AJ
“What do you think of this one?” I asked as I turned around to face April, holding a light blue sweater against me. “The blue, or the pink?” I alternated between the two, holding one and then the other as she watched.
“Pink is your color, but the blue really brings out your eyes.”
And blue was Rhett’s favorite color too, only I didn’t say that out loud. “I think I’ll go blue, I have so much pink already.”
“Are we still on for tomorrow night?”
I placed the pink sweater back on the rack and toss her a look over my shoulder. “Yes, I’m looking forward to a night out.”
“Now that the weather is changing, I’m ready to get out and enjoy the change. I love this time of year, the warmth hitting. I’m going stir crazy already being cooped up all winter. I don’t know how I survived the cooler months.”
I knew how I would survive them—curled up with Rhett, cozy on the couch or in his bed. Suddenly the idea of the weather changing was something I was kinda looking forward to.
“You and the dreamy look in your eyes.” I looked at her and tilted my head to the side in confusion. “You get it every time you think of him.”
I couldn’t help but smile in that moment. “You told me to let go of the fear and jump in head first. So I did.”
“And the happy it inflicted looks real good on you.”
“Things are good,” I told her, feeling my cheeks ache just a bit from the big smile I wore. “He’s so sweet, and then there are times he’s not.” I bit my lip when she crinkled her brows up, almost like she was irritated at the idea of Rhett mistreating me. I quickly offered her some reassurance. “But those times are my favorite. He’s got a dirty side I can’t seem to get enough of.”
“Oh my gosh, you scared me for a minute.” April placed her hand on her chest and I could see her shoulders visibly relax. “For a second there I was wondering how I was gonna knock the shit out of a full-grown man and run away before he got the chance to defend himself.” She took a step toward me and lowered her voice a few notches. “So more about this naughty side, tell me all the details.” She bumped her shoulder to mine and I laughed.
I was happy, deliriously so. I’d finally been able to let go of my fear. Harley was his first love, and I had to admit, that was hard to think about. I didn’t like to imagine Rhett with anyone else, let alone someone he had strong feelings for at one time. But allowing myself to be overtaken by those worries would only hinder our relationship. I wouldn’t allow that, because being with Rhett was the best part of my days and nights.
Getting to know him had been an amazing journey, and we were still getting to know one another. Learning what made the other tick, or what pissed each other off. It was the greatest trip. It may have been only ten weeks, but it was the best ten weeks.
“Is he still meeting us at Lucky’s?”
“Yeah,” I said as I turned around and once again begin shuffling through the clothing. “Maddison and Raven are coming too.”
“I love those girls,” April said from behind me. Raven usually tried to get to Brooklet every other weekend to see our father. She worried about him, and frankly, so did I. I wish he’d meet a nice lady and get out more.
I spotted something a few racks over and beelined for it, letting the conversation drop quickly. Lifting the red sequin top out in front of me, I almost felt giddy. Imagining what Rhett would say seeing me show up tomorrow night wearing it. There was a plunging neckline, with only two little strips of material holding the center together. Sexy and provocative, it was perfect.
“Yes,” I heard April say behind me.
“You think?”
“I know,” she corrected me. “You can wear that black leather cropped jacket over it, but you’ll need to use the petals lift tape. Because there is no way you’re wearing a bra with that.”
It was definitely a little more risqué than what I normally wore, but seeing it, I knew I had to have it. Rhett made me feel beautiful; he made me want to stand out. “Okay,” I agreed as I turned around to face April. “I’m getting it.”
“That man is gonna be walking around shielding you all night.” She practically jumped around with joy. “I can’t wait.”
I walked away shaking my head as I laughed at her excitement. But on the inside, I felt it too. And I could barely wait.
***
“Hello, Allison Jo,” Maddison said as April and I walked across the parking lot of Lucky’s toward them. A loud whistle echoed around us and I tucked my chin toward my chest to hide my smile. My cheeks felt heated.
“I’d kill for boobs like hers,” I heard her tell my sister a little too loudly. “I don’t know where the hell these suckers came from,” I looked up just in time to see her cup her own breasts, “but they should have their own zip code. Never would I be able to get away with wearing a top like that without losing a tit.”
Maddison was loud and proud, which was one of the things I loved about her most. She didn’t give two shits about who was around; she said what she felt and stood behind her words with conviction.
“Has Rhett ever seen this on you?” she asked as I stopped in front of her and Raven.
“No,” I said, looking down at myself, and suddenly I wondered if this really was a safe choice. “Does it look bad?”
“No,” Raven said as she batted away my hand that was now attempting to reposition the top. “It looks amazing, and I can’t wait to see Rhett’s reaction.”
“Ten to one he’s offering his jacket to cover her up, five seconds after she enters the door.” April snickered beside me.
“I have a jacket,” I said, tugging on my leather.
“Oh yeah, that reminds me.” April held out her hand. “Pass it over.”
“It’s chilly,” I said, stepping back away from her.
“But in there it won’t be,” she assured me. “Now give it.”
I looked at both Raven and Maddison for help, but I could see neither of them were coming to my rescue. They both wore smiles as they waited for me to do as April asked.
“You’re ridiculous,” I said as I slipped one arm out and then the next. Suddenly, a loud whistle followed by a few catcalls rang out to my left. All four of us turned our heads in time to see a couple of guys walking out of the bar looking in our direction. My cheeks heated and I hung my head, once more questioning my choice in wardrobe.
“Oh, this is gonna be fun.” Maddison rubbed her hands together before she offered the two men an eager wave. “Let’s go.” She reached out and hooked my arm as she began to tug me along.
Just as we reached the door, I took in one last deep, calming breath before they pulled it open and the sound of country music spilled out.