“Come in here.”
I go in to see two dresses lying on the bed. One of them is definitely not mine.
“I brought it from my closet in case you were out of options.”
The dress she picked that belongs to me is blue with a low-cut neckline and a wraparound style. It's cute but not a dress I ever wear. The other is her dress, of course. It's a very pretty dress but it looks more like Lila than something I would wear. It's a red shift that hangs low with a scoop neck in the front and it's short. It’s really, really short.
“I don't think I can show that much leg.” I reach toward the blue dress going for comfort.
“You’ve got amazing legs. Why not show them off? You’re the only one who doesn’t think you can handle this dress. Why not go bold?” Lila picks it up and holds it against her.
“B-because, I just can’t.”
Lila laughs. “That’s an awesome reason. What were you thinking of going with?”
I pull out my little black dress. It's simple and covers up everything while still being fitted. “This little number.” I wiggle it a bit in front of her.
“You're not going to a funeral Ada. You’re going to have a dinner with a sexy man you are thinking about giving your virginity to.”
“Well, then it would be my virginity's funeral.”
“Ada you are crazy.” She says it but she's laughing at my comment.
“I know that's why I was pairing it with these bright yellow pumps and cardigan.” I point to the shoes I tripped over earlier.
“Oh, a cardigan.” She mocks me. “How hot. It’s 2018, not 1800. You’re a modern day single woman that’s a brilliant teacher and fantastic singer. Not a spinster schoolmarm.”
I frown at the image that conjures in my head. “I have to be comfortable Lila or I’ll be miserable,” I tell her grabbing the item in question from the closet. “I think it pulls it all together. I don’t look like I’m Amish.”
“Your words, not mine. I never said Amish.”
“Come on, I like this. Be my friend.”
Okay, you can lead a horse to water and all that,” Lila holds up her hands as if she’s giving up.
I smirk at her knowing she disapproves of the outfit. “Look, I look okay right. Not trying too hard, which is also important to me for tonight.”
“What exactly is your goal here? Revenge for a jerk who never called? Living out some high school fantasy you always had? Or a business dinner?”
“I don’t really know what I’m doing if I’m being honest. Thanks for your input.” I point to my back to get her to help me zip up not feeling bad for my sarcasm at all.
“I just don’t want you to get hurt again. I didn’t realize you were still hung up on Charlie or I might not have suggested this whole thing to Thomas. It was so long ago.”
“It wasn’t that long ago,” I pout “How is that going with Thomas?” I ask. I need to change the subject because the more I think about the high school crush thing, the more anxious and nervous I get. I’m a grown ass woman. My nerves are ridiculous.
Unfortunately, Lila knows what I’m doing. “Don’t change the subject, but really well thank you for asking. He’s a nice guy. I think you and Charlie could really be huge singing together and help Thomas too. Your voice is amazing and you wouldn’t be on the stage alone. You would have Charlie to rely on. You deserve the world.”
“I’m considering it, I just have to get past tonight. Also, I wasn’t hung up on him. Just seeing him again has brought it all back.”
“Okay,” Lila looks me up and down thoughtfully. “Do you need some sex tips?”
“No! I’m mean, it’s not going to happen. And I’ve seen things. I mean I know what to do, and if I don’t I’m sure he does.” I actually feel my face turning red as my cheeks burn.
“You’re right, that fine man probably has some amazing moves. And you’re grown and you know what you’re doing,” she says as she gets up and moves to the door. “Call me after and tell me everything.”
“I will, and thank you.” I give her a big hug and send her on her way.
She stops before she gets completely out of the apartment and turns around. Her face shows she’s about to get serious. “Has Jimmy been calling?”