Page 28 of My Totally Unfair Deal

“They probably won’t. I’ll call the airport and handle it,” I say. “Is that all?”

“I didn’t pack any clothes in my carry-on, so I literally have nothing to wear.

Unless you expect me to walk around naked for the next few days.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time…”

I walk over to my dresser and pull out a stack of plain gray T-shirts and matching briefs.

She eyes them like they’re poisonous.

“I’ll have your clothes back by this weekend.” I press the pile into her hands.

“Okay.” She leaves the suitcase where it is and disappears down the hall.

I assume that’s the end of it—until she shows up in my doorway again, moments later.

Wearing my clothes.

And the pink stilettos I completely forgot about.

“Why didn’t you buckle the backs of the shoes?” I ask.

“I was thinking I should cut that part off,” she says. “Unless I’m allowed to wear socks with them?”

“Absolutely not.” I shake my head. “Buckle them. Now.”

She hesitates.

So I kneel and fasten them for her, letting my fingers linger on her skin longer than necessary.

“Okay,” I say, standing again. “Whenever you’re not asleep or eating, you wear heels. No exceptions.”

“But—”

“It’s the only way you’re going to learn, since you’ve somehow made it through life without ever wearing a pair.” I nod at the floor. “Walk. Let’s see what we’re working with.”

She hesitates, then takes a single step—almost toppling into a chair before steadying herself.

Like a toddler taking her first steps, she stretches her arms for balance and wobbles with every movement.

Jesus Christ…

“Okay, okay, this isn’tthatbad.” She grins and leans against the wall. “I don’t lookthatterrible, right?”

‘Terrible’ would be generous.

“Do it again,” is all I say.

She takes five shaky steps. Then seven.

Just when it looks like she might actually make it across the floor?—

She face-plants.

FOURTEEN

ELIZA

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