4. Questions
"So what was Daryl like?" Andrea asked on the drive home.
Her boyfriend Shane was up front driving, while we set together in the back. The traffic in Nashville was back up like usual.
"Charming, handsome, and little dirty. He seems like he could be a bad boy," I whispered so Shane could not hear me. This was girltalk, I decided.
"Well, he isn't as settled as Philip," Andrea grinned.
"It's not like that. I mean I am not trying to get a date with him or anything. I only want to listen to my music," I said a little defensively.
"No one said you were. I only meant Philip is more settle because a daughter. And I think it would be good for you to hang out with someone your own age. Have a little fun," Andrea said calmly.
Just like Shane she did not really care for my relationship with Philip. But if I was happy that was all that matter, I told myself.
"He asked me to hang out with him tonight," I said with a little giggle.
This was one secret I was having trouble keeping .Maybe there was a part of me that was flattered, and wondered what being with Daryl would be like.
"You should have gone," Andrea smiled.
"No, I am going to Philip's house. We're going to watch some movies," I said simply.
"You need to get him to take you out sometime. Somewhere other than Chuckey E. Cheese," Andrea said.
"It's not so easy. I mean he's a single dad and works fifty hours a week," I said out loud trying to convince myself.
"I'll babysit anytime," Andrea offered.
"He is so picky about who watches Penny. I'll talk to him about it," I said smiling at her offer.
"So am I dropping you off at that asshole's house?" Shane asked hearing our conservation.
"Philip's house,"I corrected him.
"Yeah. That's what I said," Shane smirked.
"Please," I said as Shane made a turn on toward where my boyfriend lived. He pulled up to the driveway and I got out of the car.
"Thanks for inviting us to the party,"Andrea said giving me a hug.
"No thank you for coming. Maybe, this Daryl guy will help me get a record deal," I beamed.
"Remember me when you famous," Andrea said getting in the front seat with Shane.
I watched as they back out of the driveway, and then I walked inside Philip's house.
"You're back late," Philip said staring at me. Please don't let him be upset, I thought taking a deep breath. If anyone should be upset it's me. He refused to go out with me yet again.
"Traffic," I said seating beside him on the sofa.
"You have on a lot of makeup and where did that dress come from?" He asked sounding like my father.
"It's new. You like it?" I asked turning around.
"It's short," he said disapprovingly.
"Short is what is in style," I said feeling annoyed all of sudden. Why could he not just say I looked pretty? That was all I wanted, I thought.
"You look nice. I am not used to seeing you like that," Philip said finally.
"Thank you.I have to dress more up when I am promoting myself. So what are you drinking?"
"Whiskey. Would you care for some?"
"You have anything else?" I said not really wanting to drink, but I knew Philip wanted me too.
"Scotch, rum, and little wine left," he said getting up from the sofa.
"I'll take a little wine," I said softly.
"Okay darling,"he said filling a glass up and bringing it to me. I took a long sip and we both sit down on the sofa together. We been together for about nine months and I was starting to stay all night at his house quite often.
"So you don't mind me staying the weekend. I don't wanna be any trouble," I said putting finishing my wine.
"It's no trouble. I want to spend the weekend with my sweetheart," he said whispering in my ear.
I look up at him, and smile.
Maybe this was what I needed. Being at that party I wanted to be someone else, but being here with Philip reminded me of I was. Someone who did not need a designer label dress or a ton of makeup to be beautiful. Someone who does not cheat on her boyfriend or go to hotel with strangers. I would not lose myself, I promised as Philip wrapped his arms around me.
Still, I could not help wondering what Daryl was doing now. Stop, I told myself looking over Philip who was laughing at the tv. I would contact Daryl about my music and nothing else, I promised myself.