NINE
Jem
I stareat my reflection in the mirror and smooth my hands down the front of my dress for what has to be the tenth time.
“You’re going to wear a hole in it if you keep doing that,” Rowan says from behind me.
“I can’t help it,” I admit, turning slightly to look at her.“I’m nervous!”
“Why?You’ve already been out with Rune, and you love me, so…” She trails off with a wide smirk.
To be honest, I was kind of surprised when Rune agreed to come on the double date.He doesn’t like social situations much, and I was sure he was going to shoot me down.
“This just feels… real,” I finish quietly.“He thinks it’s all pretend, but this?There’s no reason to do this unless he likes me.Right?”
“He does like you,” Rowan insists, leaning against my bed like she doesn’t have a care in the world.“And youlovehim.”
I press my lips together, fighting the smile that wants to take over my face as she sings the word love.
“I do,” I whisper.
Saying it out loud makes it feel more real somehow.Bigger.Scarier.
Rowan’s expression softens, and she stands, taking my hands in hers and giving them a squeeze.“It’s all going to be okay.I promise.”
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes on the counter.
Rune:I’m here.
My heart jumpsinto my throat.It’s time.Tonight feels huge.It feels like we’re on the precipice of a big shift in our relationship.
“Oh, my god,” I whisper, my hands smoothing over my dress again.
“Let’s go!”Rowan says, grinning like a menace.
We leave my bedroom to where Heath, Rowan’s husband, is waiting for us.
“You look gorgeous,” he says as soon as he spots Rowan.
She makes a beeline for him.I smile as she wraps her arms around his waist and grins up at him.
“Rune is here.Ready to go?”she asks him.
He nods, wrapping his arm around her waist as we turn and head for the door.I grab my jacket and hurry after them.
“We’ll meet you at Palmer’s?”Heath asks.“Or did you want to ride together?”
“We’ll meet you,” I tell them.
I want to be alone with Rune.If things don’t go well, at least I can make a quick escape and get a ride home with Heath and Rowan.
Rune is leaning against his truck when I step outside, and my breath catches.He’s wearing dark jeans and a black button-up, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.His hair is slightly messy, as if he’s run his hands through it one too many times.
He looks up when he hears the door, and the second his eyes land on me, his whole body stills.Heat floods my chest.
“Shortcake.You look beautiful,” he says, his voice low.
I smile.“Thank you.”