“And why couldn’t you tell me that over the phone?”
“Because I wanted to look into your beautiful, crystal blue eyes while I told you that.” I’m glad I don’t have a mirror because I’m sure my face is Coke can red right now. “You’re cute when you blush.”
His breath tickles my cheek with his whisper and my entire body is flushed. I wish there was a window I could crack to get some fresh air in here.
As the hour passes, Maddox continues to make comments under his breath. I have to stop myself from bursting out laughing at his ridiculousness.
When the class is over, disappointment takes root in my gut. I pack up my things and pray I could jump right to Friday to my next class with Maddox.
“Go out on a date with me.”
I pause, shocked. He’s standing over me with a confident smirk. He doesn’t seem worried about me saying no, as if it just isn’t an option. “Okay. When?”
“While I don’t want to wait to spend more time with you, a real first date takes place on Fridays. So I’ll pick you up at seven.”
My heart flutters at the promise and I’m already mentally going through my closet trying to decide if I have anything date-worthy.
My day passes in a haze thanks to my heavy course load. When I burst through the door of my childhood home, my mom reads the panic plastered on my face.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” She walks to me, a caring hand coming to rest on my shoulder.
“Nothing is wrong, Mom. Everything is right, or, it could be.” The confusion on her face deepens. “I have a date on Friday and I don’t know what to wear or say or how to act. I need your help.” Peter Quill could hear her squeal in the next galaxy.
“Oh, honey, I’m so excited for you. What’s his name? Or…hers? Who is it?” I knew she suspected I was a lesbian.
“His name is Maddox, and truthfully, I don’t know much else about him. But he’s handsome and funny and so kind.” My mom’s excitement diminishes and concern replaces the look.
“Baby girl, you’re going on a date with a stranger? And he’s picking you up here? Have you learned nothing from those serial killer documentaries you watch?”
“Momma, once you meet him, you’ll fall instantly in love with him, I promise. I understand your concern, but this is something I want to do. I have to.” I’m gripping her hands as desperation and desire course through my veins.
“Well, I hope the lesson you learn isn’t going to end up in your murder.”
“Mom!” Though my jaw drops, I can’t help but laugh.
“Alright, come on. Let’s go look in your closet—no, scratch that. We’ll go shopping tomorrow after your classes.” Her wince tells me everything I need to know about my fashion sense.
The next day after I get home, my mom couldn’t be more excited to take me all around town, turning me into a glamour project. I feel like I’m about to audition for America’s Next Top Model.
“Mom, don’t you think this is a bit much?” She’s dragging me into a lingerie store as if I’m going to give up my milk for free on the first night. It’s also plain unsettling to go shopping for sexy underwear with my mother.
“If I were telling you to buy edible undies, that’d be a bit much. I’m not telling you to hop into bed with this stranger. Frankly, I hope you wait. But confidence is sexy and dressing sexy will boost your confidence. Got it?” Sometimes my mom sounds more like my best friend than the woman who birthed me.
“Fine, but nothing see-through or edible or anything that will make my boobs sit at my chin.” We spend the next hour perusing the lingerie store, where my mom buys a few items herself, which makes me want to cut out my eyes.
By the time we get home, we’ve spent an atrocious amount of money, have enough outfits to clothe a small country, and personally, I have more nerves than ever before.
My hands are shaky as I hang up my new purchases in my closet. I can’t shake the anxiety and fear that once Maddox gets to know me, he won’t like me anymore.
“I can hear you worrying in the hallway.” I lean back on my bed and my mom joins me, lying beside me on the mattress.
“What if he doesn’t like me?”
“Sweetheart, if he doesn’t like you, he’s blind and dumb.” A harsh laugh escapes me. “You know I have to say these sappy things. I’m your mother. But just because I’m your mother doesn’t make it true. He’s going to fall in love with you and whisk you away from me. I’ll become one step closer to the empty nest I’m dreading.” Her smile always reaches her eyes and it’s one of my favorite things about her. “I don’t expect him to be the one. You’re only eighteen. But he might be your first love. Or he might be a dud. Either way, enjoy the moment…and the free meal.”
I laugh and we both sit up, so I hug her tight. There’s no love quite like a momma’s.
“Get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow.” She closes my bedroom door behind her and I lie back down on my bed.
Yeah, as if there’s any chance in hell I’m sleeping at all tonight.
Read Selfless here.
Author’s Note
Thank you for taking a chance on me and this book! I hope you enjoyed Flynn and Liam’s story as much as enjoyed writing it.
I know the subject matter got tough at parts. I know it’s something that hits
