Not Now

Part 13

Stevie's POV

~

Should I? Maybe I shouldn't, but I kind of want to. Going out and socializing would be good for me right now, but then again, what if Lindsey is there as well. I doubt parties are on his mind, but what if he decides to take a break and have a little bit of fun, too? That would be awkward. It's been a week, since I left and we haven't had any sort of contact, which is good. It makes me wonder though if he even thought about calling me or sending me a message, because I have. It's a bad idea, which is why I haven't gone through with it once, but I do want to. I care about him a lot.

"You're not listening to me, are you?" Brandon's voice brings me back from my thoughts and I look over at him.

"Hm? Sorry, I..." I smile apologetically. "I was thinking about something."

"I could tell."

"Were you asking me something?"

Brandon nods his head. "Yeah, I asked if you had any plans tonight." 

"Actually, that's what I've been thinking about. Lindsey and I received an invitation to one of our mutual friend's birthday party a couple of weeks ago. It's tonight."

"And now you're wondering if you should go and if Lindsey's going to be there, too." That's a statement, not a question. "I say, you should go."

"Really? You think so?" I'm not so sure.

"Why not? It will be good for you, getting out of this apartment. You need a change of scenery." Brandon shrugs. "So what if Lindsey comes, too? You are going to see him, Stevie, whether you like it or not. You can't just stop living your life, because you're afraid of running into your ex."

My ex. Jesus, Lindsey is my ex. Still sounds so surreal.

"You know what? You're right." I nod my head. "Maybe he won't even be there."

"Go, glam yourself up. I'll drive you."

Knowing Brandon, I know that it's not worth arguing with him. He'll end up taking me to the party.

First of all, I take a shower. I step out and reach for a towel to dry myself, before I wrap my hair in it. I put on my robe over a matching set of bra and panties and go look through my clothes. It's not a formal event, so I forgo a dress or a skirt and grab a tight pair of black jeans. I decide on a black chiffon blouse with long see through sleeves. I set the clothes aside and return to the bathroom to do my makeup. I was blessed with gorgeous skin, so I don't put much makeup on my face. I go for just the eyeliner, mascara and my favorite red lipstick. It still takes up some of my time and once I'm finished, I unwrap my hair from the towel and don't brush it. I separate my hair in several sections and crumple them up in my hands, so went it dries on its own, I'll have slightly messy light curls. Finally, I get dressed, then spray on some of my favorite perfume and step into a pair of black stilettos, which I rarely ever wear.

"Okay, I think I'm ready." 

"Good." Brandon turns the TV off and grabs his phone, he only then looks at me. "Whoa..."

"What? What's wrong?" I frown.

"Trust me, absolutely not a thing." He gulps. "You... you look stunning."

"I- thank you." I half smile, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

We leave the apartment and get in Brandon's car. He senses that I'm nervous and he keeps reassuring me that everything is going to be fine. He makes me promise to call him, so he can come pick me up. I could easily call myself a car, but he insists.

"Have fun." Brandon wishes me good luck and I get out of the car. 

I take a deep breath and will myself to star walking. I move towards the restaurant, where I can see my group of friends through the window and I don't spot Lindsey, which makes me feel relieved. I reach to open the door, but someone behind me is quicker. I see a man's arm pull the door open for me and I look over my shoulder to thank him. I part my lips, but I can't say a word.

It's Lindsey.