Page 28 of Shock to the Heart

"Sure!"

There are so many things to love about Electra. But her ability to hold a flashlight perfectly might be the crowning glory. Because it truly proves she is the light of my life.

17

ELECTRA

Even though the job itself wasn't very exciting, it was wonderful to have Trey introduce me as his girlfriend to his friend Nathan. I also liked helping him out, since Trey assisted me so much with the recording.

Once we're back out in the driveway, standing between my car and his van, he slips an arm around me. "Dinner?"

"Sounds great."

His lips meet mine in a soft, sensuous kiss. "We can go to my place if you like, and I can attempt to make you something. Or we could go out. You know…in public."

It takes me a moment to read his expression. "You're saying you want to make this all official?"

"Yeah, I do. But only when you're ready. It's your decision whether or not to go public with us, same as with your music."

Nodding, my mind spins. I desperately want this to be real. And to most people, a relationship becomes real when you tell your friends and family. He's already told his father, and this friend.

It's my turn.

Dad's right. Even though she drives me beyond bonkers sometimes, Mom can't be the last to know important information like this. "I'd love to have dinner anywhere you like. But first, I need to make a quick call."

"Sure."

I grab my phone. Just a few days ago, I'd have dreaded a conversation like this. The potential for drama. Mom's unknown reaction. Trey has made me feel so much steadier that now I'm not worried, just curious.

"Jones residence." Mom always uses what I call her 'glamor voice' to answer the landline at the house. As if it might be the president of the United States calling.

"Hey, Mom. Just wanted to let you know I won't be home for dinner tonight. I'm going out with Trey Harrison."

"Okay, honey." There's a slight pause, and I might hear Dad's voice in the background. "Wait – the electrician's son we ran into yesterday? The young man who fixed the studio?"

"Yes. We're dating now, and he's amazing. In fact, there's a slight chance I won't be home tonight at all, so don't worry, okay?"

There's a long pause. Either she's upset and is about to pitch a fit, or she's trying to think of a way to spin this to create publicity.

No matter which it is, I have Trey at my side, and everything's going to work out for us. Stepping closer to Trey, I hold the phone out so that he can hear her end of the conversation too. It'll save me from having to relay the conversation afterward.

There's a shuffling noise, as if Mom is covering the receiver. Then she whispers, "Electra, are you still on the pill?"

Trey's eyebrows fly up, and he presses his lips together to stifle a laugh.

"Yes."

A loud sigh of relief. "Okay. And this guy is sweet with you? You know a man is only worth your time if he's sweet with his woman."

My hand presses to Trey's chest and I smile into his eyes. "He's very sweet. He really listens to me." I take a deep breath. "And… We're not hiding this, but I also don't want you alerting the media, okay? We're private people and want to keep this relatively quiet."

"Will he come with you to the awards show next month? It would be so lovely to have you there with a date, sweetheart."

Trey is already nodding enthusiastically, making me grin. "We'll discuss that next week."

"Okay then, honey. Have a good night." She pauses. "Bring him by for dinner here soon so we can get to know him?"

"Yes."