Page 31 of Sweet Heart for the Bear

That’s the‘Oh, honey… no’look.

It’s bad. I look frumpy as hell.

Dina claps her hands together like she’s just decided my entire fate.

“Try the black dress. The one you wore for New Year’s Eve two years ago.”

Before I can protest, she’s already sprinting to my closet like a woman on a mission.

Oh. She meansthatdress.

The one that’s super tight.

The one that hugseveryinch of my body.

The one that, once upon a time, I would’ve worn without a second thoughtbeforeI dated Edgar the Asshole and let his snide little comments warp my self-image.

“Here it is!” Dina crows, spinning around with the dress in hand, mischief sparkling in her eyes.

I hesitate, fingers brushing against the tag, already bracing myself for disappointment.

“I’ve gained a little weight since the last time I wore this.”

“Yeah.” MJ shrugs. “All in your tits. I don’t think your date will mind, Car.”

I roll my eyes so hard I might sprain something, but there’s no use arguing when she’s not wrong.

I tend to gain most of my weight in my boobs and belly.

As long as it is boobsoverbelly, I am fine with that.

Thank you, Aunt Janet.

Without another word, I grab the dress and retreat into my room.

I change fast—before I can overthink it—before I can talk myself out of it. No mirror.

No self-critique. Just zip and go.

Taking a deep breath—as deep as this dress will allow—I step out.

Silence reigns for a few seconds.

“Wowza.Really, Car, you look amazing,” MJ says, her eyes actually misting.

Like I’m her child, heading off to prom.

Dina lets out a low whistle, eyes twinkling.

“Hubba hubba! We won’t wait up for you tonight.”

“Oh my gah!” I groan, snorting. “I’m not going home with him.”

Because,obviously.

I mean, I’m not a one-night-stand kind of girl.

Even if the guy was willing, who says I’d even want to?

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