A few times in the past, I’d gotten my makeup professionally done and ended up washing it off afterward because I didn’t like the way it felt. I didn’t have much to complain about without foundation. And if someone could see a hint of the pimple I’d popped that morning, too bad.
Fortunately, Clara had gone home during her break and brought back a skirt that she said was a size too small and a cute blouse she told me I could have. I didn’t have heels, my feet were a full size and a half bigger than her size seven and a halves, so I’d had to settle for some sandals that fortunately did match the skirt and emerald green shirt.
I thought I looked pretty. I felt pretty at least.
I didn’t expect anything from tonight except hopefully some pleasant company. I’d even pay for my own food, just in case.
Snatching up my purse—and for some reason randomly remembering the twenty purses and clutches that I’d left behind at Kaden’s, gifts from over the years—I grabbed my keys too and headed down the stairs and out the garage, only to stop short.
I hadn’t heard the garage door open, but it was a wide and gaping maw. Amos and Mr. Rhodes stood in the center, looking up at the mechanism that was the garage door opener.
I guess they hadn’t heard me either because when I said, “Hey, fellas,” Amos jumped and I was pretty sure that Mr. Rhodes’s shoulder might have jerked a bit too.
What I was sure of was that Mr. Rhodes’s eyes narrowed a little.
I think he might have glanced at my legs.
“Everything okay?”
“Hi, Ora. The garage door opener isn’t working anymore. Dad’s fixing it,” Amos answered.
Part of me was surprised he wasn’t bringing Yuki up again. He’d demanded to know why I hadn’t told him that I knew her. That I was friends with her. Good friends.
Personally, I was still butthurt he’d been so surprised to hear her say I was a good songwriter.
We’d been side-eyeing each other a lot since.
“Good luck.” I grinned at my teenage friend. “If you need anything from up there, go for it. I’ll be back later.”
“Where are you going?” my landlord asked out of nowhere.
I looked at Mr. Rhodes in surprise.
Was he… frowning?
I told him the name of the restaurant. Then I wondered if I should tell him I was meeting Amos’s uncle there.
But before I could decide, the teenager asked, “Are you going on a date?”
“Sort of.” I let out a breath. “Do I look okay, you think? It’s been a long time since I’ve been on one.” Kaden and I hadn’t been able to go out unless it was to a family thing and a private room had been booked.
I cringed thinking about it now.
I’d been so stupid for putting up with that for so long. Man, if only I could go back in time and tell a younger Aurora not to be stupid and settle.
I wanted to think I’d loved him so much that’s why I’d put up with it, with the secrets and the subterfuge. Now, some part of me thought I’d just been desperate to be loved, to have someone, even if it cost me.
And maybe love always had a price, but it shouldn’t have been that high.
“No.” Amos’s throat bobbed, bringing me back to the present. “I mean, you look really, uh, pretty,” he stammered.
“Aww, Amos, thank you. You made my day. I hope your uncle thinks so too, otherwise, tough shit for him.”
Mr. Rhodes scowled. “You’re going out with Johnny?”
Why did he have to sound like I was doing something wrong? “Yes, he went by the shop today and invited me. He asked if I wanted him to come pick me up, but I didn’t want to make it weird. I promised no one would come over and didn’t want to cross the line,” I rambled quickly, his facial expression staying exactly the way it was. “Is that okay with you? It’s only dinner.”
Those purple-gray eyes raked over me again.
Did his jaw just go tight?
Was he… mad?
“It’s none of our business,” he said very slowly.
His tone disagreed.
Even Amos glanced at him.
“We might have to turn off the power, but I’ll have it back on by the time you get back,” Mr. Rhodes went on, his voice tight.
Okay…？ Someone must have forgotten to take his chill pill. “Whatever you need to do. Good luck again. See you later. Have a good night.”
“Bye,” Amos said in what had become his normal voice now. More comfortable, not so quiet.
Mr. Rhodes though said nothing.