Love and Truth (26 page)

Emiko’s jaw dropped. “Wow, that’s really something. I think you may have tamed him. I remember that even with Leah they slept together right from the start. I really think this thing with you is different for him. He truly cares about you. I’m glad you’re giving him a second chance.”

“So am I. I just hope he doesn’t make me regret it.”

Emiko looked over my shoulder and looked back. “What’s up with all of your clothes all over the place?”

“Oh, that’s what I’m excited about. He’s taking me on a date. My first official date.”

“Oh, well let me help you. This is a big deal. What kind of place is he taking you to. Did he say how you should dress?”

I looked up at her red-faced. “Yes, he said he likes me in a dress or skirt that shows off my legs.”

“Okay, I say go with a dress, maybe something sleek and classy, but somewhat edgy and sexy too. Black is always a winner in my opinion.” She picked up a dress and held it up to the light. “This one’s nice. I like it a lot and it’s Vera Wang. Even better. Try this one on, and where’s your jewelry?”

I handed her my jewelry bag and started putting on the dress. She looked up at me as I was changing and slapped her hand over her mouth trying to contain a laugh.

“What?” I asked

“Um, Nicole, do all teenage American girls wear undergarments like that?” She pointed to my pastel pink cotton panties.

“They’re just panties. I have no idea what all other American girls wear. I know my best friend wears tiny scraps of lace that are nearly non-existent. It doesn’t make sense. I mean, why wear anything at all if there’s nothing to them? Plus, these are basic brief panties, so I’d say they’re common.”

She kept laughing and I grimaced at her.

“Why? What do you wear?” She stood up and pulled down the top of her skirt just below her hip, revealing a tiny string.

“Great, so you wear butt floss too?” She put the skirt back and looked at me with confusion.

“Butt floss?”

“You know, like dental floss? Tiny thongs equal butt floss to me. It’s a joke.” She fell out laughing and I laughed with her.

“I can’t wait to tell my friends about butt floss. They’re going to love your American terminology.”

“No, it’s not actual terminology. It’s a joke.”

“I know but it’s hilarious. You can’t wear those on this date. I can’t let you. It would go against all my fashion codes of conduct.”

I got up and opened my drawer, where all of my bras and panties were. “Listen, everything I’ve got is in here, but I can guarantee you that it’s all pretty boring.”

She stood up and headed for the door. “I’ll be right back. Go ahead and put the dress on and get all of your shoes out.”

I pulled the dress on. It was a knee-length black dress with a cowl neck, fitted waist, and has flared pleated skirt. The back was solid see-through embroidered black lace and it was sleeveless. It was simple but sexy, with the lace on the back and the low-hanging cowl neck. I started searching through my jewelry and decided I was just going to do earrings and a bracelet, no necklace. I pulled a few pieces out and grabbed my shoes. Emiko sauntered back into my room holding a small bag.

“Okay, I bought these the other day when we went shopping. You can have them. They’re brand new and I’m pretty sure they’ll fit you perfectly. The only difference in our size is how much taller you are than me, so you should be able to wear my size panties, no problem.”

I opened the bag hesitantly and pulled out white silk bikini panties that were trimmed in black lace

“They are cheeky panties,” she said. “Not quite a thong, but not a bikini-cut either. You still have to deal with a little
flossing,
but it’s much more material than with a tiny thong. You think you can handle it?”

I held them up and turned them back and forth. “I guess. It looks uncomfortable, but I’ll wear them, even though it’s not like he’s going to see them or anything.” My phone vibrated and I grabbed it, seeing that it was a text from Jonathan.

Jonathan
:
Hi sweetheart, I miss you and can’t wait for tonight. As for an answer to your earlier question, my preference would make for a very difficult and distracting night so I’m going to painstakingly say yes to panties.

I quickly texted him back.

Me
:
Okay, have it your way ;) I miss you too and I can’t wait either.

Jonathan
:
Are you upset?

Me
:
No, just surprised at your self-control that’s all.

Jonathan
:
I’m just trying to do right by you. I do have a question for you though… Will you reconsider staying over with me tonight? You can bring a bag and just get ready at my place in the morning.

He was persistent. I had to give him that much. I couldn’t get him to take off his boxers or let me be naughty and panty-less, but he wanted me sleeping over again.

Me
:
Jonathan you’re sending mixed signals you know. How about this…you agree to shower with me again WITHOUT your boxers then I’ll consider it.

I pushed send and immediately felt embarrassed. He was going to think I’m some sex-crazed nympho. Even though that was impossible, seeing as how I had no idea what having sex felt like. My phone vibrated again as Emiko dug through my jewelry and shoes.

“Tell him to leave you alone; that you’re plotting your jaw-dropping outfit for tonight.”

I swiped my finger across the screen of my phone.

Jonathan
:
Okay…

Oh my gosh. He said okay! He called my bluff. I wasn’t going to be able to think straight at the thought of seeing him totally naked. He texted again a moment later.

Jonathan
:
C you at 6:30 sharp. Don’t forget your overnight bag ;) XOXO

“He wants me to stay over again with him tonight,” I said. “Do you think your parents are going to be upset if I do?”

