you are. You are nervous because you like this guy and you need your dad’s approval.”
“It would be nice if they could get along. I don’t expect them to hang out or go to football games, but I want my dad to like him. My dad is far more world-wise than I am. I have to trust his judgment and his experience.”
She didn’t look like she bought into that line of thinking. “You are not exactly a naïve little country bumpkin. You have dealt with a lot of people and know how to handle just about anyone.”
I sighed. She was right. “But how weird would it be if Xander and I did want to date or hang out more often and my dad hated him? I would always feel like I was lying to my dad.”
“Evie, you are twenty-eight, not eight, not eighteen. Your dad should trust your judgement. He knows he didn’t raise an idiot. You are more than capable of making sound decisions.”
I worried my bottom lip. “I know. He knows, but he is still the kind of man that questions everything. He has some pretty high standards. I don’t think there is ever going to be anyone that passes muster.”
“Except for me.” She grinned. “Your dad loves me.”
“Now, he does, but trust me. He wasn’t thrilled with the idea of you in the beginning.”
She waved a hand. “It’s a good thing I don’t give a shit. I’ve got enough people judging me. I don’t need any more.”
“Maybe I should cancel,” I said. I had been running through various scenarios all day about what could happen. There were very few times the little run through came out good. Most of my imagined scenarios ended with my dad tossing his napkin onto the plate and walking out. In some cases, he grabbed me by the arm and made me go with him.
“You can’t let your dad ruin this,” she warned. “You like Xander and that’s what really matters. You said Xander is a bit of a slow burn. You need to start the burning process if you ever want your dad to like him. Let them meet and see if it’s a clash of the titans or more of one of those horribly awkward encounters where no one talks.”
“As a friend,” I reiterated. “I like him as a friend. We are just friends having some fun.”
“Whatever you say. Keep telling yourself and maybe you will believe it.”
“Nelle, I can’t let myself fall for him, not now.”
“Why not now?”
I groaned and looked up at the ceiling. “Because I made a big deal out of wanting to be friends only and he went along with it. Hell, he jumped at the chance. I offered him no strings attached and he was thrilled. I can’t change my mind now.”
“You are a woman. That is your prerogative. It’s kind of a known fact that women can and will change their minds frequently. It’s what we do.”
I shook my head. “It isn’t what I do. I’m not wishy-washy. I say it and I mean it.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Dumb. You would stick to your guns just to prove a point, even though it made you miserable?”
“I don’t know.”
“That is really stupid. If you have strong feelings for this guy, which I can tell you do, have another conversation with him. Talk to him about maybe casually seeing each other. Ease into the whole thing. Don’t show up at his house wearing a wedding dress and carrying a magazine about babies. Go slow and easy and see if he’s the skittish type.”
“You make it sound like I’m approaching a rabid animal,” I quipped.
“I have found most men resemble scared little beasts,” she answered. “A tranquilizer gun might be needed.”
I burst into laughter. “I’m not going to tranq Xander and drag him back to my place and tell him he will be mine.”
“I think there is a movie about that,” she mused aloud.
She had effectively lightened the mood. I felt a little better. Not a lot but enough to be my usual rational self. “Okay, now, I need a dress.”
“Wear that dress and your black heels. Leave your hair down and make sure you go a little darker on the eye makeup than usual.”
I got up and picked up the dress. “Don’t leave,” I said and went into the bathroom to quickly dress. I slid the tight fabric down my body before turning left and right in the mirror. I did love the dress.