Starting Over With You by Darlene Tallman

Author:Darlene Tallman [Tallman, Darlene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-21T18:30:00+00:00

Ricci

“Stop laughing, Ivy, and help me figure out what to wear!” I grumble, glaring at her through our FaceTime call. “He’s going to be here soon.”

She sticks her tongue out at me then replies, “In about three hours, you goose.”

Sighing, I flop down onto the bed and groan. “I know but gah, I’m so darned nervous!”

It’s been a week and a half since I got out of the hospital for a second time since coming to live in Possum Run and tonight is our first ‘real’ date. The only reason I’m defining it like that is because as Ivy so astutely reminded me a few minutes earlier when I was in a full-blown panic about what to wear, he’s seen me at my worst already. Plus, since the first hospital stay, we’ve actually spent a lot of time hanging out. But, like I reminded her, that’s different than a date, although… Ivy’s voice breaks into my thoughts and I focus once again on her.

“You’re thinking too hard, Ricci,” she says. “Really, you are. The man has been taken with you since the first time I met him. He barely left your side, remember? Not only that, but you yourself have told me and Lacie both how often y’all do stuff together. This isn’t really any different, sweetie. The only difference is that this time, you’ve labeled it as a date.”

I consider what she’s just said. He has seen me in everything from a hospital gown to my work uniform to jeans and a T-shirt. I’ve been beaten to hell and back, worn no makeup, had my makeup virtually melted off because of the heat, and been fresh from the shower. My hair’s been a tangled, bloody mess, a sweaty, fevered mess, and clean. Yet regardless of the countless ways I’ve been in his presence, he always treats me the same.

As though he wants me there.

“Keep talking, you’re getting through,” I whisper before sticking my tongue out at her.

“It’s about time, you’re under three hours now,” she teases. “Did he say where y’all were going?”

“Yes. Possum Run has an annual festival and it’s in town. They’ve got rides, food, and even animals! Oh, and games of course.”

“Alright. Wear your new jeans, the cute ones that have the fabric behind the holes, plus the red shirt with those rhinestones. You’ll be easy to spot in a crowd because the lights will make you all sparkly. You should probably either wear your hair in a high ponytail or maybe even braid it, although your braids are usually uneven. Dammit. Okay, I’m on my way so I can French braid your hair for you,” she declares. “Be there shortly.”

“Fine, Miss Bossy McBosserson,” I retort, grinning at her. “I’ll go and take my shower and get dressed. Just use your key.”

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