This could go two ways. Either I’m more confident—like the time in college when Sierra dressed me for a party and the star quarterback actually cornered me to talk the majority of the night—or it goes bad. Like Halloween of our junior year, when she convinced me to dress in a slutty nurse costume and I ended up getting a taxi home midway through the night because I couldn’t handle all the stares and inappropriate touches by asshole frat boys. Sometimes it’s a curse we’re the same size.
Sierra comes out with a stack of clothes on hangers. “Did he say what to wear?”
“Casual,” I say, shaking my head at her gown. “Let’s get back to reality here. I’m not dating a prince, so no need for an actual ballgown.”
Sierra laughs.
“Casual, so jeans?” Blanca asks.
I nod.
“But heels,” Sierra says, holding her finger up and diving back into her closet.
“I haven’t worn heels since I got dragged to that frat formal in college when you made me be Trey Longfield’s date because you were going with his best friend.”
Sierra comes out with a pair of black suede boots with a stiletto heel that will probably snap the first time I twist my ankle.
“Why can’t I wear my flats? That’s casual.”
Sierra blows out a breath and Blanca nibbles on the inside of her cheek.
“Come on, it will be fun to dress a little outside of your usual,” Blanca says. “Sierra promises not to go too crazy, right, Sierra?”
“Definitely. You’re gorgeous. We’re just upping the look a little because it’s a first date.”
I release a breath. Maybe a new look will give me more confidence. “Fine. But no crazy makeup. I’m not Sandy from Grease.”
They both laugh.
Sierra pretends to stomp out a cigarette and says, “Tell me about it, stud.”
Then she saunters back into the closet, and I succumb to her and Blanca’s suggestions.
Two hours later, I emerge from the bathroom. The girls jump off the bed.
“Are you ready?” Sierra asks.
I nod. I haven’t looked at myself in the full-length mirror yet, so I turn to check myself out. I’m wearing ripped tight jeans with a tight body suit. Somehow, I’m managing to walk in Sierra’s black boots that have an opening at the toes, but they make me about three inches taller.
They both look at me from behind through the mirror.
“I’m not sure. I’m super tall,” I say.
“Jax is huge. You’re fine,” Blanca says.
My hair is curled in long tendrils and my makeup is smokier and darker than I ever wear it, but my lipstick isn’t nearly as dark as I anticipated Sierra would go. All in all, I love the look. Not that I’d do this daily, which makes me feel as though I’m falsely advertising myself.
“Sierra!” Adrian’s voice booms through the apartment, and her eyes go huge.
“I’ll be right back,” she says and rushes out of the room.
“Let’s go before they start having sex while we’re still here and we end up stuck in this bedroom,” Blanca says, grabbing her purse off the bed.
I collect my stuff and we walk out of the bedroom. Sierra is attached to Adrian like a koala bear, casting kisses on every part of his face, his hands plastered to her ass.
He glances over her shoulder. “Ladies.”
“Hey, Adrian,” Blanca and I say in unison.
“We’ll be leaving the two of you alone,” I say.
Blanca slides by them to the front door.
“No. Wait.” Sierra slides down Adrian. “What do you think? Rian’s going out with Jax tonight.”
Adrian’s eyes roam over my body, but in a polite way, never stopping on any one part, even though my boobs are the first thing anyone would see when they look at me.
“Very nice. Jax?” he asks with a wrinkle on his forehead as he glances at Sierra.
“I’m escorting her across the street.” Blanca swings her arm through mine.
“Really it’s so I don’t break my ankle,” I say.
Blanca laughs, knowing I’m telling the truth.
“Have fun with… Jax?” Adrian says as though maybe he has the situations wrong.
“Thanks.” I smile.
Adrian slides out of his jacket and puts his phone on the wireless charger by the couch. I wonder what it’s like to go from country to country at least once a month.
Sierra pulls me into her body. “I want a detailed report tonight.”
“No need to call tonight, Rian.” All of us look at Adrian. “I’ve been gone for five days, babe.”
Sierra blushes. I love seeing that look on her face because she’s so smitten, more vulnerable and in touch with her feelings. “Oh, yeah. Tomorrow morning is fine.”
Adrian comes up behind her, his arms around her waist. “After eleven though.” He winks.
I smile at the two of them. So in love. Although I’m slightly jealous, I’m happy for my friends.
Blanca and I say our goodbyes and take the elevator down their expensive apartment building to the main floor. We’re out on the street and about to cross to our own apartment when we spot Dylan at the door of Ink Envy. He glances over then does a double-take.
“Hey, Dylan,” Blanca waves.
He stands there gawking. “Hey, you two,” he says, his voice sounding distant and far away.
We cross the street and I glance over my shoulder, but he’s walking into Ink Envy. I guess that’s all I’ll see of Dylan tonight.
Chapter Twelve
Rian
“I heard Frankie’s been gone and Dylan’s had to work extra shifts,” Blanca says once we’re in the elevator.
I nod. Of course she knows all this because of Ethan. “Yeah.”
“Okay, so let’s go over some things.” The elevator reaches our floor but she holds the door closed button.
“What?”
“First of all, he asked you out. Remember that. He wants to date you. Do not think he is at all above you in any way. You are at his level, got it?”
I nod.
“Good. I can’t stress this enough, Rian, and I would never lie to you—he’s the lucky one. Lucky to go on a date with you.”
I nod again.
“And if he tries anything funny, you get ahold of his wrists.” She grabs my wrists, forcing them down to my sides. “Dig your nails into the inside and thrust your knee as hard as you can into his balls.”
I laugh.
“I’m serious. You never know. Then you call me, and I’ll handle the rest.”
I stare at her little five-foot-two body and raise my eyebrows.
“Don’t underestimate me because I’m small. All my brothers are over six foot and I’ve had them on their knees, praying for mercy.” I laugh again, and even her lips tip up. “This last piece of advice is the most important part though.”
My shoulders fall. “What?”
“Have fun. Just enjoy him. Enjoy his flirting and flirt back. This is your night. Make the most of it.” She hugs me and sways us back and forth. The doors slowly open.
“Thanks, Blanca.”