Page 102 of Lovetown, USA
She leans to the left, nudging me playfully with her body. “Did you see it coming, the backlash? Is that why you’ve been lowkey warning me all this time?”
“It doesn’t matter why,” I say firmly. “I just don’t want…I don’t want you to get hurt, that’s all.”
Something shifts in her expression. She doesn’t press me, though. She just stares up at me, long enough that I feel the guilt gnawing at me again. It’s moved from my chest to the pit of my stomach.
I don’t know how much longer I can do this.
“By the way, I rented you a car,” I say, trying to break through the heaviness. “No more Ubers. I want you safe out here.”
Her face lights up. “Trey…” She shakes her head. “That’s so sweet.”
I let her embrace me, returning the gesture, holding her tight. But I don’t enjoy it. I can’t. Because the mess is too unruly now. I’m in too deep, and there’s no way I come out of this without losing something important to me.
34
Lane
I tilt my phoneup against a rack of sequined gowns and step back, angling the camera toward the mirror. “What about this one?” I ask, smoothing the dark green satin over my hips.
On the screen, Nadia squints. “Nope. Too funeral-y.”
“Not a word, but okay.”
She sips her iced coffee, staring critically like she’s sitting front row at fashion week. “Show me the next one.”
I duck back into the dressing room and squeeze myself into a deep red number. It hugs my curves, but the way the extra fabric drapes makes me feel like I’m drowning. But I step out anyway.
“This one?”
Nadia scrunches her nose. “Nah. Looks like you’re dressed up like the devil emoji.”
I burst out laughing, startling the saleswoman folding scarves nearby. “Alright, one more and then I’m just gonna pick one.”
The third dress is baby blue with a low neckline and a slit that makes me feel both dangerous and elegant. I turn slowly in front of the mirror, my pulse kicking up as I turn myself on.
Nadia leans closer to her screen, breaking into a wide grin. “That’s the one. Get it.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“Great minds. Trey’s gon’ attack you when he sees you in it.”
I bite my lip as warmth rushes to my cheeks. “Yeah. Speaking of Trey…” I pause, gathering a breath. “We’re exclusive.”
Her eyes go wide. “Shut. Up.”
“I’m serious.”
“Yes! Finally!” she says, clapping her hands. “I’ve been waiting for this.”
I grab my phone and walk Nadia into the dressing room with me.
“Why?”
She makes a face. “Girl. I’ve seen the change. You’re happy. Well, happier. And that’s what I wanted for you, so I’m happy, too.”
“Well, I appreciate that.” I sit on the bench, surrounded by my roster of rejects. “So you think this is good?”
“I do. Just…don’t overthink it,” she says. “Let yourself have this. It’ll be okay.”
