Page 68 of Justus
Mynext stop is the clothing department. I don’t know her taste, but I was able tosee her sizes from the few T-shirts and jeans she left at Justus’s place. Theywere big on her, but I assume she’ll gain some weight now that she’s drug freeand has access to food. For now, I just grab her some basics; jeans, tees, ahoodie, some socks.
Mynext stop is the drugstore. Of course, Justus made sure she had thenecessities, but I pick up a few things he didn’t think of. Shampoo andconditioner, a new brush, razors, shaving gel, and moisturizer.
Justas I’m piling everything into my trunk, Ayda calls.
“Sade,what are you doing?”
“Shoppingand plotting Justus’s violent death. What’s up?”
“Ohhell, do you want to tell me what he did?”
“Underestimatedme, but he’ll learn,” I laugh.
Aydachuckles. “Will you meet me at the studio about seven? I need your help withsomething.”
“Sure,I’m not in any hurry to see him right now anyway.”
“Hejust left with Dare, so I wouldn’t expect him anytime soon.” Good. I can takeall this stuff back to his place without arguing with him. I meant what I saidabout being there for him, but I also know my temper, and I need a few hours tocool off.
Justusisn’t home when I get there. Good thing we exchanged keys a while back. Itfeels strange being in his place alone, like I’m sneaking around or something,but if he didn’t want me here, he wouldn’t have given me a key, right?
Iput some music on while I strip down the guest room that has now becomeHannah’s and make the bed with the new bedding. I take my time hanging thepictures and rolling out the rug at the foot of the bed. The toiletries getplaced on the counter in the attached bathroom. There, that’s much better, Ithink, surveying the room with satisfaction. I don’t know when Hannah will bereleased, but at least the place will feel a little more like home.
Mystomach rumbles, reminding me I skipped lunch. A glance at my phone tells me Ihave just enough time to grab a bite and a shower before I meet Ayda at thestudio. I’m glad she called. Dancing off some frustration is just the thing Ineed tonight.
Thestudio is dark when I get there, though Ayda’s car is in the lot. “Ayda?” Icall, stepping inside.
“Inthe dressing room!” she shouts.
Ifind her holding a fire red Audrey Hepburn style halter dress and black, lowheeled, sling back shoes. “Is Dare taking you out tonight?”
“Nope,these are for you. Try them on.”
Myeyebrow leaps up as I stare at her. “Why are you bringing me a dress?”
“Ithought it would look good on you. I don’t have the boobs to pull it off, solet me live vicariously through you, and try it on.”
“Okaaay.”Like Justus, Ayda can be a little eccentric sometimes, but I don’t want to hurther feelings so I pull on the dress and slip into the shoes. She steps upbehind me and zips up the dress with a smile on her face, then drags me over tothe mirror.
Damn.I do look good in this dress. The sweetheart neckline showcases just enoughcleavage while pushing up my breasts, and the material clings to my narrow waistbefore flaring over my hips, giving me that hourglass shape. “It’s beautiful,but I don’t know where I’d wear it.”
“Outdancing. You’re always saying you want to go to the dance hall on swing dancingnight.”
“Yeah,I doubt Justus would be up for that,” I scoff.
“Don’ttell me I got all dressed up for nothing.”
Myhead whips around to find Justus standing behind me, a dozen roses in his hand.Shock steals my ability to speak at the sight of him standing there in a pairof black slacks and a navy blue button down shirt. A mischievous smile, blondcurls sneaking onto his forehead, and those bright eyes all come together toform one sexy son of a bitch. And he is mine.
Theway his eyes heat as they sweep over me assures me he likes what he sees aswell. “Fuck, Sweets. I can’t take you out like that. I’ll have to beat the shitout of every man we pass.”
Swallowinghard, I find my voice. “You’re taking me out?”
Hesuddenly looks self-conscious, and it only makes him more endearing. I’ve neverseen him unsure. “Ayda got us in at the dance hall tonight.”
Myjaw drops. “You want to swing dance with me?”
“Iwant to do everything with you, Sadie.”
