Page 67 of The Devastation You Reap

I have no idea what I should be wearing. My experience with real dates followed by college parties are lacking to say the least. I wanted something… classy but cute, sexy maybe, if I can even pull that off.

Blowing out a long breath, I run my hands over the soft black fabric of the flared skirt that stops just above my knee.

Yeah, maybe it's too cute.

I twist and turn not really knowing what I think about everything when a knock on my door cuts through the sound of the music.

"Come in."

"Hey, how are you— That's cute," Charlie says, running her eyes over the dress.

"Yeah. That’s what I was afraid of."

"Want some help?" she asks, slipping into the room and closing the door behind her.

The image of her and her friend's shocked faces when I turned up last night with Leon in tow fills my mind and I narrow my eyes at her suspiciously.

"Nate said you've got a date then a party."

"Y-yeah," I stutter as she walks toward me, assessing my outfit.

"This is cute, but I think we can do better. Really blow his socks off, you know?"

"Y-you want to help me get ready?"

Charlie and I might be friends, albeit the most unlikely ones, but I can't help questioning her intentions right now.

"Yeah."

"Why?" I regret the question the second it falls from my lips and her brow crinkles.

"I know this is weird, and yes, I can't deny that I'm shocked about the two of you but I still want you to enjoy yourself, look your best. You deserve to have some fun. You always work so hard."

I hold her eyes, trying to decipher if she's being honest, but finding nothing other than her wanting to help me, I find myself agreeing.

"Okay."

"Awesome. Wait right here."

Before I know what's happening she's gone once more, leaving me standing in the middle of my room even more confused.

"Okay," she says, a couple of minutes later reappearing with a dress hanging over her arm and her giant makeup box in her hand. "This is perfect for you."

"Uh…" I watch her, dread settling in my stomach because I know the kinds of dresses she wears on a regular night out and they're not the kind of things I want anywhere near me.

"Trust me." She throws the fabric at me. "Go try it on."

"O-okay." I take it from her and disappear into my bathroom.

I strip out of my dress and pull her much more fitted one up my body.

It is more revealing but to my surprise, it's not slutty or overly tiny. It just hugs my body in a way the one I chose didn't and I can't deny that when I look in the mirror, a little thrill races through me because I actually look good. Really good.

The black bodycon dress isn't one I ever would have picked out for myself, but I'm starting to question why not because I look… hot.

Gathering up my other dress, I step out into my room.

"Yes," Charlie cries. "Yes. Yes. Yes. Tell me you love it."