by M. Sembera
“It’s a big deal,” I assured, unintentionally flirting.
Leaning closer, he asked, “What are you good at?” with a smile.
Suddenly nervous, the only thing that came to mind was ‘getting in trouble’.
With a little laugh, I sat up tall, sharing, “I’m good at everything I do.”
Nodding with a smile, he questioned, “What do you like to do?”
Thinking, I wish he would stop asking that, I replied, “Whatever I want.”
“Do you want to go out with me?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.
Wanting to say yes, without appearing as eager as I was, I decided to make him work for it. Rolling my eyes, I stood up. Thankfully Emerson walked back into the kitchen, giving me time to put him off a little longer. At this point, I was definitely going to say yes.
When Emerson sat down, he swayed the conversation toward basketball. I enjoyed listening to them talk about their team. It was very cute, the way Jackson seemed to get all excited about their wins and points scored. And I found out another interesting fact. Jackson had been on the varsity team since freshman year. Then out of nowhere, Hert popped into my head. I thought of what he would say about me going out with Jackson and I started to second guess myself.
Breaking my concentration, Jackson stood up saying, “Oh, I have to go!”
I blurted, “Got a hot date?” without thinking.
“That depends,” he said before stepping to me and asking, “Will you go out with me?”
Shaking my head, I watched him sigh, making a little pouty face.
Emerson politely said, “Tell your parents, I said thank you for letting you come practice today.”
Jackson laughed, “Yea, my dad said he didn’t think we needed the practice but we should get that number four over here 'cause he needs it.”
Emerson nodded, laughing back.
“So you have plans with your parents tonight?” I asked, wondering why he had asked me out last night for tonight.
Shaking his head, he answered, “Nah, I have to help my dad clean the garage,” then patted Em on the back saying, “See ya later man.”
A little disappointed to see him go, I said, “Bye,” with a little smile.
Before Jackson walked out the back door, he smiled wide and said, “Later Ren,” with a wink.
I couldn’t help smiling wide.
Emerson and I watched a few movies in the living room before deciding to call it a night. Even though it seemed boring for a Saturday evening, lying in his room talking had become my favorite thing to do. I figured it was in my best interest that I didn’t say yes before Jackson left but I was a little disappointed too. Then he called. Feeling a little silly at how excited I was, it was my first call from a boy. When he asked me out again, this time I said yes. I could hear the smile in his voice as he said goodbye. Thrilled, against my better judgment, I was going to go out on my first date and with Jackson Thomas of all people.
Chapter 12
Even though my father was out of town, I thought it was best if Jackson did not pick me up from my house. There were no clear rules for dating but my father had made it clear, multiple times, leaving the house with anyone other than Emerson was frowned upon. The Roberts’ returned from house hunting in Spain and Mrs. Roberts agreed to allow Jackson to pick me up from their house. Since our date was at seven, Em was picking me up at five. My mother was gone for the day so I walked over to Hert’s to kill some time before I had to get ready. Hert appeared surprised to see me.
“How ya doin’,” I asked as I walked in.
Scowling at me, he said, “You’re in a good mood.”
“I have a date, tonight,” I cheerfully shared.
Curious, he questioned, “With…?” raising his eyebrows.
Smiling wide, I answered, “Jackson Thomas.”
His expression was less than excited as he walked to his room and I followed.
Over the last week, Jackson had hollered my name across the parking lot, the hallway and even the cafeteria at school. Smiling wide at me each time he caught my attention, I would roll my eyes and shake my head with a smile in return. Each time, Hert gave me a disapproving glare and I just shrugged him off. Why did he always have to be like this? I wished he could be happy for me. I knew what he was thinking and I knew what everyone said about Jackson but just because every other girl he went out with slept with him, didn’t mean I was going to. I admitted to myself I was curious what a date with the infamous Jackson Thomas would be like and how all those girls gave in so easily. Still, Hert should know better than to think I would.
Flopping down on his bed, I fussed, “Ya’ know, this is my first real date, you don’t have to be a jerk about it.”
“As long as you know he only takes a girl out once,” he snapped.
Narrowing my eyes at him, I replied, “At least he wants to take me out first,” as he sat on the corner of his bed.
My reference to Carmella and his relationship must have stung him, because he quickly retorted, “So that’s why you said yes? You wanna have sex?”
Making a face at him, I said, “If I do, you have no right to say a word about it. You’re doing it.”
Suddenly his expression changed.
Scooting closer to me, Hert advised, “If you do, it should be with someone who really cares about you, not some guy who’s just trying to get into your pants.”
Shocked by his concern, I admitted, “I’m not going to sleep with him but I do like him and you know what, I think he likes me too.”
Hert nodded, saying, “It’s just that…” before I stopped him acknowledging, “I know you’re just lookin’ out for me,” with a smile.
Slightly smiling back, he dropped the subject.
After a while, I walked back home to get ready for Emerson to pick me up so Jackson could take me out on our date. Flipping through the clothes in my closet I settled on a strappy turquoise dress that was fitted at the top and flowed down almost brushing the floor, easily dressed down with sandals and a thin sweater, left open of course. Not to sound too conceited but I looked damn good. Pleased with myself, I figured, if one date was really all he wanted, he would regret it for the rest of his life. I carefully applied my makeup, making sure it was perfect. In lieu of spending too much time on my hair I pulled it into a loose up-do.
