Page 6 of Body Shot

HAYDEN

“Conquistadors.”

“Huh?” I blink at Carrie, who just arrived at my condo to pick me up for our Saturday night outing. I just walked in the door after spending the afternoon over at Aunt Gina and Uncle Colin’s, preparing meals that my uncle can reheat, throwing out moldy food, and cleaning, which he apparently is incapable of doing. I love my uncle, but that bathroom was disgusting.

“It’s a tequila bar on Ocean Boulevard.”

“We’re going to a tequila bar?”

“Yeah. They have this tasting night. It sounds fun.”

I frown. “I hate tequila.”

“Just because of that one night in college. This won’t be like that. Besides, I already bought tickets, so we have to go.”

“You have to buy tickets?”

“Yes. It’s forty dollars and you get to taste different tequilas and learn more about them. Also we get some food, I think.”

I shake my head, mystified. “Okay.” I look down at my shorts and grubby T-shirt. “I need to change.”

“Yes, you do.”

Carrie follows me into my bedroom. I pluck a white shirt and pair of black pants from my closet. “This okay to wear?”

“Absolutely not.”

“What?”

Carrie grins. “Come on. You’re not going to work. We’re going out for fun. F. U. N. Remember?”

“What am I supposed to wear?”

“Something sexy.”

I snort. “Right.”

“Oh, come on. I know you have several little black dresses you wear to business dinners. Wait. I’ve seen those dresses. We need to get you asexylittle black dress. Okay, tonight you can wear jeans.”

“Really?”

“Yes. With a sexy top. Come on, let’s check your closet. I know you bought some nice things that day we went shopping in the Gaslamp Quarter.”

“That was a year ago.”

“And you’ve probably never worn them.”

Carrie slips into the walk-in closet and surveys the contents while I step out of my shorts.

“Skinny jeans,” Carrie murmurs. “Okay, this top.” She pulls out a camisole.

I sigh. “I love that top, but it’s just not me.”

“That doesn’t make sense. If you love it, then itisyou.”

The pale pink silk is heavily embroidered with burgundy flowers and dark green leaves, with some beads for a bit of sparkle, and a sheer burgundy bow at the bottom of the V neckline. I snatch the hanger from Carrie. “Fine. I’ll have to change to a strapless bra.”

“Oh, just skip the bra. The top is loose enough that you can’t tell.”

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