Page 124 of Touch Me

EPILOGUE

“If you gothrough with this, that’s it. You have six weeks to change your mind.” A loud beep sounds in my ear and I pull my phone away to look at the screen. She hung up. I drop my phone on the bathroom vanity and put my face in my hands. Then I remember how long I spent on my makeup and mumble half obscenities under my breath as I study my face for any damage.

Cassie busts through the door. “Oh my god, you look amazing. I knew this would be perfect for you.”

I look in the mirror and take in my sparkly reflection. “Who am I again?”

She throws up her hands. “Are you serious? Jessica Rabbit.TheJessica Rabbit.”

“And again, who is that?”

“I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. She is an iconic singer and sex symbol in the movieWho Framed Roger Rabbit?She was also a cartoon, but that's beside the point.”

I put my hand on my hip. “A cartoon singer? You told me to wear a low cut red sequined dress with a slit, big wavy hair, and sultry makeup. And now I’m a cartoon?”

Cassie shrugs. “It’s Halloween; that’s perfectly acceptable.”

I look her up and down in her black leather pants, bustier, blonde wig, and ruby red stilettos. “You must be Sandra Dee.”

“About time you got a movie reference. I was starting to question our friendship.” She fluffs her curly wig in the mirror and turns to check out her butt in the mirror.

I whistle at her and she does a little shimmy in the mirror. “I don’t swing that way, but you look hot as hell.”

“Wait until you see Jace. He’s a slicked back hair, leather jacket wearing wet dream.” She squeals.

“I’m so happy for you, babe. I hope you aren’t mad that we all went behind your back and helped Jace.”

She waves me off. “Do I look mad?”

“No.” I take in her beaming smile and flushed cheeks, “you look happy.”

“I am.” She grabs my hand and tugs me out the door. “Now let’s go. The party has already started.”

“Just remember what I said about leather pants. I hope you’re wearing cotton underwear under those.”

Knockout’s is crawling with slutty ghosts, nuns, and nurses. Boobs and butts everywhere. I look down the front of my dress and groan. I fit right in.

Jace, camera hanging from his neck, hands me a pink drink in a martini glass. “You look too fancy to drink a beer.”

“Thank you.” I watch as he hands a drink to Cassie. He never takes his eyes off her lips as she sips. Apparently, by the way they are looking at each other, the time that’s passed since her gallery opening has been a good one. I’m guessing they won’t be here long.

Jess walks up in an off the shoulder, thigh length sweatshirt, leg warmers and high heels. Next to her is Ashley wearing a black jacket over a white bra, what looks like black bloomers, and a top hat.

I look them both up and down. “Who are you two supposed to be?”

Ashley rolls her eyes. “Why does everyone keep asking me that? I’m Babe-raham Lincoln. Who else wears a top hat?”

Jace chuckles and clears his throat.

Cassie gives him the death stare. “Don’t you dare.”

Ashley puts a hand on her hip and narrows her eyes at him. “What?”

He uses his hand to cover his smirk. “You look like Mr. Peanut.”

Cassie winces and rubs a hand down Ashley’s arm as Jace keels over laughing. “You don’t look like Mr. Peanut. You don’t even have a monocle.” She tugs on Ashley’s hand as she shoots daggers at Jace. “Let’s go get a drink.”

I turn to Jess. “And you are?”

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