20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Fifty four

I spent the whole day locked in my room, waiting for Dad to come back. My heart was pounding with nervousness—I missed him so much it hurt.

Just then, Mom opened my door and stepped in. "Emma called a little while ago. She wants you to meet her at the cafe nearby."

"What?" I frowned, sitting up. "I told her Dad's coming today. I thought she'd understand."

Mom shrugged. "It's fine. You can go see her, but don't be late."

"Wait, didn't you tell her?" I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.

"Tell her what?"

"That I can't go."

"No, it's okay. But remember—no lateness," she said, moving toward my closet to pick out a dress.

I blinked, confused by her mixed signals. "I don't really get you. Fine, I'll go. But do you know what time exactly—?"

She cut me off, her voice calm but firm. "He just called. Dad's coming tomorrow."

I froze. "No way! Are you hiding something? Is Dad okay?"

"If something was wrong, I wouldn't be telling you to go out," Mom replied, avoiding my eyes.

I sighed and gave in. "Alright, I'll get dressed. I miss Emma anyway." I hoped to run into some cool guys there. Stop being so silly, Twyla—I told myself. Kyle won't be jealous. He probably won't even know.

I yawned. "Mom, I don't think I need a dress. It's just a cafe."

She rolled her eyes. "You never know who you might meet. Here—try this." She handed me a black, long-sleeved nightdress.

I took it hesitantly. Okay, black heels and a little effort on my hair wouldn't hurt.

"Hurry up! No being late," Mom warned as I headed out.

"No, I want to do my hair first," I called back.

After calling Emma to confirm the meeting spot, I grabbed a cap and went to the cafe. It was a strange place—part restaurant, part bar. I didn't see Emma anywhere.

Pulling out my phone to call her again, suddenly everyone around me started clapping.

"Happy birthday, my partner in plane crashes!" Kyle's voice came from behind.

"What?" I turned around, blinking.

"Happy birthday," he repeated with a sly smile.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked, puzzled.

"Maybe because I brought you here?" He smirked.

I tried to say, "I came to see—" but stopped when I noticed Emma was nowhere in sight.

"Me," he finished my sentence.

I smiled, surprised. "How did you know?"

"I told you." He shrugged casually.

"How did you know it was my birthday? I never told you."

"I know everything about you. Even your pink panties that you love so much and keep washing to wear over and over," he teased.

"Shit," I laughed nervously, glancing around to see if anyone overheard.

"I love you," he said softly.

My cheeks burned. "Aww." I smiled shyly.

"I hope you like today," he whispered.

"I know I will. Just because I'm spending it with you."

"19 now, huh? That means you can finally walk down the street without holding your mom's hand," he joked.

"I'm not that little," I said, rolling my eyes.

Music started playing, and Kyle stood, holding out his hand. "Dance with me?"

I laughed, mid-bite. "Honestly, I never thought I'd do this kind of stuff except with my husband," I said.

"What kind of stuff?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Like dancing."

He burst out laughing. "I should've guessed—you locked yourself in the bathroom last time."

"Not funny," I grinned. His laughter made me want to laugh too, without thinking.

"You're different. Really different."

"I know," I said, trying to sound confident, even if I didn't fully believe it.

"Oh, the arrogant Twy. I like it." He laughed again, clearly in a good mood.

"No, but—" I started.

He stopped me with a wave at the waiter. "Whiskey."

"No!" I narrowed my eyes.

"Why?"

"You know what that reminds me of? That time you asked the flight attendant for whiskey instead of soda."

"Oh! I don't even remember. You were watching me then," he winked.

"Yeah, you were so cold and rude," I said honestly.

"Oh my God. Maybe I'm like that with strangers. You were a stranger after all."

"I was an innocent girl. First flight ever. You didn't try to help calm my anxiety," I said softly. Truth was, he had done a lot more than just comfort me.

"What! I dare you." He waved again at the waiter.

"No drinking. I'm serious, or I'm leaving."

"I don't drink that much. I'm not addicted."

"Good. Because you'll never drink again. It's harmful. I want you healthy and safe."

"Oh God," he sighed, closing his eyes.

"I really liked your surprise. But I'm still curious—how did you find out?" I sipped the orange juice I'd ordered.

"Facebook. Not hard. Your cover photo is you holding that huge teddy bear—"

"Fine, I knew you knew. And don't make fun of the teddy bear. Grandma bought it for me." I smiled at the memory.

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Author's Note:
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