Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
“Hey, something about you looks different. Did you get laid?” Krissy was studying my face over her bowl of cereal for nearly a full minute before coming up with her question. It was Saturday morning and for once she was up early enough for us to have breakfast together. She was still in her pajamas—cute boy shorts and a camisole—and her hair was pulled back in a sloppy ponytail, but she was still gorgeous.
“What?” I was understandably startled by her question. “You’re funny. How would I have gotten laid? It’s been over a year since my last date. I’m lucky to make a date with myself.”
“Wow, it’s been that long? We need to get you laid, girl. We’re going out tonight, no matter what you say. I won’t take no for an answer.” Krissy dropped her spoon with a serious expression on her face.
I sighed. “Wish I could go out. A fun night in town. I feel like I’ve been working and studying nonstop the last few months.”
“That’s probably because you have been working and studying nonstop the last six months or more,” Krissy said. “It’s not healthy, you know. A girl needs a break once in a while.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” I glanced down at myself and frowned. “Do I really look different?”
Krissy scanned me up and down, her eyes narrow as she focused. “I don’t know…something’s different about you. You look skinnier. Did you lose weight?”
“I guess I have lost a couple of pounds. I haven’t had much appetite lately.”
“Be careful. Don’t lose too much weight. I mean, you look great now, but I don’t want you to become one of those anorexic women who break like a matchstick in the wind.” Her words were vaguely teasing, but I could hear the undercurrent of genuine worry.
“Don’t worry. That will never happen.” I smiled. “So where are you going tonight?”
“Only the most exclusive event of the year.” Krissy squealed with excitement, her somber mood forgotten. “You absolutely must go with me, Carrie, no excuses.”
I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea, but it had been a long time since I’d had an actual night out. Could it really hurt to have a little bit of fun? Getting Gavin’s number had reminded me that I still could make a connection with a guy. And maybe a “connection” was what I needed to clear my head for the insane amount of work I had to do. I was definitely feeling like I was on the edge of burning out.
“Okay, okay, I’ll go out,” I agreed with a heavy sigh, as if it was the hardest thing I could do. No need to let Krissy know just how much I needed this. Any hint and she’d start pestering me to join her every weekend, and that would definitely not work.
“No, we’re not just going out,” Krissy corrected dramatically. “We are going to the opening of one of the hottest clubs in the city. Everyone is talking about it, and everyone is going to be there!”
I rolled my eyes at the intensity of her words. “I get it.” I loved her like a sister, but she could be such a drama queen sometimes. “Now, if I’m going to party with you tonight, I have to finish some work first.”
Krissy rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. That was good. I really did have an essay to write, and if I procrastinated, I’d never be able to enjoy myself that evening.
After having spent most of the morning and afternoon sweating over my assignment, I was relieved when I heard Krissy call out from the other side of my door.
“You better get ready soon. We’re leaving in an hour.”
I realized I had no idea what to wear. Sorting through my closet didn’t help. My work clothes had pretty much overtaken anything that might have been even the slightest bit dressy. Had it really been that long since I’d gone anywhere but to the office and work-related events?
I picked out a short black skirt, and paired it with a simple white blouse. It wasn’t anything special, but at least I didn’t look like a complete bore. When I walked out of my room, Krissy was waiting to greet me. She was dressed in a green ribbon. At least that was what it looked like. The material wound over the most intimate areas of Krissy’s body, leaving little to the imagination, and its rich color stood out boldly against her tanned skin.
“Wow,” I said, raising my eyebrows. That was new.
“Ugh,” Krissy replied as she looked over the outfit that I had chosen. “Did you think we were going to the library?” she asked and canted her head to the side curiously.
“No,” I snapped. “Just because I’m not wearing something that looks like it was used to tie the box the dress came in?—”
“Look, Carrie, this is an opening of a new club. I was invited by one of the investors. You can’t just walk in there looking like this. Someone might think you’re one of the bartenders!” She paused, then added, “Or, honestly, someone’s chaperone, because I think even the bartenders would be dressed hotter than that.”
I frowned as her gaze raked critically over my clothes. I would be the first to admit that it wasn’t the nicest outfit I’d ever worn. I guess I’d gotten out of the habit of picking out hot styles, and into the habit of spotting the best sales on professional suits.
“Is it that bad?” I asked. Had my fashion sense really taken that much of a dive? I’d never been quite as on top of things as Krissy, I admitted, but I had the feeling this was beyond that.
“Oh no, not really,” Krissy said in a kind tone. “It’s much, much worse.” She shook her head, a giggle escaping as she grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me into her room, toward her closet.
“Oh Krissy, I don’t know—” I started to say when she pulled out a tiny dark blue dress. It had thin straps over the shoulders, a V-neck and a form-fitting style that led down into a very short hemline. It looked more like a shirt than a dress.
“Put it on,” Krissy demanded. “Or I’m going to find some ribbon for you, too.”
“Do you think it will fit?” I frowned. I was fairly slender, but the dress looked so very tiny. How’m I supposed to wear this thing, I thought as I took it from her.
“The tighter the better,” Krissy smirked. “Now hurry up or we’re going to be late.”
I groaned, but carried the dress to my room to change. If I had to do some sort of embarrassing wiggles to get into it, I didn’t want an audience. It was a wise decision. It was so tight that the only way I was going to get out of this again was to have it cut or peeled from my body. I even had to break out my only thong to prevent a panty line. The dress was short too. It almost didn’t cover the tops of my thigh-highs, and I had a feeling I was going to spend most of the night making sure I didn’t flash my underwear at people. I twisted my haphazard curls up behind my head and applied my usual minimal amount of makeup. After a moment’s hesitation, I added some eyeliner to make my eyes seem larger, and a hint of mascara. When I stepped hesitantly out Krissy greeted me with applause.
“Gorgeous!” she declared, and then gave a mock frown. “Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. With you looking like that, who’s going to be looking at me?”
I grinned and gave her a hug, moving gingerly so that the dress didn’t unexpectedly rip. I hoped it was more durable than it looked. “Let’s get going because I have to get up earl?—”
“No!” Krissy interrupted firmly. “Tonight you’re all mine. We’re going to the hottest new club in town so don’t even think about calling it an early night.” She looked at me with her sternest expression.
“Okay, okay. I won’t. I promise. Tonight I’m all yours.” I couldn’t help but laugh as we almost stumbled down the stairs in our high heels. Yeah, a girls’ night out with the objective of meeting cute guys was sounding better and better.