Uncompromising (Age Gap, gxg)

Chapter 50

I came very close to cancelling my date the following Friday. I was sure that Colton was going to be a nice guy, and I'd have fun with Quinn being there, but it wouldn't matter. Because over the next few days, Zee had taken everything I'd said to heart and showed me just how amazing she could be. If anything, she went above and beyond what I'd hoped for.

Obviously, Jashanna, Hollie, and Gracie already loved her, so that didn't hurt. But she took it upon herself to explain her past to them, so they knew what she'd been through, and then apologized over and over again for doing what she did in the dorm. She was mostly sorry for Gracie and Jashanna for having to hear and see what they did and told them in no uncertain terms that she should have gone about things differently. I had no problem with people making money that way, but I didn't want it to be the girl I was dating, and I didn't want it to potentially affect her college career and have my daughters witnessing it. I know, maybe I'm a little prudish in that way, but I didn't like her around scantily clad women like that at all! She was too tempting to trust the other women near.

But the biggest thing she did was with Dani. I'd thought we were doing a good job acclimating her into the family, but when she met Zee, it was like they were kindred spirits. Yes, Jashanna had been given up by her mother too, but with Zee she also had the benefit of a shared language, and some cultural similarities. Within two days, Zee had gotten her a motorcycle helmet, and was taking her around the neighborhood on slow bike rides, chatting in Spanish with her while they giggled maniacally, and were like two best friends.

She was going to win me back, and I already knew it. I would want to see more, but I had little doubt that she would get there. And no, I wasn't trying to change her. She was already an amazing person; all I wanted her to do was make more of her decisions by thinking through them longer or asking for advice. Not all of them, because her spontaneity was one of her best qualities, but just those that affected the rest of us.

But Quinn was so excited about the double date, and I hadn't clued her in on Zee being back at the house, so I was committed. I just hoped it was fun and casual, and then I could come back and hang out with the rest of the family. I got dressed up nicely though, in a short orange bodycon dress that gave a nod to the original Tampa Bay Buccaneer colors since the guys played for the team. It was cut up to my hip, and left my shoulders only covered by some tiny spaghetti straps. With my makeup done, and my hair done in a loose updo, I was feeling pretty sexy. But yet, we were going out to dinner, and then a club in Ybor City for dancing, so I thought it would suit the evening, even if I'd rather be wearing it to go out with Zee.

Speaking of which, her eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw me coming out of the bedroom. Colton had just been buzzed through the neighborhood gate, so I knew he was close, and I wanted to say goodbye to everyone before I left.

"Holy shit! That's what you're wearing to go out with this guy?" Zee asked in a squeaky voice. Even the other girls looked sad, and I realized that they might think I was really trying to get lucky or something.

I bit my lip a little guiltily. "Yeah. We're going out to Bern's Steakhouse, and then to some clubs in Ybor City, so I thought this would work. Too much?"

Zee didn't answer, but Hollie did. "I hope that guy is worth it," she muttered

"I'm sure it will be fine. I won't be out too late."

"Right," Zee muttered in a bitter voice. "Nobody would let you out of their sight in that."

Moments later, there was a beep out front. "Okay, that's me. You girls have a good night!"

"It's the first date and he can't come to the door?" Zee grumbled as she walked me to the front door. She gripped my hand gently as I opened the door to see a silver Mercedes AMG GT in the driveway. Yeah, he was showing off his contract with that car. "You call me if you need anything, okay? Anyone that can't be a gentleman on the first date and come to the door might not be a gentleman in other ways."