“Sign here, please.”
After signing, he hands me two boxes.
“Thanks.”
“Have a good day,” I tell him.
I place the boxes on the couch and open the bigger onefirst.After folding back the tissue paper, I find the most stunning gownstaring back at me.I carefully remove it from the box and almost shriek inexcitement.The white sheer, floor-length skirt has a slit up the right side,extending to the hip.The fitted bodice is held up by a single black diagonalstrap.The black seemingly wraps around the body, forming a horizontal “V” frombelow the breasts to the waist, and lines both sides of the slit.I check the tag,and it’s my size.I carefully fold it and place it back in the box beforemoving on to the second package.In this one, I find a note.It simply reads “Love,Ethan.”Beneath the note is a pair of strappy white stiletto sandals with threeblack ankle straps, and a matching clutch.I wonder if he picked the outfit outhimself.If so, he’s got an eye for fashion.I already have an outfit, but itseems this is what I’m going to wear.
Just as I’m about to call him, his face flashes on thescreen of my phone.
“Is this what you’ve been doing in Billings all day?”I ask.
“Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful.I love it.”
“The moment I saw it, I knew I had to see you in it.”
“That’s an excellent reason for buying it.”
“It is.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“I know.But itisan excellent reason.”
“Fine.Are you on your way home?”
“Why?Do you miss me?”
I can hear the smile in his teasing voice.And he says I actlike I’m sixteen?Well, I’ll indulge him.
“Yes.I do.”
“Think you can make it through a night without me?”
“You’re not coming home?”
“I might have to stay overnight.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”he asks, a bit of disbelief in his tone.
“What?It’s not okay?”
“No, I was expecting—”
“A jealous fit?”
“Something like that.”
“I trust you… until you give me a reason not to.”
“Thank you.”
“Besides, I imagine you’re pretty attached to your balls anddon’t want to lose them.”
