Chapter 37

Lilly
Anna is up in my room helping me get dressed. Goof is taking me out to dinner. He said it is good for me to get out of the club for things other than rehearsals and doctor’s appointments. I was a little concerned how Tank would feel about it so I asked him. He told me he knows it is just a friendly outing and he trusted me. He told me to have a good time. He said he would see me when I got back. I like Goof. He is a good friend so I’m going to do what Tank said. And have fun. Anna just finished my hair leaving it down and she curled it. She helped me put on my dress. She chose a red summer dress with spaghetti straps. I’m wearing flats instead of heels tonight. Anna says she doesn’t want me wearing heels until the night of the concert. I’m not going to argue. By the end of the night my feet are killing me when I wear heels. That is why I don’t do it often. Anna fbunny that has their attention. Someone grabs my hand then I smell him “ You look beautiful sweetheart.” he says. I motion for him to come closer. I kiss his cheek “ Thank you Tank. Anna finishes putting the last touches on my make up and says “ Little bit you are ready to go.” I stand and thank Anna with a hug. “ I’m going to help you down.” she says.

Anna lets me use the wall to guide myself down the steps but stays close just in case. I have been lucky. I haven’t had any falls but having someone close is reassuring. When I got to the bottom of the stairs I heard whistles and someone yelled ‘ Looking good.’ but I don’t pay attention. Probably some ure you are ok with this?” I ask. “ I promise sweetheart. I’m ok. I know who’s girl you are.” Tank says. I smirk “ And who’s girl am I?” I ask. I know the answer. I just want to hear him say it. He wraps his arm around my waist pulling me to him. “ Mine, Lilly. You are my girl.” He says. “ Good answer.” I told him. “ The only answer. Come on, Goof is waiting.” Tank takes me over to Goof. “ You look very pretty, Lilly.” “ Thank you Goof. Shall we go?” I ask. “ Remember, prospect. Take good care of her. And you are both to be back here in two hours.” Tank says. “ I’ll take care of her. You have my word.” Goof says. Tank kissed me on my forehead and said “ Enjoy dinner sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”

Goof helps me in the truck then we are off.” So where are we going, Goof?” “ There is this great steak place about thirty minutes from here that I think you will like,” he says. I’m suddenly nervous. I can’t read a menu. I can barely cut my own food. I’m twisting my fingers trying to figure out how to explain this to Goof. I feel a hand on mine. “ Don’t be nervous Lilly. I wouldn’t take you anywhere you might be uncomfortable. I will be there to help you. I wouldn’t take you anywhere you might feel uncomfortable.” I know this. Goof has always taken good care of. And he has been there for me even before my accident.

We arrive at the restaurant and as soon as we get in I’m assaulted with some very delicious smells. My mouth begins to water and my stomach rumbles. Goof leads me to the table and helps me sit down. A waitress comes over to take out drink orders. Goof orders a sweet tea and I decide on a soda. “ Let’s see what we have here.” Goof says and precedes to read off every item on the menu.The waitress brings our drinks back and asks if we are ready to order. “ I’ll have the T-bone with fries and coleslaw. The lady will have the surf and turf with popcorn shrimp, Cesar salad and fries.” Goof says. No he didn’t assume that’s what I wanted. I told him and he ordered for me. When the waitress left, Goof moved my drink to right in front of me.
While we waited for our dinners we talked about the upcoming concert, my surgery, the guide dog. We talked about how he liked being a prospect. I never knew there were so many things that go into being a prospect. Like they have to be a prospect for a year before they are even considered for a patch.When our dinners arrived he told me where my items were and helped guide me so I could cut my steak but didn’t do it for me. About halfway through dinner I asked him” Goof what is the best part about being a prospect?” He is silent for a minute and I am worried I may have overstepped. “ Well there is knowing that once I have proved my loyalty and commitment to the club I will get my patch. But being your guard and getting to know you.” he says. “ Aww Goof that is so sweet.” “ I just call it how I see it.” It was nice to just sit and talk to Goof. I realized we have never actually just talked. I like it and I’m going to make a point to do it more often.

After dinner Goof takes me back to the clubhouse. Before he gets out he says “ Lilly could you give me your hand.” I hold out my hand to him. I feel him place something in my hand. “ I got this for you. It is a bracelet. Go ahead and feel it.” I run my finger along it to feel the rope-like design. I even feel charms on it. “ It is gold. And the charms represent the things that are important to you. I know it is really late. I’m sorry I didn’t know.” He takes the bracelet out of my hand and wraps it around my wrist to fasten it. “ Happy Birthday, Lilly.” I can’t help it. I’m crying but they are happy tears. “ Goof this is the best birthday I have had since I lost my parents. I don’t care that it is late.” I dive to hug him. “ Thank you for making this day wonderful.”