To my utter shock, they took all of it alarmingly well. I guess the fact that I’m speaking again was enough of a relief to overlook everything else.
Asha throws her arm around me, and we pose for more pictures on the staircase, making ridiculous faces. Finally Dad’s satisfied and lets us go, but not without smacking kisses on top of my head until Mom pulls him off me.
“All right, Frank, I think you’ve embarrassed her enough for one night,” she says with a laugh. “You girls look beautiful. I want you to have a good time, but be safe, okay? Oh, and Chelsea, check in with us if you’re going to be out past one.”
“I will.”
“I mean it. If it’s one minute past one and that phone doesn’t ring—”
“I will, I promise!” I hug her quickly. “Love you guys.”
“Have fun!” she calls as we scoot out the door to escape their smothering.
Asha says, “Your parents are so cool,” as we load into the Beetle.
I almost say smothering, but then think better of it. Asha’s right. My parents are pretty amazing, all things considered. I have nothing to complain about tonight.
When we waltz into Rosie’s, Dex leans over the counter and whistles.
“My, my,” he says, “look at you ladies.”
Lou comes out with a tray of drinks and stops dead in her tracks. “Okay, seriously? You two look fucking fantastic.”
“I have to agree.”
I whirl around to see Sam behind me, grinning hugely. He’s decked out in this retro navy sports jacket with patches over the elbows. It’s totally dorky, but like most things, he pulls it off.
“Sam the stud,” Asha teases.
“You clean up nicely,” I tell him, biting back a smile.
“Likewise.” He digs in his pocket and pulls out a small white box. “Here. For you.”