make myself stunning enough to impress both Buck and Davis. No, I haven’t given up on Buck, even though our dinner last night was less than stellar, and that’s being generous.
My supervisor, Wendy, walks in while I’m doing my makeup. She gives me the once-over and asks, “You got yourself a hot date tonight, honey?”
I nod my head in confirmation. I don’t know how hot it’s going to be, but what can it hurt to paint myself in the best possible light?
“Have a good time,” she says with a wink. “And if you need a couple extra hours in the morning, go ahead and take them. I’ll cover for you as long as you’re back after your lunch hour.”
“Thanks, Wendy. That’s really nice of you,” I tell her.
“I remember what fun those single years are, and how hard it can be to drag yourself into work after a fun night.” She walks out of the room with a smile on her face like she’s having a particularly appealing reminiscence.
It sounds like my boss’s single years were miles different from mine. I’m grateful for her thoughtfulness, though. I hurry to change my earrings before giving my hair a final fluff and switching out my footwear.
I’m wearing a pale-yellow dress of my mom’s that was probably the tamest item of clothing she ever owned. She planned on cutting six inches off the hem, but never got around to it. Which means I can wear it. I’ve paired it with a thin black belt and strappy sandals. While not exactly sexy, it’s very classy and pretty.
I check my phone to make sure Buck got my earlier text that I’ll meet him at the restaurant. His one-word response—fine—indicates that he did.
Once I get to my car, I close my eyes and try to calm the pterodactyl-sized butterflies that are tearing through my stomach. The oldies station on the radio is playing Elvis Costello’s song “She.” I sit and listen to it in its entirety before pulling out of the parking lot.
I’m worth some man thinking those things about me. Every woman deserves to know she’s the most important thing in her partner’s life.
When I get to Filene’s, I park at the far end of the lot. Not because there isn’t a closer space, but because I figure the extra minute or two it takes me to get inside will help me clear my head.
I vow to keep an open mind about both Buck and Davis, all the while watching Jessica to keep her from sinking her claws into either of them. I’m like a general going into battle as I formulate my plan with precision.
I give the hostess Buck’s name and I follow her across the dining room; Buck and Jessica are already there. They’re sitting side by side deep in conversation. Crap, what’s that all about?
I force a smile I’m not feeling as I arrive at the table. The hostess informs me that our waiter will be along any moment to get my drink order. Tequila shots, anyone?
Buck hurries to pull my chair out for me. I want to smack his hands away and petulantly declare that I can do it myself, but I don’t want Jessica to sense any of my annoyance toward him. You can never show weakness in front of the enemy, or in Jessica’s case, the competition.
He says, “You look very nice tonight.” I’ve been downgraded from pretty, to nice, in the last twenty-four hours. I wonder if that has anything to do with Jessica.
“Thanks.” I don’t comment on his good looks even though, yeah, he looks amazing.
“I found my house today!” Jessica announces excitedly.
Of course she did. I’m sure it’s picture-perfect, under budget, and comes equipped with a full household staff. Princess Jessica wouldn’t settle for anything less.
So, imagine my surprise when she says, “It’s two bedrooms, two baths, and it’s an absolute eyesore. The paint is peeling off the walls, the carpeting is hideous, and the kitchen is positively revolting! Isn’t that exciting?”
“Why is that exciting?” I can’t keep myself from asking.
“Because now I can afford to gut it and decorate it myself. I can use the before and after pictures in my portfolio to show prospective clients what can be done with a little bit of imagination. It’s even more thrilling because it’s right here in Creek Water.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” I tell her truthfully, wondering if I could do the same thing.
“I can’t wait to show you,” Jessica declares. “There’s another one in