Read Online The Face In The Mirror by Barbara Stewart - Free Book Online Page B

afford that?”
“Yes sir, I have a good job,” Mitchell replied politely. “I’ve been saving up
for this special occasion.”
“Will you be drinking?” my dad continued.
“I’m not legal age sir, only twenty.”
“I know how old you are, young man. I also know that if you want it, you
can get it, and I won’t have you drinking alcohol with my daughter in the car.”
“I won’t be drinking, Mr. Ridgeway.”
“Mom!” I whispered in her ear, embarrassed at the exchange.
“What time will you have her home?” my dad went on.
“I believe her weekend curfew is midnight…”
My dad dramatically shoved his shirtsleeve up to look at his watch. “It’s
6:30.”
“Yes sir, it is, and our reservation is at seven. We should be going.”
“Where are you going after dinner?”
“Well, I was kind of hoping to surprise her, could we take this conversation
to the other room so we don’t ruin my surprise?” Mitchell asked, and I saw him
wink at Mom and me as he passed.
“Oh my gosh. He’s going to run off and never come back!”
“Now, Renee, they’ve shared this dance before, and I must say that
Mitchell gives your father a run for his money. I like that young man. Let your
father give him the rest of the act and you’ll be on your way in no time. You
look beautiful in that dress, by the way. Teal is your color, darling.”
Finally, Mitchell rounded the corner with a cocky-grin on his face and
reached for my hand, “Ready?”
When we got outside he opened the door to his mom’s car. “I couldn’t see
driving you around looking like that in my old truck.” He leaned to kiss my
cheek as we drove away.
When we arrived, he parked and came around to open my door. He took
my hand as I stepped out, then drew me into his arms and kissed me. It was a
kiss that took my breath away. He whispered my name as he let me go. My
hand in his again, we went into the restaurant.
He’d reserved a table with a river view. I sat beside him so we could both
look out at the harbor while we ate. He held my hand in his lap as we waited.
He leaned close and snuck kisses. It was perfect; all of it was, but being with
Mitchell was awesome.
After we finished our meal, the wait staff came to the table with a cake, and
sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. I felt so special and I was so happy I was there
alone with Mitchell. After they walked away Mitchell cut into the cake, “It’s
called Chocolate Sin,” he whispered in my ear as he pushed a slice my way,
causing goose bumps to rise on my skin.
    As we got in the car to leave, he leaned over to kiss me. “I told your dad I
was taking you to the Teen Center to dance.”
“Is that what you want to do, or did you have another plan?” I asked,
hopeful.
“I kind of made a plan, but it’s a backup in case you don’t want to go
dancing.”
I felt excited. I couldn’t catch my breath. “I think we’ll dance, but it won’t
be on a dance floor with other couples,” I said.
“Let’s go see what happens, Renie,” he said.
I prayed that I was ready, that it wouldn’t be awkward, and that it would be
special; but mostly, I prayed that I wouldn’t disappoint him.
“Where are we going?” I asked nervously.
“My house. Mom is out of town until Tuesday. There won’t be any ‘what
if’s’. It’s just us, Renie. We’ll share whatever you’re ready for. If that means you
aren’t ready, we can wait. I won’t push or pressure you, and I’m not going
anywhere if you aren’t ready.”
We pulled in the driveway, and I waited anxiously as he came around to
open my door, praying once more, p lease let me be ready…
We went to his room. I’d been there before. We’d spent many evenings
stretched across his bed watching movies, but his mom had always been there
to watch over us. He went to the closet and turned on the light, casting a soft
glow in the room. He kissed me, and his hands roamed my body. They’d done
the same many times, but this was different;