She sits there, thinking for a moment.
“Oh my God, come on. Please tell me you still have it!”
It’s literally perfect. I was dying to wear it. I’ve just never had an occasion. This will definitely pique his interest.
Her eyes go wide, and she turns around, digging through the hangers. Seconds later, she squeals and pulls out exactly what I’m looking for.
It’s this stunning deep eggplant purple, almost black. The front drapes together, cutting extremely low. The skirt hits just below my fingertips. But the back is my favorite part. It’s almost completely open, except for the thin straps crisscrossing and attaching near the dimples in my back.
It’s definitely ashowand not atellkind of dress. But it’s not like he hasn’t seen me naked before. Just not since I’ve really filled out.
If his jaw doesn’t drop, I’m turning back and going inside.
I rip it out of Char’s hand and strip, hastily stepping into it. It fits like a glove—a plus of being the same size as your best friend.
Char squints her eyes. “It’s annoying you still look like that after having Jack.”
I know she’s just hyping me up.
But I will give myself credit. I was in the gym almost every day leading up to Jack’s birth. Being healthy and fit with him was my number one priority. And since then, I’ve been able to maintain my frame and weight.
I’ve always struggled with insecurities, and that hasn’t changed. As thankful as I am that this body created my son, I still have moments where I hate the stretch marks and the loose skin on my stomach.
There’s a difference between having insecurities and not knowing your worth. I know who I am. I’m a mother who has worked her ass off to provide for her son and whose mom is in the hospital.
I finish fastening the clasps on my black stilettos and walk over to her, pulling her into a hug. “Love you, Char Bear.” I haven’t called her that in years. The last time was probably in high school.
She squeezes just as hard, if not harder. “I love you too, Lu Boo.”
I can’t help but laugh at the use of our old nicknames.
This is such an odd thing, going on a date with my ex. Feelings of nostalgia meld with new nerves and excitement. It’s just weird, plain and simple.
I turn, and Char smacks me on the ass.
“As much as I love Jack, please don’t make him a big brother tonight.”
I turn, scolding her with my mom stare.
She points a finger at me. “That doesn’t work on me!”
Grabbing my phone, I slip it into the clutch right after checking the time—7:58 pm.
Here goes nothing.
Jack shouts as I descend the stairs, “Mom! There’s a limo outside!”
I swear this boy’s imagination will be the death of me.
But when I step in front of the bay window, my jaw drops. A black stretch limousine is parked on the street. And leaning against it is Alec with a bouquet of roses in his hand.
A smile breaks onto my lips. It’s a good thing I went with this dress because he’s in a suit. And dear God, it might be hard not to make another Jack with him tonight.
Leaning down to Jack, I place a light kiss on the top of his head. “Be good, tonight. I love you.”
“I love you too!” He shouts way louder than needed, and I can’t help but chuckle.
I grab my black button coat and head outside, unable to keep the excitement off my face.
