Page 48 of Love Off Script

“That’s it? Change my shirt?” That couldn’t be all.

She said she was going to make me great. A different shirt wouldn’t do that—would it?

“Shy, Devon was right. You are amazing the way you are. But sometimes gray is sad. You need something happier—upbeat—flashy!” She jumped off the couch and rushed to her room. “Come on. I have the perfect top.”

I reluctantly followed and sat on her bed while I waited for her to fish something out of her closet.

“Found it!” She came out holding a white short-sleeved button-down shirt with shiny gold pinstripes.

“Well, I would be swimming in that since you’re so much taller than me.” The shirt was busy, but not as bad as some of her clothing.

“Will you relax? We’ll tie it up at the bottom and leave it open with a crop top under it. It will be perfect.”

“Yeah? You don’t think that would be showing too much skin?”

“No way. It will be hot. Trust me.” She held out the shirt, and I could tell she wouldn’t stop until I took it.

“Okay. I’ll try it on, but if I don’t like it, I have veto rights?” I wasn’t sure why I asked it as a question. Caz would have told me to be more assertive, but luckily, I didn’t need to be because Sonya agreed.

“Of course. I won’t let you leave here unhappy. Now put it on and let’s see.”

I was already wearing a black sports bra, so I removed my gray shirt and slid hers on. She came over and situated it before knotting the bottom and cuffing the sleeves. Then she tousled my hair and stepped back.

“Wow! Shy, you are a little hot shawty.” She laughed, but this time, it wasn’t directed at me.

I stared in the mirror. It had been so long since I had seen myself in anything other than a solid color that it took a second for my eyes to adjust, but I didn’t hate it. It seemed like something Caz could pull off, and maybe it would help me channel her energy.

“Should I put on makeup or something?” I sometimes wore eyeliner and lip gloss, but that was about it.

“No. You have gorgeous skin and don’t need to cover it with anything. Now, it’s getting close to two. Do you know what you’re going to say? You mentioned she asked you out. Where are you going?”

I stared blankly. “She didn’t say. It was more like, I get off at two—call me.”

“Then you better plan something. If you don’t, she might think it’s a hookup. Unless you want it to be that, then just text her.” She nudged me, but I brushed her off without a second thought.

“So, should I ask her to meet me somewhere? Ask to pick her up? Or give her options to choose what we do?” I realized this was the first time I had ever been in charge.

I hadn’t dated a lot, and most recently, it was Yoni, whose idea of going out meant coming to my place. She probably did that so she wouldn’t run into her other “partners.” But that didn’t matter anymore. This was a different situation, and I had to figure out what to do, but I was spiraling.

“Calm down.” Sonya’s voice cut through my mini-panic attack. “Be chill for like five seconds and let me think.”

I shouldn’t compare, but none of this would be an issue if Caz were here. She would probably have the date set up for me already. Maybe I should text her again.

“Okay. I got it.”

I set my phone down to listen, but she stopped talking. “What do you have?” I prompted.

“Shit, sorry. It drifted away before I could grab hold of it. Let me try again.”

I was so screwed right now, so I decided to text Caz.

Me: Hey, remember how we went over those date ideas? Which one do you think would be the best option?

I saw the thought dots for the first time this afternoon, and relief coursed through me. She would give me something I could use while Sonya stood over there grasping at the air, trying to “catch” an idea.

Caz: I’m back with Davia. Delete my number.

Davia? Was that the girl who had broken her heart? Why would she give her another chance? Why did I need to delete her number? Was our friendship over? The nausea returned, and I could feel the uncomfortable churning in my stomach. Why was this happening now?

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