She checks the tag. “It’s a ten.”
My eyes bug out. I want to scream at her, I told her my size. It’s not going to do any good. I’m already wearing the damn dress.
Olivia raps on the door. “You’ve been in there forever. Let’s have a look.”
Without thinking, the sales lady opens the door. I pull the hem down, but it doesn’t do me any good.
“Well, you definitely won’t be able to wear underwear with it, but other than that, you look perfect in it.”
I’m lost for words—is she blind? I shake my head. She’s not blind, Kate—you dummy—she’s playing with you. “You think so? I do like it.” I turn a couple times in the mirror, pretending to admire myself, but my eyes go straight to my ass, hanging out of it.
“Yes, it gives you a beautiful, virginal look.”
Really, because the only word that comes to my mind is skank.
“In fact, you look so lovely, this dress is my treat.”
“That’s so nice of you,” I say through my teeth, “but it’s too much.”
“Don’t argue, Kate, it’s as good as done.” She swings the door closed, walking away.
I turn to the salesclerk. “You had better have a size twelve, and it’s your job to make sure she doesn’t notice.” The girl cowers, like a little scared mouse. Oh sheesh, I feel bad but you’d think working with customers like Olivia, she’d have a tougher skin.
“I’m sorry, just make sure it’s the right size.” She stops shaking and tries to smile. “Here, help me get this thing off.”
Driving with Olivia is almost worse than riding a roller coaster. We zip down across Las Vegas Boulevard, to The Paris Las Vegas hotel and eat lunch at their Sidewalk Cafe.
“Now, Kitty Kat.”
I’m going to wring Olivia’s neck if she calls me that one more time.
“Tell me all about yourself.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Well, how about school? Did you go?”
“Yes, I have a master’s in fine arts, with an emphasis in antiquities.”
Olivia doesn’t see this coming. Apparently, she thinks I’m a moron.
“Well, isn’t that lovely.”
I certainly think so.
“Thanks, I want to work for an auction house. I wouldn’t even mind being an appraiser for an insurance company. What about you, Olivia? How do you spend your days?”
“Well, here in Las Vegas, there is always something to do.”
That’s it, that’s all I get. There is a lot to do.
Lunch is barely manageable. I have to keep pinching my thigh, so I don’t say something completely rude and ruin thenicetime. Which is far from nice. Thankfully, after lunch, she heads back to Prescott Upper House.
“Kate, we will have lunch again tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at 11:30.”
“Um…sure, I guess.”
“Let me see your phone.”