Page 36 of Stick Handled

“What’s tonight?” I furrow my brows, lifting the sandwich Rowan made.

“We’re going to a club,” she announces with a determined look.

“No.” I shake my head, laughing nervously. “No clubs.”

“Yes, clubs.” Sarah rolls her eyes, hands on her hips. “You’ve been cooped up here for way too long. You either come willingly, or I’ll use Damien’s tactic and blackmail you.”

“Ugh. What would I even wear? I don’t have anything particularly ‘club-worthy.’” I hesitate, glancing down at my sweater and shorts.

Sarah’s face lights up as if she’s been waiting for this moment. “Lucky for you, I have an entire section of my closet that screams ‘club-worthy.’ I’ll find something for you.”

“Or we can just chill here,” I suggest with a mouth full of food.

“No way.” She shakes her head. “You’re a big girl now. You can handle a little sweaty dancing. We’ll go get a few outfits from my place and will get you looking like the smoke show we all know you are.”

After what feels like hours of trying on sparkly dresses that Sarah brought, she holds up one last option, which is a sleek, backless black jumpsuit with wide sleeves and a deep V-neckline. I stare at it, wide-eyed, as she grins.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she says before I can even get a word out. “But trust me. Just put it on.”

With a sigh, I grab the jumpsuit and head to the bathroom to change. I slip it on and adjust the fabric, smoothing out the silky material over my hips. When I finally turn to the mirror, my eyebrows hitch.

The jumpsuit fits perfectly, the fabric draping elegantly over my frame, the open back giving it an edgy, bold look. I feel… different—confident. Almost like someone else.

I walk out to find Sarah waiting with a satisfied grin. “Well? Told you so.”

I look down, feeling my cheeks heat as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I don’t even recognize myself.”

“Exactly! That’s the point. Just wait until you see how people look at you tonight.” Sarah claps her hands together, bouncing on her toes.

After letting Sarah style my hair and makeup, I truly don’t recognize the person starting at me in the mirror. It’s not a bad change; it just feels so different than the look I usually go for. Black smoky eyeshadow, red lipstick, high heels…

“We take a shot every time I trip with these heels,” I say flatly as I wobble to the door, getting used to the feel of them.

“We take a shot every time a man’s head turns to look at you,” she corrects and taps me lightly on the butt as we walk out of my room.

When we make our way downstairs, Rowan immediately looks up from his phone. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, his mouth parting slightly as he takes me in. It’s hard to miss the glint of pride and amusement in his eyes.

“Avery,” he says, his voice laced with a chuckle. “You look…” He turns to Sarah, “Is this your doing?”

“That’s it. I’m changing,” I blurt out and begin to turn.

“No, no,” Rowan calls out, stopping me. “You look incredible,” he adds. “I mean it. I’ve never seen you in something like this. It just caught me by surprise. It looks really good.”

“Thank you.” I shift from foot to foot, feeling a bit ridiculous.

“We’re going to Soho,” Sarah cuts in, a pleased smile on her face.

“Soho?” Rowan’s grin grows, and he gives Sarah an approving nod. “You look wonderful,” he assures me again as he tries and fails to hide his pleased grin.

“Thanks.” I clear my throat, trying to keep the nerves under control. I already want to go home, and we’re not even out yet. “We’ll just grab an Uber or something when we’re ready to come back.”

“No way,” Rowan shakes his head, dismissing the idea. “I’ll pick you up when you’re ready. Just call me.”

“We might come home late,” I protest.

“And I’ll be the one to pick you up.” He nods.

“Okay,” I breathe out, knowing he won’t have it any other way. “Thanks.”

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