Page 24 of Not As Advertised

“It’s my pleasure. Claire was ecstatic to scold me about not giving you credit for the outstanding job you’ve done so far. I know I have been remiss in saying so, but you have done an exemplary job in a period of a lot of change.”

Abbie looked stunned. Recovering as best she could, she stammered out another thank-you.

“I was just wondering, though. I know it’s a bit awkward to mention…” she began.

That lovely shade of pink had spilled over her cheeks.

“Um. I, um, was going to say. I know you are probably way too busy and want to use our off-hours to catch up on work, but I was wondering if you might be able to come with me to the expo?”

Before I could reply, she rushed on.

“It’s not a big deal if you don’t want to. Or think it’s inappropriate… God, it probably is, right? I know it’s probably way too silly or geeky for you. It’s just that I feel a bit uncomfortable going into such a busy place on my own, you know? Typically, Indie or our friend Emery would go to something like this with me. And you know, we’re in a new city where I don’t know anyone. So…”

A surge of protectiveness ran through me. That was the reason I’d bought two tickets in the first place. I’d planned to broach the subject of going with her so she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable in the crowds. We’d just been so busy all week that this was our first moment alone.

There was no way I wanted her walking into a situation where she felt too overwhelmed by all the crowds to enjoy herself.

“Of course, no problem. I did buy two tickets, after all. But I didn’t want to presume you’d want my company.”

She looked like she wanted to ramble some more about inconveniencing me, so I cut her off.

“We’re coworkers. There’s nothing wrong with attending a public event together.”

Her blush darkened as she bit her lip self-consciously. I wanted to pull that lip out from between her teeth and bite it myself. My fist rested on the seat next to me between my thigh and the door, clenched with fierce restraint not to reach out to her.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” She offered me a shy, soft smile.

“Seriously, Abbie. Speaking out when you are uncomfortable is a really tough thing. I hope my sisters do the same. There’s nothing to be worried about here.”

She turned to the window and then back to me once more when I cleared my throat, the tension of the conversation slowly easing out of her body.

Hoping to lighten the mood, I gestured to my suit.

“Here’s the problem. I only have suits packed for this trip. From what I saw on the website, to say I will stick out like a sore thumb is an understatement.”

She laughed. I was irrationally pleased that I was the one to amuse her.

“Don’t worry, Aiden. I’ve got you.”

Yes, she did. If only she knew how much.

I adjusted my new wig in the hotel room mirror. I was channeling my inner Jessie from Team Rocket, a triad ofPokémonvillains. Jessie, James, and Meowth were my favorite part of watching twenty-five-year-old reruns of the originalPokémon, not to mention every generation since. They’d been trying to steal Pikachu for that long. Twenty-five years was a lot of attempts to fail every time. It could make anyone feel good about their ambitions in comparison.

With the wig on, I was technically ready to go. I pulled on the hem of the cropped white T-shirt, second-guessing the length now that I saw my reflection. Thank goodness for shopping services that delivered.

I’d modified my character’s outfit to something adjacent to my comfort zone. Jessie’s Team Rocket uniform consisted of a white cropped T-shirt with a small slit up the middle, showing hints of an even shorter red top underneath. This was all complemented by a short, matching white skirt with knee-high boots. I’d also ordered an iron-on capitalRto complete the look.

I’d felt too self-conscious to wear just a sports bra under the crop top, so I’d cut a red tank top instead, still wearing my bra to keep my boobs under control. There was no willy-nilly bra decision with D cups. My girls needed serious support.

There was about an inch and a half of midriff showing between the bottom of the shirt and the higher waist of the skirt. I had to get out of this room before I let my anxiety talk me into changing my clothes and just saying, “Let’s forget about this whole thing.”

That was the thing with feeling so anxious. If my anxiety levels reached overload level, I just wanted to completely back out of whatever was making me nervous. Over the years, I’d given up on a lot of chances for potential new experiences because I’d let that shadow of anxiety convince me to stay in my safe zone.

But not today, I vowed. I was going to grant sixteen-year-old Abbie’s greatest wish, damn it.

Even though my brain had me feeling like there was a spotlight shining on the soft skin of my belly. And that the way it rounded slightly had me wanting to rip everything off and texting Aiden I was sick.

The skin on your stomach has never seen the light of day. Why did you ever think today would be the day to start?

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