Yours Truly

Getting Ready

Hi readers,

It's been over a year since I last updated this book, and to say that life has been a whirlwind would be an understatement. Over the past year, I've experienced rare love, new beginnings, deep inspiration, clarity, heartbreak, healing, and a powerful redirection of purpose. Navigating all of this hasn't been easy—some truths have been too raw to confront, and certain emotions were simply too heavy to process at this time.

There are brief windows when I can breathe a little easier, and it's in those moments that I plan to continue writing this story. My goal is to work ahead—writing multiple chapters at a time—so that even when life gets tough, I'll still have something to share with you.

Thank you so much for your patience, understanding, and continued support. It truly means more than you know.

(I think the song above can be played while reading. If not, listen before or after) Enjoy!

Me: Let me check my calendar real quick.

Jay: No problem.

I already knew my weekend was wide open. A part of me wanted to see him again, the conversation had been surprisingly good, easy even. But another part of me resisted. I'd started to feel things I hadn't felt in a long time. Things I wasn't sure I even wanted to feel.

Not feeling had been my safety net. It kept me in control. My response to Jay wasn't supposed to happen like this, and I knew I had to shut it down before it spiraled.

I've got this. I can control myself. I'm good.

If I could just focus on the flaws on all the possible negatives maybe it'd help. Maybe I wouldn't start caring. Maybe I wouldn't feel.

Staying a little cold... yeah, that might work.

He had no idea how far gone I was when it came to love, how tightly I'd shut that door. Maybe meeting up again would help him understand. Then I could end this on my terms.

Me: I'm free to meet next weekend. Do you have a place in mind?

Jay: Yeah, I do. Have you ever heard of The Event?

Me: I think so, but I've never been. I heard it's a nice spot and the food is supposed to be really good.

Jay: Same. That's why I picked it. So it'll be a first for both of us. Cool?

Me: Sounds good to me. What time are you thinking?

Jay: Does 7 p.m. work?

Me: Perfect. That gives me time to get off work, relax, and get ready. Speaking of which... what's the dress code?

Jay: I'm guessing casual or a little dressed up. Surprise me.

Me: Lol, you're funny. Okay, I can do that.

I already knew what I was going to wear: my olive green bodycon dress paired with nude heels and a matching purse. Gold accessories for a little shine. I kept the makeup light, as always just a touch of highlight on my cheeks and nose, clear gloss, eyeliner, and lashes already done. My skin was moisturized and glowing.

Later, he texted again.

Jay: Okay, good. Question.

Me: Ask away.

Jay: Are you nervous around me?

I paused, staring at the message. It felt like he could see me.

Me: Umm... what makes you ask that?

Jay: I noticed how much you were fidgeting when we hung out.

Me: I mean... well...

Jay: Spit it out. (He laughed softly.)

Me: Okay, yes. I do get nervous around you

Jay: I figured. Why is that?

Me: I'm not exactly sure... Maybe it's your energy. Or the way you look at me. Or maybe seeing you stirred up some memories I didn't expect.

Jay: Mmm, unlocking hidden memories already? I must be special.

Me: Don't let it go to your head.

Jay: Too late.

(pause)

Let's put a pin in this for tonight. I think this is a conversation better had in person.

Me: Agreed. It's definitely a vibe-worthy topic... and who knows where it might take us.

Jay: Now you've got me curious. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing you tonight.

I smiled at his text.

Me: Same here. Don't be late, I'm not above making you wait just to be cute.

Jay: Oh? I like a little challenge. But I'm pretty punctual when something or someone is worth it.

I tapped the heart on his message, put my phone on the charger, and started tidying up before getting ready.

A few hours later...

After cleaning, I grabbed my towel and headed to the shower. The radio clicked on, and the first song that played was "I Want You Around" by Snoh Aalegra. I paused, gave my phone the side-eye, and laughed.

"Really?" I muttered.

I finished washing, then applied my favorite body gel from neck to toes. It left my skin soft, glowing, and just the right kind of radiant.

I stepped out, dried off, and got dressed. My olive green dress hugged just right. I touched up my face—light highlight on my cheeks and nose, a bit of eyeliner, and clear gloss. I usually wore color, but tonight... clear felt more mysterious.

I slipped into my nude heels, grabbed my clutch, and walked to the dresser. I chose my gold hoops, Pandora bracelet, watch, and the heart necklace. At the full-length mirror, I checked myself out from every angle and gave a confident nod.

"Yes ma'am... this is the look."

A spritz of perfume sealed it. It was 6:15 p.m. I checked the traffic, no delays. Perfect.

Me: Hey, I'm on my way.

Jay: Cool. Me too. Hope you're ready...

I pulled up at The Event at 6:45. Not too crowded. Nice. I stepped out, adjusted my dress, and gave myself one last look in the car window. Just as I started walking toward the entrance, I felt a gaze on me.

I glanced up and to my left.

There he was.

Jay, leaning against the wall, watching me like he was taking in every inch. I couldn't help but blush but I did my best to play it cool as I walked over.

Me: Are you going to keep staring or are you going to say something?

Jay: Oh, I'm just trying to process what I'm looking at. You walked up like a whole problem I want to solve.

Me: You better have good answers, then.

Jay: Oh, I do. But tonight, I'm just here to listen... and maybe make you blush again.

Me: You wish.

He grinned.

Jay: Too late.

Jay: Let's go see what kind of trouble we can stir up tonight.

I just smiled and, without a word, held out my pinky, unsure if he'd know what to do.

To my surprise, he wrapped his pinky around mine and, without missing a beat, led me inside.

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This chapter may have been a slow start but just give me some room.

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