“Love you, mom. Thanks for the help.”
“Bye.”
And she hung up.
Well, that was a bust.
Nothing that a little shopping therapy couldn’t fix.
Chapter 5
Gret
Workout—check.
Shower—check.
Successfully not get chewed out again by my father or uncle —check.
Walking back into my apartment, I found a note from Etta sitting on the coffee table.
Gret,
Went to grab some things I need from the store. My number is (303) 955-9055 just in case you need it for any reason. Amanda gave me her key so I could get in and out of the place. I hope that is all right.
—Etta
Grabbing my phone, I typed in her number to send Etta a quick text.
Me: Just got back to the apartment. Totally fine that you have Amanda’s key. Sorry, I didn’t think of that this morning. I have a spare set I can give her tonight at the party. Your dress will be done in an hour. I’ll get it for you. Take your time and I’ll see you later.
I read over the message a couple of times after I hit send. I felt like a goober.
Within a few minutes, Etta responded.
Etta: Just finishing up. Need anything while I am out?
Me: I think I am good. See you in a bit.
I was nervous. Why in the hell was I nervous for Etta to get back to my place? I went through my closet, trying to figure out what I was going to wear. Etta’s dress was navy and I didn’t want to clash with her. Finally, I settled on a charcoal grey suit with a light blue shirt and black and blue striped tie.That’ll do.
After getting Etta’s dress from the cleaners, I just sat on the coach and waited. Like a fool, I just sat there without the TV on, not knowing what to do. It wasn’t like I had never had a girlfriend in my life and I wasn’t even considering something like that with Etta, but I felt like I should have done something more for her. Flowers? Chocolates? New things? I had no idea what the protocol for a fake holiday girlfriend was.
“Gret?” Etta called as she opened the door.
“In here,” I replied as I jumped off the couch and tried to pretend I hadn’t just been sitting there with my thumb up my ass.
She had tons of bags in her hands as she fought to get through the door.
“Let me help you.” I took some from her and started to head for her room.
“Thanks. I didn’t realize how much crap I actually needed until I was in the store buying everything in sight.”
“I put your dress in the closet. Do you need anything?” I set the bags down at the foot of the bed and stood in the middle of the room not knowing what I should do.Do I stay? Do I let her be?
“I think I’m good. And with two hours to spare to get ready.” Etta started digging through a Victoria’s Secret bag and I felt like that was my cue to get the heck out of there.
“Then I will leave you to it.”