“It’s okay. I love you. You just make me crazy with how much I love you. I just want you safe, and I can’t stand the thought of another man having his hands on you.” He kisses my cheek where he hit me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“Move over, I’m going to sleep here tonight. I need to be close to you.” I know what that means. He wants to have sex with me.
“I’m tired, Trent.”
“I’ll be quick, then you can go to sleep.”
I take a deep breath and close my eyes hoping the next few minutes will be over quickly.
“Get dressed, we’re going out” Trent says as he comes into my room.
“Where are we going?” I ask as I close The Crucible and leave it laying on the bed.
“We’ve officially graduated and I’m taking my girl out for dinner.”
I smile at Trent and get a warm tingle throughout my body. He wants to take me out. “I bought a new dress. It’s the first nice dress I’ve ever owned,” I say enthusiastically.
“Did you? I don’t remember you asking me if you could spend any money,” he says as he flops down on my bed, and pushes my book to the floor.
“I didn’t realize I had to ask you,” I declare.
“You do now, next time just ask. Okay, babe?”
“Um…” Why should I ask how I spend the money I work hard for? It’s my money, if I want to buy something pretty for myself, then why can’t I?
“It’s still your money, babe, but you don’t want to spend it on something then regret it because you can’t buy a textbook you may need. I know you have a scholarship and all, but what if you need it?”
I can see the reason in that. “That makes sense, but it’s not like I’ve been spending my money on anything. I tried talking to your dad about paying him board, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Of course he wouldn’t, because he knows we’re in love and I’ll do anything for you. Anyway, you have an hour to get ready. Show me this dress you bought, without my permission.” He smiles at me.
I go to the closet and take my dress out. It’s dark green, with thin straps and it’s fitted all the way to my knee with a small side split. “Do you like it?”
“Huh? Well that’s a bit shorter than I thought it would be. But I’m sure it’ll look good on you. Go have a shower and get ready. I want you to leave your hair down, it looks better than those ponytails you always put it up in for work.”
“Okay, I can do that.”
I take my clothes and toiletries to the bathroom, jump in the shower and wash. When I get out, I quickly towel dry my hair and blow dry it straight. My hair is still mousy, and doesn’t really have a lot of body or a pleasing color, but tonight it looks really good.
I’m feeling really good about myself. I’ve applied a little bit of make-up, not that I know how to do it properly. I go into my room, put on my dress and step into some flat shoes Mrs. Hackly bought me when I first moved here.
I walk out and go to the family room, where Trent is sitting with his mom and dad. “There she is,” Mr. Hackly says and Trent looks up from his phone.
“Shit, Lily.” I smile because Trent can’t take his eyes off me. He’s looking me up and down. “You look good.” I beam with pride.
“You look beautiful, dear,” Mrs. Hackly says, as she stands to come over and kiss my cheek.
“Thank you,” I say to both of them. Mr. Hackly doesn’t say anything. He just continues to look at me.
“You ready to go?” Trent asks. I nod and step toward the door. “Are you bringing a purse?”
“I didn’t know I was going to need it. I’ll go get it.” I go back into my room and grab my purse to bring it with us. I don’t have a bag other than my back-pack I used to take to school and work.
We walk out to the car, and Trent can’t keep his eyes off me. “You look good enough to eat, Lily.” He drags his hand down and rests it on top of my bottom.
“Thank you,” I say, happy that I look good for Trent.
“You’re gonna love the restaurant I booked. It’s real nice. It’s The White Swan. You know which one that is don’t you?”
“You’re taking me to The White Swan?” I sound giddy and excited. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Shayne said Liam took her there and she loved it. She said the shrimp was the best thing she’s ever tasted. Maybe I’ll try it,” I eagerly say.
“The sky’s the limit tonight, babe. Whatever you want, you can get. And don’t worry about it going to your hips because tomorrow you can wake up and go for a run.”