Emerson arrived to pick me up. He stayed long enough for me to leave a note for my mother. Then, we were on our way back to his house.
Glancing over at me, Em complimented, “You look very nice.”
Smiling wide, I said, “Thanks.”
“Are you excited?” he asked.
Nodding, I replied, “I am a little nervous too.”
“Why?” he blurted.
Slightly embarrassed, I shared, “I’ve never been on an actual date before.”
With a sweet smile he assured, “He’s the one that should be nervous. Not only do you look incredible, you are pretty intimidating.”
I had to laugh as I reached over and held his hand the rest of the way.
We made it to Emerson’s house about thirty minutes before Jackson arrived. While Emerson and I waited in the kitchen, because Mrs. Roberts said I should make an entrance when Jackson came to pick me up, I started to feel my stomach knotting up. I liked Jackson. He made me smile every time I saw him and as much as I hated to admit it, I really wanted there to be more than one date and more than one reason why he was taking me out.
Finally, I heard a knock on the front door. Looking up at Emerson, I took a deep breath and smiled.
Mrs. Roberts alerted, “Rennillia, Jackson is here.”
I stepped into the living room and saw Jackson standing next to Mr. Roberts.
Smiling wide, the second I caught his eye, he blurted, “Hey!”
Walking towards him, I smiled back, saying, “Hi.”
Mrs. Roberts and Emerson left the room. Mr. Roberts remained between Jackson and I.
Mr. Roberts focused his attention on Jackson as
he stated, “I realize I am not Rennillia’s father, however, you are picking her up from my care. I expect you to treat her with respect and return her to her home no later than twelve. Do we understand each other, Jackson?”
With a sincere expression Jackson replied, “Yes sir.”
Walking past me with a slight smile, Mr. Roberts said, “Have a nice time,” as he headed into the kitchen.
Then we were alone in the living room.
Taking turns smiling at each other, it took us a little while to actually leave. Jackson opened the front door for me. He placed his arm around my shoulders as we walked out to his truck.
“I like your truck,” I said, trying to break the nervous silence.
Leaning very close before he opened the door for me, Jackson shared, “I like you.”
I couldn’t help smiling as I climbed in.
Pulling away from the Roberts’ house, Jackson asked, “Where would you like to go?”
Shrugging, I replied, “Wherever you wanna take me.”
Jackson smiled wide as he said, “I think we should go to dinner first.”
With a slight nod I thought, ‘did he really just say that?’ I quickly answered myself, ‘yes he did’. Still not quite use to him, that was how Jackson was. Often inappropriate, his funny and cheerful disposition made up for it.
“This place okay?” he asked, pulling up to the valet.
With complete and total surprise, I said, “Umm… Sure.”
The valet opened the door for me and I watched Jackson grab a suit jacket and a tie from behind the seat. Quickly putting them on, he walked over to me. Thinking ‘well aren’t you full of surprises’ I wished I had worn heels. Doing the next best thing, I slipped off my little sweater even though it was chilly out.
As we walked to the restaurant door, Jackson leaned close whispering, “Damn, are you trying to kill me?” with a huge grin.
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head at him and smiled.
Apparently Jackson’s question of what to do was simply out of courtesy. Clearly, he had the evening already planned out; since it turned out he made reservations at a restaurant. We were quickly seated at a little table for two in the corner. I started to take my seat across the table from him when he pulled my chair right next to his and motioned for me to sit. We were so close together, it was hard to keep from brushing against him. Looking down at my menu, I hadn’t realized I was wiggling my fingers against it.
“Are you nervous?” he asked.
Keeping my eyes fixed on the menu, I admitted, “A little.”
I could hear the smile in his voice as he questioned, “Why?”
“I haven’t ever been on an actual real date before,” I explained.
Jackson was silent for a moment. I felt him kiss my shoulder. Turning to look at him, I realized we were face to face. Leaning in, he softly kissed my lips. I was speechless.
Slowly pulling away, Jackson whispered, “Don’t be nervous,” as I stared at him.
He was right. With the most anticipated event of the evening out of the way, I relaxed.
After dinner, Jackson wrapped his arm around my shoulders as we left the restaurant. In his truck, I slid to the middle, sitting right next to him. With his arm back around my shoulders, I tucked my legs under my dress and leaned against him. Even if I had been on a thousand dates before, I was sure this one would have been the best.
Pulling away from the restaurant, Jackson asked, “It’s only nine. What do ya want to do now?”
“Well, you’re doing pretty good so far. You pick,” I replied.
Smiling wide, he questioned, “Do you wanna get a drink?”
I asked, “Like a drink, drink?”
“My cousin Gus owns The Bar. We can’t go in the front but we can have a beer in the back…that is if you want,” he replied.
Pretending to think it over, I waited for a minute before agreeing, “Okay.”
