Free A Look Back: Rennillia Series - Prequel by M. Sembera Page B

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,