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“I have a little something for you,” I told her.
“You already bought me this dressandthe shoes,” Jenny started to argue.
“That’s right, and there’s more. Because I want to spoil you.” I grabbed her hand and led her back to the bedroom.
She eyed the bed, and I chuckled. “The surprise is not my dick, Jenny. My dick’s tired. Very tired.”
She laughed, the honking sound I’d come to love. “Okay, Coley. I wasn’t sure. You’re a machine, you know?”
“Oh, I know.” But I was painfully aware that I was human, not a machine—as evidenced by my nerves thrumming. I pulled the small, wrapped box from my dresser. “This is for you.”
“What is it?” She carefully took the gift from me.
“A surprise.” I watched as she gently removed the wrapping paper as if she feared ripping it. When she opened the velvet box, her jaw dropped open.
“These are… These are gorgeous, Cole. Holy shit! Are theyreal?”
It was my turn to laugh. “Yes, they’re emeralds. I thought they’d look so pretty on you with that dress.”
“These areemeralds? You bought me ginormous emerald earrings?” She gaped at me.
“Try them on.” I smiled at her.
“Woah, I don’t know about this.” She started breathing hard and fanning herself. “These are too expensive.”
“No, they’re not. Just try them on,” I insisted.
Jenny winced. “Cole, I wear fake gold studs from Walmart. The kind that turn your earlobes green.”
She tried to hand the box back. “I got no business wearin’ earrings like this. I’d be scared to death to lose them.”
“They’re insured, babe. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Her face screwed up, confused. “Earrings can have insurance?Idon’t even have insurance!”
I blew out a deep breath. “Remind me to do something about that. In the meantime, we’re late. Can you please try the earrings on? For me?”
“All right, Coley. Since you bought them insurance, and everything.” She hustled to the mirror and carefully secured the teardrop emerald earrings. Then she looked at herself, straightening her shoulders and holding her chin up.
It occurred to me that Jenny was a very brave person.
“These are beautiful,” she said. “And you’re right—they look great with the dress.”
“They look great onyou. You’re so beautiful, Jenny. You’re the prettiest girl in the whole world.”
“Now you sound like Shirley.” She winked at me in the mirror, then returned her gaze to her reflection. “I’m ready. I’ve never been to a society wedding before, you know that? I was nervous, but now I feel good. Actually, I feel like a princess. Thank you, Cole.”
“Thankyou.” My heart swelled with pride as I offered her my arm, and she took it.
Then my fake date and I headed out to the society event of the season.
Trinity Church was locatedin Copley Square. The stately stone church edifice rose into the sky. It was surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings, which made it seem quaint. The driver dropped us off in front, and I held Jenny’s hand as we walked inside. Everyone stopped and stared at my date. She was majestic in her mermaid gown, the large teardrop emeralds sparkling at her ears.
I briefly wondered what my father would think when he saw these photos of me with Jenny. Then I decided that I didn’t give a shit.
We headed inside the main chamber of the already crowded church. The beauty of the interior was stunning. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, and the ceiling soared above us.
“This looks like something out of a fairy tale,” Jenny whispered.