Page 19 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Casey***

I check my reflection, grunt in disapproval, and drag my top

over my head. Tossing it to the nether regions of my room, I rifle through my

closet again. I have nothing to wear! No, I just don’t know what to

wear. Should I go for casual or sexy? Maybe a little of both. I pull off my

jeans and grab my white cotton romper. After I put my legs through and pull it

up to my waist, I remember it’s strapless, so I grab a strapless bra from my

drawer. It doesn’t help that I’m doing all this while balancing my cell phone between

my shoulder and ear.

“Sandy, you’re no help.”

“What am I supposed to do from here?”

“I called for moral support. You know I haven’t done this in

a while.”

“I’m here for you. I was mad when you moved, but it seems

like it might be good for you. This Ethan guy sounds nice… and hot. Just what

you need.”

“He is nice and hot, but he’s the relationship type.”

“You must be the only woman I know who has a problem with

that.”

“I don’t. I’m just not looking for that right now.”

Or am I? According to him, I don’t know what I’m looking for,

but somehow he’s it.

“You never know. Give it a chance.”

“Eh… Let’s see how tonight goes first.”

“Okay. Call me tomorrow.”

“’Kay. Bye.”

I stand in front of my bathroom mirror, wondering if I

should wear makeup. I mean, it’s not like we’re going out. Maybe just a

little.

I apply moisturizer, my favorite light green eye shadow, mascara,

and lip gloss, then brush my hair and leave it down. Back in my room, I finish

my outfit with my favorite green beaded necklace and earring set, and my green

wedge sandals to match my jewelry. I give my reflection a final glance before I

leave the room. Perfect.

I tiptoe down the hall to check in on Daddy, and he’s out

like a light. Mr. Johnson whistles as I walk into the living room. Mrs. Johnson

smacks him on his thigh.

“Rupert!” she exclaims.

“Thank you, Mr. Johnson.” I smile and shoot him a playful

wink.

“You look beautiful, Casey. The sheriff won’t know what hit

him.”

I turn to Mrs. Johnson with a curious stare.

“Now, how do you know I’m going out with the sheriff?”

“Small town, dear… Very small town.”

“Jeez….”

I sit on the couch across from the Johnsons and observe them

for a while. They’re probably my dad’s age, somewhere in their fifties. They’re

a beautiful couple. I can just imagine what they were like twenty years ago. They

both have dark brown hair splattered with grey. Mrs. Johnson has brown eyes,

thick lashes, a straight nose, and full lips. She also has a bosom about three

times the size of mine, which is probably only rivaled in size by Mr. Johnson’s

belly. His blue eyes twinkle at me and his thin lips curl up into a smile.

“Nervous?” he asks.

“Not at all.”

Yeah, right. I only hope they can’t see my knees shaking. I

feel like this is my first date all over again, only Daddy isn’t here to warn

the sheriff off. There’s a knock at the door, and I take a deep breath.

“Now, you know the drill. Call me if you need anything. Anything.”

“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Johnson says impatiently. “We know. Now, go.”

“Have a good time, Casey.” Mr. Johnson gives me an

encouraging smile.

“Thanks.”

When I open the door, the sheriff does a double take, his

mouth falling open. His gaze travels over my body from head to toe and back, and

he swallows hard. Huh… Once again, I’ve undermined his cool exterior. Point for

me.

“Hello, Sheriff.”