Page 60 of Fostering Chemistry
“Lucas told the guys how much I like thrifting, so a couple weeks ago we all drove down to Atlanta and spent the weekend. I went to a lot of thrift shops, and I found the most gorgeous dresses.”
A gleam came into Tori’s eye. “Did you know that, given proper motivation, you can fit four people in a dressing room?”
I laughed, not sure whether to be impressed, shocked, or jealous.
Maybe all three.
Tori hurried on. “I looked up the reception hall where Aaron's grandparents’ thing is, and it's really fancy. There’s a ballroom, a courtyard, a stage, the works. They host a lot of weddings there.”
“Wait, you looked it up?”
“Yes. It's a big event. You haven't?”
“No.”
“So a hot dude is taking you to some big, formal affair with his whole family, and you haven't even done a little cyberstalking?” Tori sounded incredulous.
“It hadn't occurred to me. I like getting to know people by, you know, getting to know them.” My voice was a tad defensive, but now I really wanted to look the venue up.
“Yes, but if you're going to an event like this, you should know what you're walking into. Are you going to wear your hair up or down?”
I ran a finger over my waves. “Down, I guess. It really just does this. You saw my attempt to put it in a bun on Halloween.”
“Yeah, that didn't last very long, but I really think you need to go for an updo.”
“I don't know how to do that.”
“I'm sure you can figure it out,” she said, with maddening tranquility. “The internet’s not just for cyberstalking and watching shirtless chefs. There are hundreds of tutorials on hairstyles and updos.”
“Excuse me, not all of us can look perfect just by putting our hair back in a ponytail. It's more difficult for the rest of us.” I’d alwaysenvied Tori’s sleek dark hair. It would take me years to grow mine that long.
“Well, look into it. Maybe you’ll find something that works for wavy hair.”
Suddenly, a thought hit. “Do you think I need to have my hair dyed?”
“Why?”
“Well, I mean, I got these red highlights over the summer, but they’re fading a bit now.”
“No, I think it's fine. Just, you know, make it look all fancy.”
I rolled my eyes. That was a lot easier said than done.
Tori reached up and pushed some hangers aside. “These are the three dresses I think might fit you and the occasion.”
She held up one that was only attached to the hanger by the thinnest of spaghetti straps. It was kind of a blend of gold and silver, and it shimmered when it moved. The neckline was draped so low it looked less like a dress and more like a skirt designed to go around the waist.
She put it back on the rack and held up another dress. “You can't go wrong with a little black dress. It’s classic for a reason.”
“But isn't that, like, a cocktail dress?” I only knew that because I'd seen one in a movie.
“Yeah, it’s probably best to have something floor-length with a high slit so you can drive Aaron crazy when your leg slips through it.”
“We're going as friends.”
“Friends don't dress up like that. He'll likely be in a tux.”
“Really? Damn. This is really starting to feel like it’s out of my league.”
