Page 170 of One More Kiss

Tori

IT WASHOMECOMING NIGHT AND my nerves were off the wall. I wasn’t sure why I was beyond anxious. I’ve been spending plenty of my time with Phoenix. You’d think being around one another all the time would stop the butterflies from taking flight, but that wasn’t the case with us. At least not yet. Phoenix excited me, especially knowing that he’s truly interested in me as a person and not tugging at my heartstrings for fun.

Every other boy I dated was basic compared to Phoenix. For starters, they didn’t make me feel like I was a Queen, cared for and doted on. The other boys made me feel like I was plain, or less than basic. I almost felt as if they were with me expecting one thing, a romp in the sheets. Not Phoenix, no matter how much we wanted to connect in that way, we wanted to see where things were going.

I wondered if it was more because of him being shipped off this summer. He was joining the military, so maybe he didn’t want to upset me by having sex and letting me hang as he abandoned me. I didn’t truly know what Phoenix’s reason of waiting were, and even though it drove me crazy, I figured it would happen in due time. It wasn’t like his actions didn’t show he wasn’t interested. He seemed more than interested by the way he reciprocated the kiss in the park.

“Earth to Tori.” My sister, Sally snapped her fingers in front of my eyes as if pulling me from my trance.

I blinked my eyes a few times. “What?”

“Were you daydreaming? Because I got to tell you. Now is not the time to daydream. Phoenix will be here soon and you’re not ready for the dance,” Sally said. She huffed her breath, blowing the strands of hair from her eyes as if irritated with my daydreaming. She continued talking. “Let’s finish your hair so we can work on your makeup.”

I was looking forward to wearing the makeup Sally would put on me. She always seemed to wear it perfectly, so I knew she would fix mine just right. I stared ahead as she continued placing curls in my hair. I knew she had an updo planned but wasn’t sure how she would go about placing the curls. I was never good at fixing my hair. It showed because I always kept it down, covering my face.

This was one of those times where my face would be exposed. I felt vulnerable because I hated the acne covering my face. Thankfully, the makeup being applied should shield most of the red marks.

“You’re looking good,” April commented as she walked into the room.

My lips turned upward. “Thanks. I have no idea how I will look yet. Sally doesn’t allow me to look in the mirror still.”

April chuckled. “I bet. She hates showing her work off before anyone else. You know that. Besides, you’re giving her lots of practice for Cosmetology school.”

“I know, but I hate waiting,” I said, intertwining my fingers together as if apprehensive.

“Ah. Hush. You’re looking good, so I wouldn’t worry. Are you excited about spending the night with Phoenix?” Sally asked, as she wiggled her eyebrows in a funny way.

I placed my hand against my chest, “It’s not spending the night. I’m going to the dance and then we’re coming home.”

Sally laughed, “yeah, and I’ve never had a sip of alcohol in my life. You know better. This is literally the night everyone will be doing the tango. If you know what I mean. I’m sure he has special plans for y’all.”

“It’s not like you aren’t old enough,” April admitted, “besides, don’t you want to see if he’s any good. I mean, you’re absolutely in love with the guy. You might as well find out what he’s packing.”

Sally was nodding her head in agreement. “April is right, you know. Can you imagine being in love with someone and they’re horrible in the sheets? All of that time spent together will have been a waste.”

“Geez, guys,” I admonished, squeezing my eyes shut. “First of all, I don’t want to discuss this with you two. Second, who says I’m in love with him? And third, if the kiss the other day was any indication of our chemistry, I’m not worried about our connection elsewhere.”

I threw those two off, because they were both standing there with their mouths hanging open. None of them knew Phoenix and I kissed. They were right though; I was old enough to tie the knot in the bedroom. I wanted to see the goodies but didn’t want to seem needy in that department.

“Well, well, well,” Sally stated, “It seems like Tori has been holding out on us. When did you even get the time to lock lips? It seems like we’re never alone with our boyfriends.”

“She’s right,” April agreed. “I can’t even walk into the house with my boyfriend without someone else asking us where we’re going and what we’re doing. I mean, we’re all old enough. It shouldn’t matter. We know about the birds and the bees. The wrap it before tapping it, and the other ways to get off. It’s not like any of us are wanting babies anytime soon. I don’t know what the fuss is all about.”

Sally responded, “well, I can understand keeping track of us because they’re not ready to be grandparents. Though, I do enjoy spending much needed time with my boy.”

We all stopped what we were saying the minute our mom walked into the room. She looked between the three of us and asked, “why are y’all so quiet? Talking nonsense, huh?”

I doubt she heard anything we discussed because she didn’t fuss. Instead, she walked up to me, “you’re looking absolutely gorgeous. But you need to hurry up. Your date is already here.”

“What!” I screeched. I clutched my chest, knowing I was not ready and needing to make it quick.

I couldn’t say he was early because honestly, we weren’t sure the exact time he’d actually arrive. If we weren’t gossiping, I’d be ready, but no, time seemed to always run away with me. I looked at my mom and told her to tell him to wait a few more minutes because we weren’t ready yet.

“I can see that. I’ll let him know you’ll be just a few more minutes. If I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure he was telling your dad he has reservations for tonight,” My mom revealed, “Something about dinner, pictures and then the dance. I’m not entirely sure, but if I were you, I wouldn’t make him wait too long.”

After her comment, my mom turned around and left the room. Then Sally added, “gosh. We need to hurry. April, hurry and hold her hair like this. I’m going to pin it up top and then we’ll quickly work on her face.” She looked at me. “I’m going to make this speedy and still have you looking hot. I want Phoenix to eat his heart out.”

I laughed. “Like that’ll happen, but good try.”

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