When I talked to my parents the night before they said they were going to stay for another week. The Davenports were more than accepting of me staying with them for a while longer when Mom spoke with Tasha on the phone. Bree especially was exuberant and Chase was thrilled. Tasha and Mr. Davenport said there had not be any "funny business" between the two of us or I would be sent home early. It didn't bother me; I was actually a bit relieved about that. Chase and I were never alone in the same room with the door closed. The bathroom door was locked whenever I took a shower or changed. Taking it slowly like this is just what I want.
When Chase asks me on a date it is when we are walking into school three days later. "If it's too quickly we can call a rain check," he adds quickly. I shake my head and say how lovely I am sure it will be. He sighs relieved but refuses to tell me where, only that it would be tonight. "I figured that could work because you're staying with us for a while and a short notice like that would be okay?" I nod again and peck his lips before heading to class. He blushes when we share public displays of affection.
After seventh period I am stuffing books from locker to bag when Trent strolls up and leans against the lockers. "So, Audrey, I don't have anything planned for tonight; what do you say we grab something at the frozen yogurt shop? I hear they have a new flavor-bonanza banana split."
"Sorry, I have plans for tonight," I say politely and sling my bag over a shoulder. He walks alongside me to the gym doors.
"Come on; don't tell me you don't want some Trent time."
"Sorry, no," I repeat. He steps in my path and holds arms out wide. I tense, realizing there are only a few stragglers left. I do not want to be alone with Trent. I push past and hurry into the locker room.
After practice Tasha hurries home. When I asked her earlier today, Bree was more than willing to help me get ready. I step out of the shower and put on the one dress I brought over in my suitcase. Bree then sweeps into the bathroom, sits me down before the mirror, and gets to work. With some grumbling and yanking of hair and sharp words, she finally is done. She finishes curling the final strand of hair and steps back. "You look gorgeous!" She squeals. I stand before the full-length mirror and stare at the reflection. My hair falls in curls around my shoulders, pinned back on the left with a silver clip. The simple tangerine-orange dress hangs loosely at my knees. I wear my pair of sandals with a band of small silver jewels that wrap around the ankle and over the top of the foot. These are the ones she always forgets to return to me.
I give her a hug. "You did an amazing job!" She hands me my purse and skips ahead of me down the hall. She seems more excited about my date than I am.
"I still cannot believe you are dating my brother," she says.
"We haven't even gone on a date yet if that makes you feel any better," I reply.
"No! I really am happy for you. I'm glad you're able to move on from Jacob." She places a hand on my shoulder. How did I ever get lucky enough to have her as a best friend?
She motions for me to stay on the landing and hurries down. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present you the astounding, spectacular, drop-dead beautiful Audrey Ortega!" I descend the rest of the steps to Bree's jazz hands.
Chase stands and greets me at the floor. My heart rate increases and I wipe my hands on the back of my dress quickly. "Hi," I smile. He wears a pair of dark jeans and a pressed, white button-down shirt and red tie with his brown hair spiked up. "Are you ready to have the night of your life?" He asks with a dazzling smile.
Adam stands from rooting in the fridge with a water bottle in hand. "Ahh, my little dork finally found himself a girlfriend. But I should warn you now, she is waaayyyyyyy out of your league."
Leo snorts. "Man, Chase. You are so much more awkward around girls when they're this close, although what would be expected, considering you normally stalk them from behind a bush or wall?"
Mr. Davenport gives them a look. "Chase is just fine. Audrey may be almost taller-and possibly stronger-than him, but they are going to have a wonderful time."
Tasha hurries down the stairs calling, "Wait, pictures first!" We pose as she snaps probably a dozen from different angles. All the while Adam stands behind her, making faces and pointing. "Now remember to be a gentleman and be polite," she lectures my date. "You need to be back no later than ten, understood? Oh, and Audrey? If he gets out of line, just kick him." I grin and step through the door with a wave back inside. The Davenports call their goodbyes as Chase pulls it closed after him. Adam calls, "Enjoy it, Chase! You may not have another!" before it latches closed.
"I love your family," I remark as he opens the passenger door.
"You won't be saying that at the end of this week."
The restaurant we pull into is classy with an airy feel about it. We order an appitizer of fondu dipping and quietly watch the other people. At a table a few down a man kneels and presents the woman across from him with a ring. She nods and says something I can't hear and he slips it onto her finger. The restaurant erupts with clapping and cheering.
"I don't have anything that fancy planned for tonight," Chase says across the table.
"This is fine. Besides, I plan on getting a college degree before I get married and have kids. Just in case that's what you had in mind."
"No, no I want thinking that at all! I mean, it would be nice in the future, but you need an education and job before we-I mean, before you get married or are involved in a serious relationship-"
"You are so cute when you get flustered," I gush and his ears turn pink. "I'm messing with you, Chase. Relax. It's just me."
"That's exactly why I'm so nervous," he mutters as our meal arrives. He looks up to see me watching him expectantly. His mouth flaps a few times before forming the words, "I don't want to mess this up or say something and ruin our relationship. I really like you but I'm afraid that if I do or say something wrong, it will be over."
"Chase," I reach across the table for his hand. "Unless you say something horrific, I don't plan on breaking up with you any time soon. Please stop being so uptight. It's cute, but gets a little frustrating. I don't want my boyfriend to be scared around me." He offers a sideways smile and nods so I know that we have reached an understanding.