I took a deep breath and looked at my image in the full length mirror. "Is this outfit really *right* for dinner?"
Rainbow nodded from her spot on the bed where she was putting on socks. "Yes. It's perfect-and you know how much I hate dresses, O. This is great."
I looked at my reflection again. I was wearing an ankle length black skirt with a slit that went a little ways up my leg and a black spaghetti strap tank top. "Should I put my hair up or down?"
"Leave it down, but curl it," Rainbow said, brushing her blond highlighted brown hair.
"Okay," I said, plugging in the curling iron. After awhile, my hair was curled and put back with a couple clips and I was slipping my platform sandals on. I spun around in a circle. "How do I look?"
"You look awesome, Osh. You look really mature, but you've got that whole innocent vibe goin on," Rainbow said as someone knocked on the door.
It was both JC and Lance-JC was dressed in casual street clothes but Lance was dressed up.
"Hey you two! Rain, are you ready for a night on the town?" JC asked with a grin.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" Rainbow gave JC a sweet smile and they whirled away.
"O, can I say something?" Lance asked as I shut the door behind me and we walked to the elevator.
"Of course," I said.
"You look really pretty tonight," Lance said. "Not that you don't look pretty all the time, it's just tonight..." He was blushing and looking down at the ground.
I just smiled. "Thank you, Lance. You look nice tonight too."
"Thank you," Lance replied.
"Thank *you,*" I said.
We were finishing our dinner just as the sun was beginning to set. Lance took a big sigh and leaned back in his chair. "That was a good dinner."
"I know-that's why I love this restaurant. Always good food," I agreed.
"Wanna take a walk on the beach?" Lance asked. "The ocean should be really pretty right about now."
I nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
We hurriedly paid the bill and sped down to the beach not far away. The minute I got out of the car, I could smell the salty sea air and feel the cool breeze. As Lance and I strolled along the beach, I closed my eyes and listened to the gentle waves breaking on the shore and the seagulls looking for food.
"You really love the ocean, don't you?" Lance asked.
"Yeah. Ultimate stress reliever," I said, shaking sand out of my sandals. "Hold on." I took my sandals off and left them high above the tide.
"Let's go sit on that rock," Lance suggested, gesturing toward a large island like rock where waves were crashing at the bottom, sending sprays of mist up.
I nodded. "Okay." Since I was wearing a dress, Lance had to help me up onto the rock. I was sitting with my knees bent up to my chest and Lance was sitting the same way, only much more relaxed.
"Can I ask a personal question?" Lance asked,
I nodded.
"How many um, boyfriends have you had?" Lance asked.
I blushed and looked down at my hands. "Um...not too many...a couple...but they never went anywhere."
"What do you mean 'never went anywhere?'"
"Like kissing and stuff. It was all holding hands and hugging...never kissing."
"Why not?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe I'm not pretty enough. Maybe I'm not good enough...maybe...I don't know. Maybe there's something wrong with me."
"*No.* There is *nothing* wrong with you. Any guy who even thinks you're not pretty enough or not good enough is insane," Lance said softly. "What about you and this Craig guy?"
"We're just friends. Kissing him is like kissing my brother." I shuddered. "Yuck."
Lance smiled.
"You probably think I'm a total dork now, huh?" I asked, tears forming in my eyes.
"No! Why would I think that?"
"Every other guy who knew my little secret instantly backed off and all of a sudden liked one of my friends," I said bitterly.
"Hey." Lance gently grabbed my chin and turned my face toward his. "I'm not every other guy."
And he softly pressed his lips onto mine over and over again. When we finally pulled away, he looked into my tear filled eyes and said, "Don't cry."
I sat between Lance's legs and leaned back against his chest as he put his arms around me tightly. We sat like that until it was completely dark and the moon was coming up.
Lance and I walked back to the car holding hands and talking with some bursts of laughter. Before we entered the car, Lance kissed me again and smiled.
"You like to smile a lot, don't you?" I asked with a smile.
"Of course. Look who I'm with-I've *gotta* smile," Lance repled as he started the car and began driving. We drove back to Rainbow's and my dorm because Lance had to get back early that night.
In the elevator, I sighed and leaned back on the wall. "I don't want you to go tomorrow."
Lance stood in front of me and put his hands on my waist. "I don't want me to go tomorrow either. I'm gonna miss you so much."
The elevator opened and another couple entered, holding hands and laughing. Lance and I barely noticed them come in.
I smiled. "You better." Before I knew what I was doing, I stood up on my tiptoes and kissed Lance on the lips. He kissed me back , sending chills up and down my spine.
The doors opened to my floor and we walked out holding hands. The couple behind us exited the elevator as well and followed us down the hall.
I glanced behind us. "Rain! JC!"
Lance turned around too. "Hey!"
JC and Rainbow waved. "Hey you two. Making out in the elevator I see?" JC said.
Lance and I looked sheepish. "Umm..."
Rainbow just grinned. "It's okay, guys. Don't feel the need to blush profusely or apologize..."
"Cuz we're about to do the same," JC said. "Now if you'll excuse us..." He turned to face Rainbow so that his back blocked any view.
I turned to Lance. "I'll meet you at the airport tomorrow, okay?"
"You sure?"
"Of course-just give me the time and gate and you will see me waiting for you," I said.
"Nine in the morning, gate four B," Lance murmured then kissed me.
"I'm there," I whispered.
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