“Yeah, bye. Call me if you’re feeling down and need to talk,” Shauna replied, brushing her black hair out of her face.
Beth turned around and nearly ran into a guy with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cap and sunglasses. “Excuse me,” she said softly, walking past him. Suddenly, something clicked. Upon realizing where she had seen that hat before, she whirled around and nearly tackled him.
“Gosh, I thought you didn’t recognize me or something! This disguise must be better than I thought,” Nick teased.
“I wasn’t exactly expecting you to show up! What are you…how…what about your tour?” she stammered.
“We have today off, and I talked management into letting me come home and then fly back early tomorrow morning.”
Tears brimmed in her eyes, and she quickly looked down and wiped them away. “But, Nick, you hate flying.”
He kissed her softly on the lips. “It’s worth it for you, baby. Now come on, let’s go back to your house.”
She followed him to his Durango and hopped in the passenger side. “So what are we up to tonight?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said mysteriously.
“Am I gonna like it?”
He raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Have you ever not liked a date we went on?”
“I guess you’re right. I trust you.”
“I certainly hope so. We’ve been together for nine months. What time do you have to be home tonight?”
“I don’t know, let me talk to Mom when we get home.” There was a long pause. “Nine months. That’s a long time.”
“It sure is, and I can’t think of anyone better to spend it with.” They pulled into her driveway.
As soon as Beth got inside, Melissa latched onto her leg. “Beff!”
“Hey, Liss! How was your day?”
“Fun.”
“Where’s Mom?”
“Upstairs.”
“Okay, you take care of Nick for a minute. I have to go talk to Mom.” As Beth climbed up the stairs, Melissa grabbed Nick’s hand and led him into the living room to see her new Barbie.
“Hey, sweetheart! How was your day?” Ms. Willow asked. “I assume you enjoyed your surprise?”
“I can’t believe he’d do that for me, Mom. That is too sweet,” she gushed.
“So what are the plans tonight?”
“He wouldn’t tell me; it’s a surprise. When’s my curfew?”
“Try to be home by midnight, one at the absolute latest. Have fun, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She kissed Ms. Willow on the cheek and ran back downstairs.
When she finally tore Nick away from Melissa, she motioned to her clothes: a purple tank top and a pair of flare jeans with sandals. “Is this okay to wear?”
“Yeah, that’s perfect.” He grabbed her hand and led her back out to his car.
“So what are we doing?” she asked impatiently.
“You’ll find out.”