Lisa
Over a week had passed since I asked Roseanne to go on a date with me but the chance to sneak away had yet to present itself. With the arrival of my dad's other brother and his wife and kids, family time had almost tripled. When my dad declared Saturday night was going to be boy's night out so all of the men could go to a bar to watch some big boxing match, I jumped on this opportunity.
As my mom and I set the table for Saturday morning brunch, I used this as my opportunity to move forward with my plan. "So, Mom, I know the guys are doing their thing tonight and you probably wanted all of us girls to spend time together, but it turns out some of the girls I cheered with are getting together tonight. Do you think it would be okay if I did that instead?"
The wide grin that spread across my mom's face confirmed that I had chosen the correct lie. She loved when I hung out with the cheerleading girls. Even though she would never acknowledge it, I think my mom noticed some of my tomboy tendencies and thought spending time with the very feminine group of former cheerleaders would have a positive influence on me. "I think that sounds wonderful, sweetheart. We will miss you, but everyone will certainly understand."
"I was also wondering if it would be cool if I asked Roseanne to come with me. I just thought it would be nice for her to meet some of the girls."
My mother's smile grew even wider with this suggestion. "I think that's a wonderful idea. I love how well the two of you are getting along. You already seem like sisters. Now Jungkook just has to make that official."
I turned away so my mom wouldn't see me cringe. If only she knew just how unsisterly we actually were.
As soon as we were done setting the table, I went to find Roseanne so I could tell her the good news. I found her sitting on the back porch, laughing with Jungkook. God, she was pretty when she laughed. Correction: she was pretty all the time. She was downright stunning when she laughed. The familiar feeling that I had grown used to since meeting Roseanne settled in the pit of my stomach when her eyes met mine.
"Lisa! How's it going?" She kept her voice calm and collected, but it seemed to me her face lit up a bit at the sight of me standing in front of her. I hoped it wasn't just my imagination playing tricks on me.
"It's going well. Thanks, Roseanne. I actually came out to see if you wanted to go with me to hang out with some of my cheerleading friends tonight. If you remember, I mentioned it about a week ago. I told you I would figure out a time to make it happen. Well, it can happen tonight, if you're up for it." I hoped I was conveying the actual message, without giving anything away to Jungkook.
"You came out to ask me that? Is that so?" Roseanne gave me a sly smile. "As I told you when you first mentioned it, there's nothing I would enjoy more. I'm definitely in."
So, this was happening. I was going on an actual date with Roseanne Park. Now would be an excellent time to breathe, Lisa.
I let out the breath I had been holding and returned Roseanne's smile. "Perfect. We'll leave at six. We're getting dinner with them, but it's nothing fancy. Jeans are fine."
"I can't wait."
***
Due to our impending date, the day seemed to drag by, but none of that mattered when six o'clock finally came. Roseanne was worth the wait. Seeing her in those tight black jeans and white V-neck T-shirt with her blonde hair curled and dark eyes emphasized with a touch of eyeshadow was worth the wait. I tried my best not stare until we were in my car and away from the watchful eyes of my family.
Once we were driving, I let my eyes linger over her body as much as I could while still paying attention to the road. Watching her nervously run her hands over her jeans gave me the sudden urge to hold her hand. I kept one hand on the steering wheel and moved my other hand onto the middle console. I tapped my fingers anxiously while I considered my next move. Would grabbing her hand be too forward? We constantly held hands after having sex, but that was different, right?
