Discovering Delilah(57)

“I really appreciate what you said.”

“Oh, sweetheart. I meant it.” My mother wipes her hands on a towel and turns, leaning her hip against the sink so she can face Delilah. “You don’t have to worry about anything while you’re here with us. You two seem happy together, and we couldn’t ask for anything more.” She pulls Delilah into a hug and spots me standing in the doorway, and smiles.

I set the dishes on the counter and Delilah reaches for my hand.

Reaches.

For.

My.

Hand.

Wow.

Mom looks at the clock. “Oh dear. We have to take Kenny or he’ll be late for his rehearsal. Ash, you have your key to get in tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.” She hugs me, then hugs Delilah like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I’m so glad you’re both here, but I’ve got to scoot.” She calls for Kenny and my dad as she leaves the kitchen.

Delilah’s face lights up with excitement. “I love your mom. She’s so…real!” Her entire demeanor has changed. She’s as relaxed as she is in her house at Harborside.

“I know. I’m lucky, aren’t I?”

“Your dad, too. He’s like a big teddy bear.”

“He pretty much raved about you, too.” I step closer, expecting her to step back, and when she doesn’t, I reach up and tuck a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

“He did?” I can hear the appreciation in her voice.

“Yes, he did. I’m glad you came with me. I know it’s not easy, and I know how difficult tonight will be for you, so I just want you to know that I appreciate it. All of it. I appreciate you.”

She touches her forehead to mine but doesn’t say a word. She doesn’t have to. Just like my dad saw her emotions, I feel them in everything she does.





Chapter Seventeen


~Delilah~

MARCO’S IS NOTHING like any club I’ve ever been to. It’s located in a warehouse, with a concrete floor and enormous screens hanging from the ceiling showing the band. There are no booths or other places to sit, only tall round-topped tables for setting drinks on while standing. Colorful spotlights illuminate the dance floor, which is basically the entire center of the warehouse. We’re standing at one of the round tables, and it’s so loud that it drowns out my nervousness.

I offered to be the designated driver, primarily so that it would be easier for me to keep from dragging Ashley into the bathroom to make out, although I think my wanting to kiss her has less to do with alcohol and everything to do with Ashley. The way her eyes get dark and sensual when she looks at me and the way she checks on me, brushes her hand against my lower back, whispers in my ear.

Everything about her makes me want to be closer, even in public.

Bolton leans between us. “You guys want a drink?” He’s wearing a navy T-shirt that clings to his muscular pecs and a pair of low-slung jeans. I’ve noticed several girls checking him out.

“I’m good, thanks,” I answer.

“Just a soda for me,” Ashley says.

“You can drink, Ash. I’m driving.”

“Nah. I don’t really want to.” She moves closer to me as her friend Carly squeezes between her and Bolton.

Kenny was right. Carly’s hair is similar to Carrot Top’s. It’s darker red, with corkscrew curls that spring out in every direction. It’s cut above her shoulders and bounces as she sways to the music. Ashley and I ended up wearing miniskirts and blousy tanks, and I guess it was the right choice, because Carly’s wearing a minidress. She didn’t blink an eye when Ashley introduced me as her girlfriend—Ash had asked me on the way over if it was okay to do so. Ashley is being so careful to ensure that I’m comfortable. I feel ashamed about feeling funny about us in public. Ashley says she understands, but Janessa’s advice continually sails through my mind, so I’m trying hard to push past my own insecurities.

“I’ll take whatever you’re having, Bolt,” Carly says.

“Cool. Be right back.”

We watch as Bolton moves through the crowd toward the bar along the far wall. Girls turn and watch him from behind as he walks past, and he seems like he doesn’t even notice, just continues his beeline toward the bar.

“How long have you guys been dating?” Carly asks.

“Not long,” Ash says.

“But we’ve known each other two months, so it feels longer,” I add, and hook one finger with Ashley’s. She smiles up at me. I love that my touch means so much to her.

“You seem like you’ve been dating a really long time. Come on. Let’s dance.” She grabs our hands and pulls us into the crowd.