Tantrum

Ch. 13 Oh Sherbert

*** Gwen's POV ***

"Are you sure this looks okay?" I ask Heath who yawns loudly at my endless fashion show in search of the most demure outfit for the event at Mason's school tonight.

"Just be you, Gwen. Your boyfriend already managed to smuggle you in. It's not like they're going to break out a ruler at the door to measure the length of your skirt." Heath huffs.

"First, Spencer's not my boyfriend. Second, I don't want any attention on me tonight. We're there for Mason." I was so hesitant to agree to this because while I wanted to go and be proud of Mason, I didn't want to risk being a spectacle.

"Yet. Spencer's not your boyfriend yet. Speaking of, how are we going to get him to like me? I don't want him getting in your panties and then putting down some ultimatum about ditching me. I won't stand for it." Heath gets all defensive.

"Jesus. I don't need this." I mutter.

I decided on a mock neck swing top, dress pants, and heels. I keep my jewelry and makeup minimal. I look cute but professional. Thankfully, Mom thought ahead and brought a fried chicken feast for dinner so I don't have to worry about getting the kids fed before the event.

Truth be told, I am so damn nervous about this night. Not only am I walking into the very location that exposed how I was barely keeping it together, but there is a high likelihood of bumping into the adulterous asshole who ignited this whole thing. My therapist and I have spent the better part of two sessions this week role-playing that potential confrontation.

Also, I will be accompanied by the man who has been investigating me for the better part of the past six months. Spencer is coming of his own free will and I still am not sure how I feel about that yet. I want to move forward, but I am so caught up on the opticals of it. Would anyone question when our relationship started? Would they question his objectivity in reviewing my case? Would they think I traded something physical for my positive appraisal?

I actually hadn't confided in my counselor about that because I didn't know if Spencer and I were violating some sort of ethical principles. Plus, she knows Spencer. I don't want to incriminate him if that is the case. Spencer assures me that we are in the clear, but I still am not sure how we'll be received or if I even care as long as it doesn't jeopardize him or my case.

I hear the doorbell ring over the chaos around the table and I practically run to answer, knowing it will be him. When I open the door, all doubts evaporate into the early autumn air. Spencer is wearing a camel-colored suit jacket over a button-down, open at the neck, and dark jeans. He looks like a professor who I'd gladly let take advantage of me. No better grade needed.

"Gwen, you look...so put together." He comments as his eyes sweep over me.

I smirk. "Are you trying to say something about how I usually look, Spencer?"

His mouth drops open. I've caught him as he tries to recover. "Uh, no. I guess I'm not used to seeing you...uh dressed professionally. Shit. I mean... I'm making a mess of this, aren't I?"

I nod and bite my lip. I like seeing him a bit flustered. He stands up straight and stretches his neck. "Let's see if I can redeem myself then." He leans in and presses his lips against my cheek, which immediately feels like it has caught fire. "You look incredible, Gwen."

He leans back to peek at my face, which has to be eight shades of red right now. "Better?" His breath is cooling on my hot skin.

"Yeah, definitely. Uh, come in." I have to get my head on straight again after Spencer made me nearly short circuit with his flirty welcome. "Are you hungry?"