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

Em complimented, “You look very nice.”
    Smiling wide, I said, “Thanks.”
    “Are you excited?” he asked.
    Nodding, I replied, “I am a little nervous too.”
    “Why?” he blurted.
    Slightly embarrassed, I shared, “I’ve never been on an actual date before.”
    With a sweet smile he assured, “He’s the one that should be nervous. Not only do you look incredible, you are pretty intimidating.”
    I had to laugh as I reached over and held his hand the rest of the way.
    We made it to Emerson’s house about thirty minutes before Jackson arrived. While Emerson and I waited in the kitchen, because Mrs. Roberts said I should make an entrance when Jackson came to pick me up, I started to feel my stomach knotting up. I liked Jackson. He made me smile every time I saw him and as much as I hated to admit it, I really wanted there to be more than one date and more than one reason why he was taking me out.
    Finally, I heard a knock on the front door. Looking up at Emerson, I took a deep breath and smiled.
    Mrs. Roberts alerted, “Rennillia, Jackson is here.”
    I stepped into the living room and saw Jackson standing next to Mr. Roberts.
    Smiling wide, the second I caught his eye, he blurted, “Hey!”
    Walking towards him, I smiled back, saying, “Hi.”
    Mrs. Roberts and Emerson left the room. Mr. Roberts remained between Jackson and I.
    Mr. Roberts focused his attention on Jackson as he stated, “I realize I am not Rennillia’s father, however, you are picking her up from my care. I expect you to treat her with respect and return her to her home no later than twelve. Do we understand each other, Jackson?”
    With a sincere expression Jackson replied, “Yes sir.”
    Walking past me with a slight smile, Mr. Roberts said, “Have a nice time,” as he headed into the kitchen.
    Then we were alone in the living room.
    Taking turns smiling at each other, it took us a little while to actually leave. Jackson opened the front door for me. He placed his arm around my shoulders as we walked out to his truck.
    “I like your truck,” I said, trying to break the nervous silence.
    Leaning very close before he opened the door for me, Jackson shared, “I like you.”
    I couldn’t help smiling as I climbed in.
    Pulling away from the Roberts’ house, Jackson asked, “Where would you like to go?”
    Shrugging, I replied, “Wherever you wanna take me.”
    Jackson smiled wide as he said, “I think we should go to dinner first.”
    With a slight nod I thought, ‘did he really just say that?’ I quickly answered myself, ‘yes he did’. Still not quite use to him, that was how Jackson was. Often inappropriate, his funny and cheerful disposition made up for it.
    “This place okay?” he asked, pulling up to the valet.
    With complete and total surprise, I said, “Umm… Sure.”
    The valet opened the door for me and I watched Jackson grab a suit jacket and a tie from behind the seat. Quickly putting them on, he walked over to me. Thinking ‘well aren’t you full of surprises’ I wished I had worn heels. Doing the next best thing, I slipped off my little sweater even though it was chilly out.
    As we walked to the restaurant door, Jackson leaned close whispering, “Damn, are you trying to kill me?” with a huge grin.
    Rolling my eyes, I shook my head at him and smiled.
    Apparently Jackson’s question of what to do was simply out of courtesy. Clearly, he had the evening already planned out; since it turned out he made reservations at a restaurant. We were quickly seated at a little table for two in the corner. I started to take my seat across the table from him when he pulled my chair right next to his and motioned for me to sit. We were so close together, it was hard to keep from brushing against him. Looking down at my menu, I hadn’t realized I was wiggling my fingers against it.
    “Are you nervous?” he asked.
    Keeping my eyes fixed on the menu, I admitted, “A little.”
    I could hear the smile in his voice as he