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“Oh, that’s cute as hell,” Ricole says, and Ashley agrees with her.
“Next!” They both yell at the same time.
The next outfit is a blood-red spaghetti strap dress. It’s skin-tight but doesn’t show any cleavage and hugs down to my calves. Just the right amount of slutty and formal. I show them the dress, then show them a pair of black wedges to pair with it.
“Oh, Ilovethis one,” Ashley says. “Didn’t you wear that to Miguel and Angela’s wedding a year ago?”
“Yeah, I did. It’s the only time I’ve ever worn it,” I say.
“NEXT!” Ricole yells.
The last outfit is my favorite. The black long-sleeved shirt with a deep plunging neckline slides over my head. It’s snug, but the material is breathable and comfortable. Then, I grab the gray pleated skirt and pull it over my hips. It’s short and has a long bow that ties in the front, and it pleats out a little above mid-thigh. Once I’m wearing the white heels, I do a pirouette in front of my phone.
“Well, that’s the one,” Ashley says.
“Definitely,” Ricole agrees.
“Yay! I was hoping you’d say that because I love this skirt,” I squeal. “I’m going to wear a couple of silver rings, and that cute pendant necklace my mom got me for Christmas last year.”
Ashley and Ricole both gush over the outfit I chose, and we chat while I do my makeup. I settle on a gray smokey eye to match the skirt, sharp-winged eyeliner, and false eyelashes that make my eyes pop. I add bright red lipstick and highlighter to the corner of my eyes, nose, and cheekbones. Now that my makeup is done, the girls and I say our goodbyes, and I gather my stuff so I can leave.
I slip the top of my phone case off and slide my debit card and ID behind my phone before pushing the case back on. I go to grab my keys and walk out of my apartment. My phone buzzes with an incoming text.
HOLLY REEVES:
Did you hear about Shane?
ALANA MEYER:
Did he get a DUI? If so, I’m not surprised.
HOLLY REEVES:
No, dude. Someone attacked him. He’s in the hospital with a fractured skull, a brain bleed, and a ton of cracked ribs. They don’t know who did it.
ALANA MEYER:
Holy shit, that’s wild. We just saw him the other night.
The last time I saw Shane, Andreas kicked him out for being a pervy little shit.Andreas wouldn’t attack someone for that, right?I make a mental note to bring it up and see how he reacts, then slam my apartment door shut.
I open the door again and slam it harder to make sure it’s latched. I jiggle the handle and push on the door, noting that it doesn’t seem to have any trouble staying closed. I look down and see the deadbolt I ordered this morning.Fuck, I don’t have time to put it on right now. I’ll have to do it later.
* * *
The parking lot is full, and there are people mulling about everywhere. The building is stunning: a four-level red brick building with giant arched windows on the bottom level. Outside, there’s a patio area lined with lush trees and posh black wrought-iron patio furniture. Each table has a lime green umbrella blocking the sun. There are multiple businesses in the building, with the bar on the corner.
I ascend the stairs to the main entrance and am greeted by an amazing smell. I open the big glass door, and the scents get stronger. Something spicy makes my mouth water. The staff are all wearing black V-necks and black pants, and I take a minute to glance around. There’s beautiful mahogany wood flooring and long, shiny white granite tables surrounded by sleek high-top black chairs. The bar is also granite, and the same black chairs are pushed up against the rail. It’s busy, with only a few spots left open along the rail seating, and I don’t see Andreas yet.
The bartender nods at me when I snag a chair with an open seat beside it. The red-headed woman pouring a beer smiles at me and mouths, “I’ll be right with you.”
To save Andreas’ spot, I put my phone on the seat and grab a drink menu to figure out what I’m going to order. They have a full bar, so the sky’s the limit. I’ll probably get a vodka cran. I’m a creature of habit, after all.
The bartender approaches me and says, “Hi! My name is McKenna, and I’ll be taking care of you this evening. Can I please see your ID?”
I pull it out from under my phone case and pass it to her for her to look at.
She smiles and says, “Thanks! What would you like to drink?”
