When Jackson saw my message, he wondered what I wanted to discuss. He decided to meet up with me to find out.
The next day, we met at a coffee shop. I took a deep breath and told him how I felt.
"Jackson, I have to be honest with you. I've developed feelings for you. I know you said you're not ready for a relationship, but I can't help how I feel."
Jackson looked taken aback. "Cecilia, I...I don't know what to say. I care about you too, but I'm just not ready."
I nodded, trying not to show my disappointment. But then I had an idea.
"Okay, I understand. But I have a proposal for you. Why don't we date for a year, just to see where things go? It can be like a contract, a business arrangement."
Jackson raised an eyebrow. "A contract?"
"Yes, think about it. You're a businessman, you understand the value of taking risks and trying new things. And who knows, you might find that you're ready for a relationship after all."
Jackson hesitated, clearly taken aback by my suggestion.
"I don't know, Cecilia. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that."
I leaned in, trying to persuade him.
"Come on, Jackson. It'll be fun. And who knows, you might just find that you fall in love with me."
Jackson smiled wryly. "You're a tough negotiator, I'll give you that. But okay, fine. One year, and we'll reassess. But if I still don't feel ready, you have to promise to walk away."
I grinned, feeling a sense of triumph.
"Deal!"
"Are you sure you don't need to think about it" 
"I don't need to think about it, Jackson. I just want to spend time with you and see where things go. And who knows, maybe you'll fall in love with me."
Jackson smiled, looking intrigued. "You're a mysterious one, Cecilia. I like that. Okay, deal. One year, and we'll see where this takes us."
I grinned, feeling a sense of excitement. "Great! I'll draw up the contract and we can sign it tomorrow."
Jackson chuckled. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"
I nodded. "Absolutely. I want to make the most of this year, and I want to spend it with you."
The next day, I drew up a simple contract outlining the terms of our agreement. Jackson raised an eyebrow as he read through it, but he couldn't help smiling at my seriousness.
"Article 3, Section 2: We agree to go on at least two dates per week," he read aloud, chuckling. "You're really thinking of everything, aren't you?"
I nodded, trying to look stern. "I just want to make sure we're on the same page."
Jackson signed the contract with a flourish, and I did the same. We exchanged copies, and then he took my hand again.
"So, when's our first date?" he asked, looking at me with a sparkle in his eye.
I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. "How about tonight?"
Jackson grinned. "I'll pick you up at 7."
And with that, our year-long adventure began.
As I was deliberating on what to wear, my mother walked into my room, a look of surprise on her face. "Cecilia, what's going on? You're putting on makeup!"
I blushed, feeling a little self-conscious. "Mom, I...I have a date tonight."
My mother's eyes widened. "A date? With who?"
I took a deep breath. "His name is Jackson. We've been talking for a while, and...and we're officially dating now."
My mother's expression changed from surprise to excitement. "Oh, Cecilia! I'm so happy for you! Tell me more about him."
I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "He's great, Mom. He's kind and funny and...and really cute."
My mother laughed. "I'm sure he is. Okay, let me help you with that dress. What were you thinking of wearing?"
I showed her the two dresses I had narrowed it down to, and she immediately picked the red one. "This one, definitely. It brings out the color in your eyes."
As we chatted and laughed, my mother helped me get ready, doing my hair and giving me last-minute makeup tips. It felt like old times, when I was younger and she would help me get ready for school dances.
"Mom, do you think I'm doing the right thing?" I asked, feeling a little uncertain.
My mother stopped what she was doing and looked at me seriously. "Cecilia, I think you're old enough to make your own decisions. But from what you've told me, Jackson sounds like a great guy. Just be yourself and have fun, okay?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Okay, Mom. Thanks."
As I finished getting ready, my mother gave me a hug. "You look beautiful, sweetie. Have a great time tonight."
I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness as I headed out the door. "Thanks, Mom. I'll be back later."
"Be safe, and don't forget to text me when you get there," she called out after me.
I nodded, already halfway out the door. "I will, Mom. Bye!"
As I walked to the car, I saw Jackson waiting for me, looking handsome in his dark jeans and white shirt. He smiled when he saw me, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Hey, you look amazing," he said, opening the car door for me.
I blushed, feeling a little shy. "Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."
We drove to the restaurant, chatting and laughing like we always did. But there was something different about tonight, something that felt more special.
As we sat down at our table, Jackson reached across and took my hand. "I'm really glad we're doing this, Cecilia," he said, looking into my eyes.
I smiled, feeling my heart flutter. "Me too, Jackson. Me too."
And as we ordered our food and continued talking, I knew that this was just the beginning of something special. Something that would change my life forever.
JACKSON POINT OF VIEW
As I looked at Cecilia across the table, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was excited to finally be dating, to have someone special in my life. But at the same time, I felt weird. Like, why was I worthy of her attention?
I mean, she was young, beautiful, and smart. She could have dated anyone in her school, anyone her own age. But she chose me. A older guy, with baggage and scars. Why?
I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present moment. We were laughing and joking, enjoying each other's company. But the doubts lingered in the back of my mind.
As we finished our meal and prepared to leave, I reached across the table and took her hand. "Hey, can I ask you something?" I said, looking into her eyes.
"Of course, what is it?" she replied, her smile faltering for a moment.
"Why me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you choose me, when you could have had anyone else?"
Cecilia's expression softened, and she squeezed my hand. "I chose you, Jackson, because you're kind and genuine. Because you make me feel seen and heard in a way no one else ever has."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at her. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. No one had ever made me feel so...wanted.
"Thank you," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. "That means more to me than you'll ever know."