Sara

Agreeing to let me use her car, Alexa knew all about the dinner plans I had with Alek. Every time she brought it up, she would wiggle her eyebrows and laugh. It was her not-too-subtle way of letting me know she thought Alek and I would sleep together afterward. I dismissed her antics with nothing but a smile. In reality, I didn’t know what would happen. I’d never wanted anyone more, but I also didn’t want to be just another notch on his bedpost, especially since I didn’t have any of my own.

I was trying not to overthink the upcoming situation, instead focusing on what I was going to wear. I didn’t want to go super comfy, but I didn’t want to get too dressed up, either. It was supposed to be a casual dinner at his house, or so that was my interpretation from the nonchalant way he’d invited me.

As if reading my thoughts, Alexa barged into my room all excited. After a very long debate, we settled on an outfit we both deemed appropriate. A red, sleeveless top with cream satin edging around the deep V and shoulders was my first and only choice, fitting me to perfection. I paired it with my best pair of dark skinny jeans and my leopard-print heels to kick it up a notch.

Feeling sexy, I made sure to wear my best underwear, a black lace bra and matching thong I’d spent a small fortune on a while back. But I’d never had a reason to wear it before. Again, not saying I knew what would happen, but at least I’d be prepared.

As I was finishing up my hair, Alexa yelled to me from the front room.

“Hey, Sara, a package was delivered for you. It’s a small manila envelope, and it feels like there’s something small and hard inside. Hurry up so you can open it.”

I wasn’t two feet in the living room before she shoved the envelope at me.

“Open it, open it. I want to see what it is already,” she said, jumping from one foot to the other, her blonde hair bouncing over her shoulders. I had to admit her curiosity and excitement was a little contagious.

I finally tore the top of the envelope off and turned it upside-down. What fell out couldn’t possibly be what I’d thought it was, right?

“Holy shit, is that what I think it is?” Alexa asked, staring at the object in my hand.

“It fucking better not be,” I bit out, surprise and irritation woven into my tone.

The small, hard object was an Audi key ring, complete with an extra valet key. I didn’t even have to ask who it was from.

We were making our way outside to see if it was for real when my phone dinged. It was a text message from Alek. Of course.

Don’t overthink it, Sara.

I’ve pre-loaded my address into the navigation system.

Looking forward to seeing you. – Alek

Once we stepped outside, we practically tripped over it. There, in the very first parking space, was a bright red, shiny new Audi. Alexa grabbed the keys from my hand and clicked the unlock button, instantly sliding into the driver’s seat. Slowly making my way around to the passenger’s side, I opened the door and hesitantly entered the car.

Alexa broke the silence with her usual banter. “What the fuck, Sara? He bought you a car? A brand new Audi? Do you know how much these cars cost? Wow!” Her excitement only fueled my disbelief.

“Obviously, I can’t accept the car, Lex. There is no way in hell I’m letting him buy me a car, let alone a brand new one.” I think I was trying to convince myself more than Alexa at that point.

“What do you mean you can’t accept it? This is probably chump change to him.” Her eyes were busy taking in every fancy aspect of the vehicle. “And you do need a car, Sara, so why not? He obviously wants you to have it.”

I did need a car, but I didn’t need that car.

“I’ll drive it to his house tonight, but I’m leaving it there. I can’t accept it. It’s too much.”

 “You’re crazy, girl.” She laughed, honking the horn and jumping from the noise. “But at least you get to drive it, even if it’s only for one night.”

Finally, after ten minutes of sitting in a car I was only going to give back, we made our way back inside.

Once I was finished getting ready, I took one last look in the mirror and grabbed the rest of my things before heading toward the front door once again.

 “Be careful and have fun, Sara. Seriously, enjoy yourself tonight.” She winked and closed the door behind me as I left.