Love to Hate You (Hope Valley #9) - Jessica Prince Page 0,77

Micah had claimed to like so damn much. And I couldn’t let it go on for another day.

I’d planned to confront him when he got off work, but things went a little sideways when he called earlier, sounding more animated than he had in weeks.

“Look, Red, I know I’ve been shit at this whole boyfriend gig lately, and I hate that. Work has been a mess, but I made a reservation for dinner at The Groves tonight. Just you and me. I want to take you out on a proper date, baby.”

That call was a blow to my resolve, but I’d given myself about a million pep-talks since then, reminding myself I was worth more.

When I’d gotten off the phone and asked Sylvia what The Groves was, her eyes had nearly bugged out of her head. Apparently, it was the best steakhouse in the area and far beyond. Super expensive and super swank. She’d practically been giddy as she all but shoved me out of Divine Flora, insisting I take the extra time to really “gussy up” for my special night.

Now Ivy was on her belly in my bed, her chin propped in her hands, her bent legs swinging back and forth as she watched me get ready for my date with Micah.

“So, what do you think?” I asked as I turned in a slow circle so my baby girl could get the full effect. The dress I’d chosen was a black off-the-shoulder minidress with a fun white floral pattern. It hugged my curves and the hem hit right around mid-thigh, exposing a good length of leg. I wore a pair of four-inch peep-toe pumps that had thick ribbons that twisted around each ankle and tied in a bow at the back. My hair was down in its natural wave, and my makeup was done a bit smokier than normal.

“Mommy, you look so pretty,” she breathed out dramatically. “Like a princess!”

“Yoo-hoo.” Sylvia’s voice carried up the stairs.

“Up here,” I called back as Ivy jumped off the bed, her four-year-old attention span already bored with what we were doing.

My great-aunt appeared in the doorway a minute later. “Well look at you, simply beautiful, my darlin’ girl.”

I ran my hands down the front of my dress, brushing out the imaginary wrinkles. “You think so? Is this okay for a restaurant like The Groves?”

She clasped her hands together and brought them up to her chest. “It’s absolutely perfect. You’re gonna stun that boy speechless, dearie.”

I turned back toward the mirror to give myself a last once-over and tried to ignore the sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach every time I thought about Micah.

“You know, you put on a good show, but you haven’t been foolin’ me,” Sylvia stated, moving toward the bed. She sat at the foot, crossing one leg over the other, and stared me down in that shrewd, all-knowing way of hers. “I’m not sure what’s botherin’ you, and now’s not the time to get into the meat of it since your gentleman will be here any minute, but I want you to know one thing: No matter how bad things seem, you can always take comfort in knowing that there’s somethin’ good just around the corner, all you have to do is be patient. And I am always, always here for you. Anything you need, sweets. Any time, any place. You have me always and forever.”

I moved to Sylvia, sitting down beside her and resting my head on her shoulder as she clasped my hand in hers. “How is it you’re always able to make things better, no matter what?”

“It’s just one of the few perks of being a million years old. I’ve already lived through all the nasty dips and dark days life can throw at a person, so you have the luxury of my hindsight whenever you’re struggling.”

“I love you,” I said quietly. “And I’m so happy Ivy and I have you.”

The doorbell rang, and I heard Ivy’s feet pattering down the hall from her room as she squeaked, “It’s him! Mommy, he’s here!” like she hadn’t seen Micah in ages.

I moved to the dresser and grabbed the black clutch I bought to go with my dress while pulling in a fortifying breath. “Well, I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Knock his socks off.”

I exited my room and started down the stairs. Every bit of air expelled from my lungs the moment I saw Micah standing on the other side of the door. He