for a month. Bus first, then I could take Ubers to get around while there.
This was going to be it: the first step in becoming set for a mature relationship. Brandon would be stunned and he’d know without a doubt I was ready for him.
A chill ran through me thinking about what that really means. Me and him, kissing, hugging, holding hands, and even doing the deed. Over and over again, at that. It was thrilling me more than anything!
Darleen came back a while later as I waited to purchase the bus ticket. “You can go as soon as you want. She’s even going to ask her mom who could help her out for a time. Sherry is so cool; she’ll make it seem it was her mom who’d come up with the idea of you coming to help.”
Not even an hour later, my mother found me cleaning and asked, “Ella, could you go to Dallas to help your cousin with the daycare she’s opened up? She’s desperate.”
Acting as if I had no idea if I could go or not. “What about my work here?”
“Tasha’s aunt can take over while you’re gone. She’s always looking to make some extra money.” Mom took the broom out of my hand. “I’d let you take our car, but I doubt you’ll like driving in Dallas. Everyone drives as fast as they possibly can. But I can take you in, and then you can catch up with her.”
“How long are we talking about, Mom?”
“Most likely, a month. She’s distressed, Ella. Don’t let her down,” Mom pleaded.
“Since you put it that way, how could I say no?” I took the broom from her. “I’ll put these away, get packed and ready to go. But you don’t have to drive me. I can take a bus. It’s not a problem.” I actually wanted to do it on my own for once.
Mom looked concerned. “Oh, I don’t know.”
Putting my hand on her shoulder, I looked into her eyes. “I’ll be fine, mom. I’ll even pay for my own ticket. Sherry needs help. She’s a great cousin and I’ll have fun in Dallas, too.”
“You probably will. Sherry will make sure of it.” Mom’s smile warmed my heart even if we were pulling the wool over her eyes.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brandon
After chugging down two bottles of water, I thought I might make it after all. “I really tied one on last night.” My brothers sat in my suite as I tried to recall exactly what happened once I got home. “I made it to the bedroom, pulled my wallet and cell out of my jeans. But after that, it goes blank.”
Dyllan pointed at my boots placed neatly by the dresser. “You took your boots off. But they’re put away much too neatly.”
That’s a valid point. I stared at the boots for a long time but had no recollection of how they got there. “Apparently I got them off somehow, then passed out, totally dressed. I even managed to pull a blanket over me.”
