

I typed the code he gave me on the digital security screen and the metal gates swung open.

Two hours later, I finally pulled into the underground parking lot at Brody’s building. “You’re gonna pay for that one … I promise.” “Oh, you think you’re funny, don’t ya?” His voice relaxed again. “Really? That totally sucks.” His deflated tone filled me with guilt … almost. I have the flu, I’m not gonna be able to make it.”Ī heavy silence hung on the other end of the line, followed by a sigh. “I was just checking to see where you are. “Hey!” He enthusiastically answered the phone. Rather than text back, I dialed his number. I looked down and saw it was a text from Brody.

My phone beeped as I turned onto the main road. Not quite ready, I pulled back up the driveway, threw my jeep in park and dashed to the porch for one last kiss.

Butterflies slammed against my rib cage as I pulled out of the driveway, waving at the two little smiling faces on the porch. I tossed my duffel bag in the back of my jeep and hung the dress on a hook. I just stared at them like a deer in headlights and turned when they told me to. She and my mom squealed and giggled louder with each dress I tried on, discussing how the ice blue one made my butt look perfect and the salmon colored one complimented my skin tone. “Don’t forget this.”ĭue to my complete lack of fashion sense, Lauren had stopped by that morning with a dozen dresses for me to try on for the dinner with Brody. Now hurry, before traffic gets too bad.” She grabbed the plastic dress bag from the front hall closet and handed it to me. Thanks … for everything.”Ĭupping my cheek lovingly with her hand, she said, “For you, anything. My stomach was full of tiny, little knots, each one representing something different that could go wrong over the next thirty-six hours. She knew me too well, sometimes better than I knew myself.
