Page 88 of The Surprise Play
I nod, trying to swallow the boulder in my throat, and inch a little closer to my closet.
All of my clothes are hanging up neatly or folded in the cubed shelving beside it. All I have to do is reach forward and take something out.
But what?
Biting into my lip, I start to jiggle on my feet, the urge to pee suddenly swamping me. This always happens when I’m nervous.
Running to the bathroom, I relieve myself before wrestling my underwear back on. I went for those super-tight pants that hold everything in. They’re like a modern-day corset, coming up to just below my bra line. Mom bought them for me for Cousin Leo’s wedding. I got lots of compliments from family on my dress that night, so it’s worth wearing them tonight, right?
It doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are.
Wriggling around, I snap the fabric into place along the top of my thighs, then rush back into my room when I hear a text come through.
Wily: Wear something warm. It’s cold out tonight.
I blink, frowning as I reply.
Where are we going?
I chew on my lip while I wait… and wait… and finally get a response.
Wily: It’s a surprise. See you in ten.
Checking my watch, I’m actually relieved he’s going to be a few minutes late because I amstill not dressed!
“Warm,” I murmur to myself, walking back to the closet and pulling out my one pair of baggy woolen pants. They come in at the waist, which works well for me tonight with this straitjacket underwear I’ve got on.
Pulling them up my legs, I brush down the fabric, checking my reflection and feeling pretty good about the choice. All I need now is a warm shirt and a sweater.
I throw on a plain, long-sleeved black thermal and then add my cable-knit sweater, tucking in the front part like I saw this pretty girl do once.
Tipping my head, I study the look, untuck it, then study it again.
I think I change my mind about… three hundred and thirteen times before Wily knocks on my door.
Expelling a soft gasp, I spin away from my reflection, my sweater haphazardly tucked into the front of my waistband and probably looking ridiculous. But I can’t leave Wily standing in the hallway.
With trembling hands, I turn the bolt and slowly open the door.
And there he is.
All tall and beautiful, in his jeans and winter coat, hisbroad body taking up the doorway as he grins down at me.
“Bought you flowers.” He holds out a colorful bouquet—cheerful reds, yellows, and oranges.
“Gerberas.” I smile, taking it from him and shaking my head in wonder. “You bought me flowers.”
“Of course I did.” He eases past me while I continue to stand there staring at this unexpected gift.
His body bumps against mine and he steadies me with his hand, gazing around my room before looking back at me. “This is a date, right?”
“Y-yeah. I just…” I let out a nervous, choking laugh and admit, “No one’s ever bought me flowers before.”
“Really?” Wily’s head jolts back like I’m outright lying. “Never?”
I shake my head, wondering why he’s so surprised.
“What about prom? You didn’t get a corsage or something?”
