Chapter Twenty-Three

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Gabby

I don't know where Barrett is taking me, he hasn't mentioned a word about it, other than he wants it to be a surprise. Back when we used to hang out, we never really went out on a date, and if I'm being honest, I'm really excited about this.

Finishing up with my mascara, I glance at myself in the mirror. I look different than I have in the other hundreds of times I've seen myself in this mirror. I'm changing, and Barrett is helping me become the person I've always wanted to be. I'm beginning to realize I held a lot of myself back, because Jeff couldn't handle it, and I then carried that into my life now.

Fluffing my hair, I notice that my phone is ringing - I had it on do not disturb so I could enjoy my bath earlier.

"Hello?" I answer cautiously. I don't recognize the number, but since the shop went viral so many people have called, and I've gotten a lot of orders from numbers I don't recognize. They've made me a lot of money. Instead of sending those calls to voicemail now, I do my absolute best to pick them up.

But this time there's no one on the other end of the line. just breathing.

"Hello?" I try again. "If you're there I can't hear you."

"Gabriella, I have a message for you."

This is a voice I don't recognize, but at the same time, I do not like it. "Yeah? Do I know you?"

"No, but I know a lot about you. If you don't answer Jeff, you're gonna have a lot to defend."

This pisses me off. Now he's moved on to harassing communications? I thought that after I got divorced I wouldn't have to deal with this shit anymore. "Ya know what? Tell Jeff to come and get if he thinks he can. Either way - fuck off."

I wish this was the type of phone I used when I was younger and I could slam it down and get the satisfaction of the noise. Angrily swiping doesn't exactly hold the same gratification. Inhaling deeply, I exhale the bullshit and pull my bottom lip between my teeth. I will not let this ruin the day I'm planning to have with Barrett.

I refuse.

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"Where are we going?" I look over at Barrett as we stand beside his truck. "You didn't tell me." I grip our hands together, pulling on our entwined fingers.

"Because I wanted it to be a surprise. We've never really had a date before, and I wanted to take you on one."

My stomach flutters as I look up at him. He's cleaned up his facial hair, looks as if he's had a haircut, and I can't help but wonder if it was for me. So I ask, since it's something I want to know. "Did you clean up for me?"

"Yeah." He ducks his head, rolling his lips together. "I've never tried to impress you like this, and I wanted to. I'm taking you out and I want you to be proud to be on my arm. Ya know, you're my lady."

I scrunch my nose up, trying not to squeal. "I am?"

He drops a kiss onto my forehead. "Yes, you're mine, and I don't plan on letting you go."

"But do I look okay?" I glance down at my tank top and cut off shorts. "Like I said, you didn't tell me where we're going."

"You're perfect for what we're doing. You'll see when we get there."

I pout slightly as he opens the passenger side door of his truck and helps me inside. I try to pay attention to the direction he's driving in, but it doesn't click about where we could be going. "So what gave you this idea?" I try to get him to tell me without asking.

"Because we haven't been out on a date since we got back together. Someone reminded me of that today and asked if I was afraid my mom would see us together. I never thought about it, but I think maybe they were right." He reaches over, grabbing my hand. "It's not like I meant for that to happen, but sometimes things like that are deep in your subconscious."

"No, I get it, and I never thought you meant it. I promise. But I did wonder why we never went out like we used to. I didn't want to push it, though."

"Feel free to push it from now on. If it wasn't pointed out to me, I never would've realized it, and that's not anything I ever meant to do to you, Gabs."

This feels different than the last time we were together, he's apologizing and making sure he corrects what could be perceived as wrong behavior. "I appreciate you, and I'm thankful you've planned whatever this is."

He pulls up to the family center, and I give him a look. There is bowling, batting cages, mini golf, and a basketball court. "What?" he laughs.

"What exactly are we doing here?"

"I thought mini golf would be the safest option, but I'm up for whatever you want to do."

I can't remember the last time I played the game. "I'm good, let's go. I haven't played in years."

"Me neither, but I'm ready if you are."

He parks the truck and we walk together, his arm around my shoulders. I reach up and grab his hand with mine. When we get inside, pay for two games, and start playing. I'm laughing when I hit the ball hard enough that it skips to another green and hole.

"Holy shit." He laughs as he goes over to get my ball. "I think you're gonna need help figuring out how to do this. Do you want to make a bet on who's going to win?"

I bust out laughing, too. "No, you're going to win that one. It's still fun though."

When we get to the next hole, and it's my turn, he gets behind me. His arms go around my body, like a blanket, covering me from others. I love the way he's holding me close. I've missed this, and I've wanted it desperately. "Let me show you how this is done."

"Mr. Grant, you should definitely watch where you put your hands." I flirt as he closes his arms around mine more tightly. This is the kind of stuff I always imagined when I thought of a man who couldn't keep his hands off of me. It's everything I've always wanted, and never got to experience.

"Yeah, you should definitely watch that."

Both of us stiffen when we hear the voice of someone who has had a lot to say about our relationship.

Barrett's mom.