Page 24 of Howl You Doin?
I adjust the embroidered corset that peeks between the fabric of the dress covering it. I have so many questions about how or who decided to take our measurements for this gig, because I will admit the costume is beautiful, but this corset is obscene. My boobs are squished so tight I can only take short breaths.
Re: Subject: Gala Costumes and Team Meeting
Miss Whitt,
I’m afraid it is impossible for you to decline, as all staff are required to be in full costume regalia.
In one hour, I expect you to be in your costume and prepared for dress rehearsal in the ballroom.
Connor O’Doyle
Maître d’, Castle Tepesh.
Oh, this asshole has got to be kidding me.
Re: Subject: Gala Costumes and Team Meeting
I urge you to reconsider. There is a reason that corsets went out of style centuries ago.
Whitley Whitt
Head Chef, Castle Tepesh
I take a deep breath and some part of this female-constricting device bites into my ribs as I try to think of a way to explain the many reasons why this is a bad idea. I’m coming up empty, other than the fact that I don’t want my tits to be half falling out and that this strange undergarment is riding so far up my ass it wants to know what I had for breakfast.
Before I can think of anything else less embarrassing, another email comes through.
Re: Subject: Gala Costumes and Team Meeting
Miss Whitt,
I’m sure even as I am typing this email, you are attempting to come up with some rebuttal to dissuade me from insisting you wear the provided costume. I have no doubt you are attempting to use the word “force,” and in this, you would be correct. Tepesh Castle is charting into new territory, which may be upsetting for some, as change often is. However, all employees are required to be outfitted in costume. Meaning, no one will be receiving special or differential treatment.
I hope you will come to terms with this.
Thank you so much for your thoughts, and I look forward to seeing you shortly.
Connor O’Doyle
Maitre d’, Castle Tepesh
I blow out a harsh breath and the thick corset eases its grip on me minutely. This is ridiculous and cruel on top of the usual punishment. I huff and lift the many layers of the dress until I can get a good look at my ankles, wondering how well they’re going to look in my worn black work shoes.
Half out of breath, I blow my bangs from my eyes and plant my hands on my hips in front of the mirror with a strained laugh.
“I guess the girls are coming out then.”
My heavy skirts swish with a hushing sound as I shuffle backwards and flop down onto the gray-and-blue comforter on my bed. A ribbon flies up out of nowhere, smacking me in the eye, and I wince. My side stitches and I have instant regret.
Ugh. I suck in a shallow breath and shuffle around awkwardly to prop myself up on my pillows.
No way am I going to change out of this thing, only to have to get right back in it.
My spiral of murderous thoughts pauses when the nearby fire glints off the gold buckle of my suitcase which contains all my makeup. My lips curve into a slow grin.
I’ll make him wish he never even said the word costume.
Chapter 8