“Nah probably not, whatever. Of course he does.” She held up my five-inch red cherry suede armadillo heel peep-toes. She dangled them from her finger tips and stared at me.

“Are these what I think they are?”

“Well, if you’re thinking Alexander McQueen, then yes they are. Hence the name right there on the inside. Those shoes are my most prized possession. I saved up for nearly six months to buy those shoes.”

Her eyes grew wide and she started pulling her socks.

“Can I please, please try them on just once?”

There was no way I could say no. She was desperate, and she had just gifted me lingerie.

“Yes, of course, Emiko. You’re hilarious. But I’m pretty sure they’ll swallow your tiny feet.”

”Oh I love them, even though they are too big. These are freaking amazing, Nicole. You have to wear these tonight with that dress. They’re perfect. The red will pop with the black.”

Emiko laid out my Vera Wang black crystal-leaf stretch bracelet and the matching drop earrings. They looked good with the dress. I thought I’d flat-iron my hair and leave it down for a sleek look. My hair took forever to flat-iron, because it was so long. But I loved the way it looked when I finished.

“Do you think your parents are going to be upset if I stay with him again? You didn’t answer me before.”

“I didn’t answer because I was too busy drooling over these shoes, but no. I doubt they’ll care. They love Jonathan and you’re technically an adult, so I don’t see why it would be a problem. We can ask them when they get home.”

I looked up and saw that it was after 5 pm. I needed to get moving so I’d be ready when he got here.

“I love the jewelry you picked out,” I said. “And I agree about the shoes. I’ve got to get a move on if I’m going to be ready by 6:30.”

“Okay, I have to go study, but make sure you say bye before you leave. I can’t wait to see you all ready in this dress and those killer shoes.”

I gave her a quick hug. “Thank you for helping me and for the um…panties.”

“No problem.” She giggled as she headed out the door. I took a quick shower and dried my hair. I went with a silver shimmer eye shadow and black liner, with some neutral creamy lipstick that barely had a hint of color. I liked the nude lipstick with the dress. It looked really sexy. I slipped the dress on and checked my flat iron. It was pretty hot so now I had the arduous process of straightening my long, thick hair. I always loved it when I finished, bone straight and really shiny. I put in my earrings and slid on my bracelet. Now some perfume and I’m all set.

Then I remembered I needed to pack a bag for the morning. I rushed around my room, grabbing dance clothes for tomorrow, a toothbrush, all of my hygiene items, pajamas and shoes. I held up my pajamas and rolled my eyes. If I ever followed any of Annie’s advice, it should’ve been the lingerie advice. All I had to sleep in were yoga pants, tank tops, boy shorts, and T-shirts. I picked out pink boy shorts and a white cami tank. At least it was cute and showed off my body. I knew that Jonathan was going to be salivating over me at dinner.

I had some spare time before he got here, so I opened up my laptop to check my emails. Of course, I had tons of unchecked messages. First I clicked on the one from my Mom because the subject was my Gran. It seemed that she was much better, which was good to hear. I shot her a response to let her know how classes were. I wasn’t ready to tell her about Jonathan yet. The next one was from my dad. He was checking in to ask about class, my teachers, the school in general. I thought I’d reply later because he liked detail and I knew that would take awhile to type out. I sent Annie a text this morning of the photo that I took with Jonathan on my phone. I had also filled her in slightly about finally getting together. I opened her email which had the subject line of
HOLY MOTHER FUCKING SHITBALLS
. I laughed because I could totally hear her saying that in my head.

From:
Annie Richards

To:
Nicole Harrison

Subject:
HOLY MOTHER FUCKING SHITBALLS!!!!!!!

Nic,

You saucy hussy you!!! You’ve been holding out on me girlfriend!!!!!!! I got that damn picture today and my mouth is still back in my bedroom where it fell to the floor. I think I had a mental orgasm when I saw it! I only wish I could’ve seen a little more of him. His face was sideways but since his eyes had cut towards the camera and he was grinning as he was KISSING your cheek (you bad girl) I could plainly see his fine selfgood enough to know that he’s no boy honey! You done went off and found yourself a MAN. Hot damn and I was trying to put my finger on it all day who he looks like and it was driving me bat shit crazy, but I finally got it. He looks like Tom fucking Hardy! Like a darker haired Tom Hardy. As in from that movie he was in with Reese Witherspoon. If you haven’t seen this guy Google him because I swear he looks just like him. Hells bells, Nic, how do you control yourself around that shit? I would be panting around like a little bitch in heat! I bet those puffy full lips are just friggin fabulous. Shit, I’m getting all worked up thinking about it! Holy sex on a stick, Nicole! The tattoos are so damn sexy, the tan sexy, the muscles sexy…how shall I put this… Your
boyfriend
(which sounds weird saying BTW) is freaking fine as hell, Nic! Like throw some Calvin Klein underwear on him splatter his body up on a billboard model kind of fine! Fuck me running backwards… I’m coming to Okinawa yesterday if there are anymore of him walking around!