She laughs again. “Don’t be a party pooper. This is going to be fun!”
“Says the girl who doesn’t have to be paraded around like some kind of trophy.”
* * *
“What about this one?”Tessa asks, holding up a pink gown that is simply stunning. Unfortunately, my father would shit a brick if I showed up in something so eye-catching. He is demanding my presence, but he really wants me seen as a background piece not to stand out in the crowd.
“I love it, but I need something more neutral. My dad would freak if I showed up in something like that.”
Tessa pouts, holding the dress up to her own body. “I love pink so much, but it clashes with my hair.”
I shrug. “Who cares what people think. If you like wearing pink, do it.”
She gives me an appraising look and puts the dress back on the rack. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should just dye my hair pink, then I would be able to wear pink whenever I want.”
Mel’s eyes widen at that declaration. “Ransom would flip.”
“Ha! Don’t give her any ideas. That right there is just daring her to do it,” Darlene says.
I don’t know enough about Ransom and Tessa’s relationship to comment, but I get the feeling Tessa would dye her hair just to goad the beast of a man.
“Maybe I will,” Tessa says almost flippantly.
Lord, help me, but this one is trouble. I can see a brat from a mile away, and this girl is one-hundred percent brat material. If her and Ransom ever do get together, he will have his work cut out for him.
“What about this one?” Darlene holds up a gold gown that has a split all the way up the leg.
“Now that is sexy,” Mel says with a blush.
I nod. “We can try it.” I pull a couple black dresses off the rack as well, and we head to the dressing room for the real torture.
I try the first black dress, and I look positively matronly. My father would love it. All three girls shake their heads no when I show them. The next dress is prettier, with delicate beading around the neckline, and gets mixed reviews from the girls.
“I like it, but it doesn’t feel like you,” Mel says.
Darlene agrees. “Try the gold!”
I slip into the gold dress, and it instantly feels more luxurious than the other two. I pull up the delicate zipper, then turn to look at myself in the mirror. The dress transforms me into a whole new person. I look like sex and feel like it too.
I absolutely can’t wear something like this to the fundraiser.
“That’s the one!” “That one!” “You look amazing!” The girls all talk at once as soon as I step out of the dressing room.
I shake my head. “This is too sexy. I’ll stand out.”
Darlene scoffs. “Who cares.”
“My dad, for one,” I quickly answer.
“Your dad can eat a dick,” she replies.
We all dissolve into giggles at that. I turn and take in my appearance in the mirror. The dress fits me like a second skin, accentuating my slight curves. The slit up the side makes my already long legs look like they go on for miles. I can imagine how my black heels would make them look even longer. This dress really is fabulous. I feel good in it. Beautiful even.
“Okay,” I say, making a rash decision. “This is the one.”
I quickly change and have the attendant check me out at the register so I don’t change my mind.
* * *