1

"Great," Jackson smiled. "Go change. You have a little black dress? I thought of eating somewhere nice." Lisa nodded and walked to her bedroom and into her bathroom. As she let the hot shower water run down her head, she almost felt relieved. Really, as Jackson had said, what was she running from? Sure, the man had hurt her on numerous occasions, but he really, truly loved her. She'd never had that kind of love before. Also, she was starting to think the grinding feeling in her stomach wasn't just indigestion.

Lisa stepped out of the shower and blow-dried her hair and then curled it. She applied her basic makeup, light eye-liner, peach eyeshadow, light lipgloss, and mascara, and walked into her walk-in closet. She hesitated before pulling her chic, never-worn black dress from the hanger. Did she really want Jackson to see her in this? She shrugged it off. She might as well do what he said.

As Lisa pulled the dress over her body, she smiled at how the satiny fabric hugged her curves, but made her look thin again. Her auburn hair bobbed perfectly on her shoulders as she pulled her black heels onto her feet. She pulled some light silver jewelry onto her wrist, neck, and ears, grabbed her clutch purse and a shimmery black shawl, and left the room.

Jackson stood with his back to her when she entered the kitchen, but when he heard her footsteps he turned around, pretending to do a double-take when he saw her.

"You look really, really, nice Leese," he said sincerely. She smiled lightly. It had been a long time since any man besides her father had told her that. She looked up at him. His light brown hair was combed neatly, but stuck out a bit in the back. He wore a crisp black suit and tie, and his infamous Rolex watch. She had to admit, even though she hated him, he was very cute.

"Thank you," she answered, almost in a whisper. "You-you do, too." As soon as she said it, Lisa felt a crimson blush spread its way up her face.

Jackson smiled, happy that Lisa was finally warming up to him. "Oh no, heels!" he joked, gesturing to his upper right leg.

Lisa laughed lightly, a sound that reminded Jackson of the tinkling of bells.

"Um, well, shall we?" Jackson said awkwardly, holding out his hand. Lisa took it hesitantly as he led her to the Trailblazer.

They drove a few minutes in silence, Lisa wondering why she was acting so placid and pleasant. Why wouldn't her body do what her mind told her to?

"Well," Jackson said, pulling the keys from the ignition. "Here we are." Lisa hadn't even noticed that they'd pulled up to the nicest restaurant in miles, L'Amour.

"I don't think I need to remind you," Jackson began, helping Lisa out of the car. She shook her head as they walked inside. They walked up to the desk.

"Ah, Ripppner, table for two," Jackson said. The hostess smiled at them and took two menus. "This way, please."

Jackson smiled at Lisa and took her hand. She didn't take it away.