Page 45 of The Player Penalty
“Innocence,” Sarah says with apparent agreement. “It will drive him crazy, and I’d like to see that.”
“Drive who crazy?” I ask.
“Well, Julian, of course,” she answers. “You’re the opposite of his usual type, and he does not know what to do with that.”
Maddie chimes in to add her agreement. “He’s protective of you.”
“Plus, he enjoys reminding everyone he’s ten years younger,” Sarah says.
“He’s right, though. I am younger. We’re friends.” The fact that our one incident was immediately followed up with a rejection is proof enough of that.
Dr. Lambert said wanting a relationship or going on dates is normal. I’ve let those comments float around in my head for weeks now, trying to decide what they mean. I have a job at Horizons Academy that might grow over the summer. My ability to keep up and manage is, well, it’s managed. I’m not messy; I’m creating friendships and keeping up with school. It’s normal for me to want more, isn’t it?
“You’ll want to ignore him tonight, obviously.” Sarah pulls three dresses from her closet and begins inspecting them. One, with long sleeves and a high neckline, goes right back in the rack. “Julian won’t be able to handle that, either.”
“He’s used to easier pursuits,” Maddie explains. “That, and very defined boundaries.”
We don’t have that. “Yes, but Matteo will be there,” I blurt and immediately feel foolish. Julian claimed he was interested, and Matteo did say he looked forward to seeing me again. It wasn’t a statement given for politeness’ sake, either.
“Perfect,” says Sarah. She holds the remaining two dresses up against me. “Flirt with him.”
“I don’t know how.”
“That’s even better,” she goes on. “We can coach you on that.”
Are they making fun of me? I deflate at the idea. My request for Sarah’s help tonight was supposed to be limited to clothes and makeup. She immediately grew excited, and I took it as another sign of our growing friendship.
Maddie puts a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll help you. You’ll look gorgeous tonight, and trust me, the right dress is almost the same as a spell. You’ll feel different in it, and that makes everything else seem easier. It certainly worked for me.”
“I’ll bet you felt extra different out of it,” Sarah says dryly before shoving another dress on me. “Let’s go with this one. It has no sleeves and a short skirt. Plus, it’s casual more than formal, and the skirt is wide enough to flow around your legs. It says spring, which is even better. Can you try it?”
I’ve never changed in front of anyone before. Growing up, Dad always trusted my judgment when it came to new clothes since he had even less idea than I did. There’s never been friends to shop or spend the night with.
I swallow, telling myself not to be afraid of something so small. The two already averted their eyes, and I genuinely enjoyed their company.
“What’s so special about spring?” I struggle with the zipper, and Sarah helps me finish.
“Spring is when the babies get made,” Maddie explains. “Jake is rubbing off on her, so you should probably ignore everything she says.”
She means sex.
Both of them step back to better inspect me.
“The skirt will show off a lot of leg,” Sarah says. “I can alter the chest here, give it a better fit. Okay, take it off.”
“You sew?” I ask.
“It’s my sole domestic talent,” she says. “I can’t cook or bake. You saw my crochet skills. Knitting would probably be a nightmare. Dress alterations, though? I’m great at those.”
“I’ll start on the makeup,” says Maddie. “Innocent, to match the white.”
“Aren’t you attending Matteo’s race? I thought that was tonight.”
“It is.” Maddie’s expression makes clear her lack of interest. “We’re meeting them after. Did you want to go?”
To a dirt track in a white dress? “Not particularly.”
“Me either.”
