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hot, too. And I have to admit, I like having his attention. I saw the way some of the girls looked at him when he walked through the house. But it’s me he is texting, and that’s enough for now.
    Jenna and I eat lunch, watch some bad reality TV, and try to guess where we are going. It feels nice to be able to relax like this. Back home, I was always walking on eggshells, trying not to tip the scales. You never knew what might set Katie off.
    We separate to go get ready. Again, I’m wearing just enough make-up to show off my features. Less is more – that’s my motto. I pull my hair over my shoulder and loosely braid it. All of my life, I have never cared how I looked. I’d like to say I did all of this for myself or even Declan, but I’d be lying. Part of me is hoping we run into Brody. Brody has “Trouble” written all over him, but maybe I’d like to get into a little trouble.
    When I see Jenna, my jaw drops again. Without trying, she is the prettiest girl I know. Her blonde hair is cut into a chin length bob, longer on the sides than in the back. Her blue eyes are narrow and slanted, giving her an exotic look. She’s wearing another cute dress, and her long legs make a fashion statement of their own.
    “So, what do you th ink we’re going to do?” She seems to be just as in the dark as I am.
    “Jenna, for once, I don’t care where we go as long as we go together.” I might as well tell the truth. I want to break out of my shell, but it might take longer than I thought it would. Baby steps.
    “ OK. Time for a pep talk. We look good. We are in college now. We are going out with two of the hottest guys on campus. We got this!”
    There was a kno ck on the door just as we bump fists. We burst out laughing. Leave it to Jenna to make me laugh at myself. She runs to get the door, and I hear her greeting the guys.
    This is it. Walk, breathe, smile… I round the corner just in time to see Declan walk through the door. He looks even better than I remember. His face is clean-shaven, and even though he looks good, I think I miss the scruff along his jawline. He looks up and smiles as I get closer. He has a beautiful smile, accented by two adorable dimples. Very boy-next-door. My Mom would approve. Heck, even my Dad would approve.
    Both are dressed casually in dark jeans and untucked button down shirts, left open with t-shirts underneath. Declan’s t-shirt has their fraternity letters on it. Eric’s is a vintage Aerosmith shirt. Maybe if they had had guys like this back home, I would have been more interested in dating.
    “You girls ready to go?” Eric asks. Standing next to Jenna, they look like a dream couple. Declan hasn’t said a word since he walked in. He’s still watching me, and I’m beginning to feel self-conscious.
    “We just want to know where you guys are taking us!” Jenna breaks the ice. Yep, it’s a good thing she’s going.
    “We have dinner reservations, and then we thought we’d hit a club in Old Town or go to a party at the house. You girls can decide.”
    “Sounds good. Let’s get this show on the road.” Jenna is doing all of the talking. She turns to look at me, and she’s motioning for me to say something. Eric puts his hand under her elbow and guides her out the door. Declan hangs back to walk out with me.
    He’s standing close as I lock the door. As I turn to follow Jenna, he puts his hand out to stop me . His gentle touch warms me on the inside. “Quincy, I just have to tell you how pretty you look tonight. I promise I’m not always this quiet, but you’ve got me tongue-tied.”
    “Thanks,” I giggle. “I’m just glad you didn’t change your mind.” I’m only half joking when I say that.
    “Not a chance. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” And all of my anxiety magically slips away.

 
    Chapter 6
     
    We all pile into Eric’s car, and Declan and I sit in the back. I am pleased to find that he is very easy to talk to, and we all fall into a relaxed