Moonstruck at Midnight

Chapter 19 - Jealousy

THOMAS AND I were enjoying his summer schedule more than ever. He knew what I liked and how to pamper me. And now that we had more time, we loved spending it just the two of us, alone, savoring and enjoying every moment. I felt so happy and lucky to have him. We loved taking long walks in Central Park, where I would always take my camera and photograph everything I saw, him included.

Our typical Friday routine of going out for dinner was changing this weekend. It was Michael Taylor's birthday party, one of Thomas's best friends from Princeton, and we were invited.

I was excited about finally meeting his friends because I thought it would allow me to know Thomas better. His schedule had been so hectic that we usually spent the little time we had together doing our thing.

Thomas arrived at my apartment. He looked incredibly handsome, wearing black jeans and a white dress shirt with a few top buttons undone. I kissed him and rushed back to my bedroom to grab my shoes.

My cheekbone was still bruised from the blow, but I covered it with makeup—you could barely see it. "I'm ready." I smiled, waiting for the usual compliment.

Thomas lifted a brow and stared at my legs. "Is that what you're wearing?"

Uh, yeah?

I was wearing a simple, elegant little black dress—nothing too fancy or revealing. It was perfect for the occasion. And I honestly didn't understand what Thomas meant by that. I've never owned or worn tacky clothes.

I looked down and examined myself, trying to figure out the problem with my outfit.

"It's too short. Go change." He rubbed his jaw and looked away. 

Excuse me! It really wasn't.

"Thomas, I've worn shorter skirts with you before. I'm not changing," I said, adamant. "This is not too short, and we're already running late."

He stared at me as if trying to decide what to say next. "Everyone's going to be looking at your legs, and I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with that."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Not once did my father ever say such a thing to me. I was so upset by his remark and the tone he used to express it. So he didn't mind short skirts as long as I only wore them with him?

Red fucking flag.

"I'm not changing. You can go to the party alone if you don't like what I'm wearing." I wasn't backing down. I wasn't changing because he thought my legs were showing too much.

It was completely absurd! Despite that, he didn't reply. I took his silence as a response and turned around to change into my pajamas.

He grabbed my arm and apologized, but I brushed his hand off. I was furious!
"Babe, come on." He insisted and offered me his hand. But I

took a few seconds longer than usual to reach out for it.
He made me feel cheap, and I've never been the one to wear the shortest skirt or dress ever. It just wasn't my style. I was confident that the dress looked perfect on me.

He begged for a few minutes, and I agreed to go to the party, but I couldn't shake off the frustration. Thomas seemed to notice that because he immediately placed his arms around me during the drive to the party.

"I didn't say I didn't like the dress," he whispered in my ear. His finger slowly brushed down my arm, trying to distract me, but I couldn't help but worry. His jealousy wasn't cute anymore.

David and Aaron were on duty that night, but Caleb did a last-minute switcheroo on David, so we were having a classic Aaron–Caleb combo for the night.