Free I'm Over It by Mercy Amare

boyfriends. I’m sure that I am part of the reason why you have problems committing to a guy long term. I did cheat on you.”
    “You did,” I say. “But you’re not the same guy you were back then. When I met you, you were cocky, arrogant, and a man whore. Now, you’re sweet without having an ulterior motive and you’re kind and faithful. You’re one of the best people I know, and I can trust you. I do trust you. But I can’t overlook the fact that you did cheat on me. Just try to be patient with me, that’s all I can ask.”
    “I can be patient. If you remember, I did wait over a year to have sex with you,” Ty says.
    “Was I worth the wait?” I ask.
    He laughs. “Now who is being cocky?”
    I stick my tongue out at him.
    “Yes, you were very much worth the wait,” he says.

    8 p.m.
    I’m worth it.

    Since tonight is spontaneous, neither one of us really planned anything.
    I’m all dressed up. My hair and makeup are both perfect, and I have on a short cocktail dress. Ty dressed casual, but nice. So it feels weird to go to a casual restaurant and a movie, but I’m still excited. I’ve focused on avoiding Ty for so long that I forgot how much I missed him.
    The thing that I love about Ty is that he always makes me forget everything else. He makes me laugh and have a good time. And I feel safe . I forget that Brian Asher is out there watching me. Maybe that’s because I know that Ty can protect me.
    “What do you want—seafood, Indian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese—”
    I cut him off. “You must really want Asian food.”
    “I’m in the mood for whatever. Pizza, Italian, American, Mexican, and whatever other kind of food you can think of.”
    “Do you remember what we ate on our very first date?” I ask him.
    “Sushi,” he answers. “That was a pretty epic first date.”
    “Agree,” I say. “Let’s do Indian food tonight.”
    “Sounds good,” Ty says.
    We only drive about half a mile from campus before arriving at an Indian restaurant. It’s a ‘hole in the wall’ kind of place, but in my experience those usually end up being the best. Besides, tonight isn’t about good food. It’s about hanging out with Ty. Like, actually hanging out , and not having sex.
    When Ty parks his car, I reach for the door handle, but Ty grabs my hand to stop me.
    “No. I’m going to open your door,” he says.
    “I’m quite capable of opening my own door.”
    “I know,” he says. “It’s just... everything I own right now is because of your dad. Basically, I’m taking you on a date with your dad’s money, which I will pay back when I turn twenty one. But chivalry is free, and it’s the one thing I can do for you to show you how much I care about you. That is why I’m opening your door.”
    Ty gets out of the car and I’m sitting there completely speechless.
    I always knew Ty was romantic. He was the first time I dated him. I guess dating Gabe for so long, I’m not used to a chivalrous guy. Not that Gabriel is rude, but he’s definitely not the romantic type. He’s never bought me flowers, taken me out on a proper date or opened my door. Ty is pretty much spoiling me and any guy I date will have a lot to measure up to. Though, maybe that’s the point. If a guy truly wants to be with me, he should have to work for it. I’m worth it. Every female is.
    Ty opens my door, and holds out his hand. I grab it and he helps me out of the car.
    And I feel like a princess.
    This is how a guy is supposed to treat a girl.
    He doesn’t let go of my hand as we walk towards the door.
    “Next time we go out, I am going to plan ahead,” Ty says. “I want to sweep you off your feet.”
    “You already are,” I say.
    “I’m serious,” he says. “I want to plan an epic date, and that takes longer than a few minutes.”
    “Well, I guess you will just have to ask me out in advance next time.”
    “Do you want to go out next Friday?” he asks.
    I grin at him. “Hey, let’s get through this date before