Page 80 of Husband to Go

“Is that why you were worried about my first date?” It would make sense. Andi likes a guy she met under weird circumstances, and they haven’t gotten the chance to really hang out yet.

“Maybe I was projecting a little bit,” she admits. “Corey and I have been talking on the phone a lot which has been nice, but it’s not like being with one another for real. I mean, you and Tanner have had that, but I still think tonight is, I don’t know, special? I wouldn’t call it the beginning of everything because it’s more like a turning point. A time where your relationship could go either way.”

Anxiety strikes me in the chest again.

“I can see that,” is my slow reply. “Ugh, how are you so wise, Andi?”

She grins.

“I don’t know, Ky. I think I’m just amazing.”

“You really are.”

She takes the last bit of my hair and curls it.

“All done. Now I need to brush it.” She locates the brush on the vanity and cleans up the curls, and then puts my hair in an updo to keep it away from my face. “Okay, so your hair is done. I think we should eat before doing your makeup.”

“I agree. What do you want to order?”

“Pizza.”

“Pizza?”

“Exactly.”

Andi always knows what she wants, and I can’t fault her for that. It’s one of the reasons I love being her friend. She’s actually helped me get more comfortable in my own skin because before, I was always so wishy-washy while she was always determined and to-the-point.

We go to the living room where Andi whips out her phone and calls for the pizza.

“I would like bacon, pepperoni, and sausage on one, and can you make the second pie a white pizza with spinach and feta?” I can’t hear the other side of the conversation, but it sounds like Andrea is about to get exactly what she wants out of this guy. She hangs up after paying, and the two of us take a seat on the couch. I rest my head on her shoulder.

“Tell me more about Corey. What did you guys talk about that first night?”

“Um, we started out talking about you and Tanner. Corey was asking me about the two of you, and I told him some stuff. Nothing too crazy, don’t worry. The conversation eventually moved to us, and I told him I was in college studying computer science, and he told me some stuff about his job. It definitely sounds like he has his shit together, which is more than what I can say for myself.”

“Andi, you’re still in school.”

“I know, but I like that about him. It’s weird because I’ve never been so interested in a guy without knowing a whole lot about him. I mean, I’m always so apprehensive about actually letting people into my life.”

“I know, Andi, but if you like him? Doesn’t that make a huge difference?”

She sighs.

“Yeah, and the same goes for you. If you really love Tanner, I want you to grab this chance by the balls. Or maybe grab him by the balls. Whichever you think is best.”

She breaks down into giggles, and I join her. My friend is absolutely ridiculous but also, so friendly and open-hearted.

The pizza arrives, and the two of us go through quite a bit of it. I try to save space in my stomach for whatever Tanner is planning because this is a special night tonight. Our first date. I don’t want him to think that I don’t like the food he made simply because I gorged before going over.

The rest of getting ready goes by rather nicely. It’s full of laughter and good times. I tell Andi I want to re-enroll into college next semester because after everything that’s happened, I feel like my head is back in the right place.

Seven o’clock rolls by, and I say goodbye to Andrea.

“I’ll let you know how the date goes.Allthe details,” I promise.

“You better. Have fun and don’t worry too much about what I said. I know you guys will figure everything out if it’s meant to be.”

I hope she’s right.