Making a quick u-turn, he headed to The Bar. Pulling around back when we arrived, we got out and walked to the back door. Jackson opened the door to a small room. He asked me to wait for him before sharing that he would be back in just a few minutes. While I waited, I felt a pain of Hert's impending 'I told you so', as I looked around the room and spotted a small bed against the wall. Deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt, seeing as he had been incredibly respectful so far, I stood there waiting.
It wasn’t long before I heard voices making their way to the room.
I saw Jackson first then a stocky red haired man with a full beard, holding two beers as Jackson introduced, “Ren this is my cousin Gus.”
I smiled with a slight nod as Gus handed Jackson and me our drinks.
Gus smiled, saying, “Nice to meet ya,” then motioned for Jackson to follow him.
Even though he closed the door behind them, I heard Gus say, “What the hell is the matter with you boy, bringin’ that dago girl to my bar? Does her father know she’s out with you?”
There was a long pause before I heard Jackson defend, “No, but…” before Gus cut him off saying, “There is somethin’ really wrong with you boy,” and then silence.
The door slowly opened and Jackson walked in.
Shrugging, I said, “I don’t want you to get in trouble by bringing me here.”
“It’s all good, Gus just gets sensitive now and then,” he said.
Out of curiosity, I had to ask, “So does he get all upset every time you bring a girl here or is it just the dago ones?”
Appearing a bit surprised, he stated, “I’ve never brought a girl here before.”
Tilting my head, I raised an eyebrow silently questioning him as he assured, “I really haven’t.”
Slightly smiling with a nod, I questioned, “And the bed?”
“Gus stays here when he gets in trouble with his wife,” he explained.
Jackson took off his jacket and laid it at the head of the bed before he sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to him. I took a sip of my beer and sat down. I shivered a little and realized I left my sweater in his truck.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
Nodding, I took another sip and said, “I left my sweater in your truck.”
Scooting closer, Jackson placed his arm around me, asking, “Are you having a good time so far?”
Holding back a smile, I nodded and asked, “Are you?”
Almost as if he was unsure if he would be, he replied, “Yea, I am.”
Happy with his response, I said, “Good.”
He reached over and took my beer, setting it on a little table next to his. Smiling wide at me, he leaned in and kissed me.
Our second kiss was better than the first. Pulling away, he smiled again before leaning back in and kissing me a third time. As he kissed me he had one hand around my waist and the other resting on my arm. Jackson’s kiss made me just as happy as his smile. Before I knew it, his hand was in my hair loosening my up-do and his kiss was trailing down my neck. Seeing as I had only been kissed a few times in my life and never officially made out with anyone, I thought this was acceptable behavior for a date. Pulling back, Jackson smiled wide as he returned his kisses to my lips. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him back until I felt his hand moving up my thigh.
I quickly pulled away. Jackson moved his hand after my discouraging look and started to kiss me again until his hand ran across the top of my dress, around to the back starting to unzip it and I pulled away.
“Jackson,” I snapped.
Looking a little baffled, he questioned, “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t…” I started before he interrupted saying, “That’s ok, I have something.”
Instantly, I knew what he meant.
“Oh my Gosh!” I fussed, pushing him away.
With a confused expression, he said, “Did you want the light off?”
“No!” I stated before questioning, “What the hell do you think is gonna happen here?”
Appearing apologetic, Jackson star
ted, “I just thought…” before I stopped him, saying, “Oh, I know what you thought.”
“Why are you so mad?” he asked.
“Seriously?” I snapped before saying, “I’m not one of those girls around here that you only take out once.”
Nodding, he agreed, “I know you’re not.”
“Then what the hell made you think I would sleep with you?” I questioned.
Shrugging, he confessed, “The way you were kissing me and… you spend the night with Roberts when his parents are gone and I’ve heard about you and Scott.”
My heart sank and I started to feel sick. How was I so stupid? Hert was right, and I was wrong. Disappointed but prideful, I stood up.
Firmly stating, “Take me home,” I watched him stand up.
Stepping close, he tried to hold my hand, before I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
“I don’t wanna take you home,” he shared.
Giving him a serious tone, I said, “I don’t care what you want and for your information ASS, I’ve never done ‘it’ with Hert, Emerson or anyone else for that matter.”
Jackson stared at me for a moment before saying, “But, I really like you.”
“Yea, I liked you too, now take me home or I’ll call Hert to come and get me,” I said.
Nodding, he agreed, “Ok, I’ll take you home.”
We left The Bar and he drove me straight home.
Pulling up outside my house, I started to get out and noticed Jackson was getting out too. With a heavy sigh, I slammed his door and quickly walked to my house.
As he followed me, I fussed, “Oh I know you don’t think you’re getting a goodnight kiss.”
“Ren wait,” he said.
Turning to face him, I snapped, “What?”
“Can I take you out tomorrow?” he asked.
Stunned, I didn’t know what to say.
With a genuine smile, he said, “Let me take you out again.”
Caught off guard, I softened my tone, saying, “I can’t. I have plans. Hert and I are going to Emerson’s.”
“Can I meet you over there?” he asked.
Shrugging, I replied, “I guess, if you want.”
