Page 109 of Of Flesh & Bone

Will it make me feel better?I think it might.Yes.It will definitely make me feel better.

"You wouldn't mind?"

"Nope."She says, popping the p."Makes no difference to me."

"Okay then.Yeah.I think it would."

"Pantyless party.I.Am.In."She says as she shimmies her thong down her toned thighs.

Quickly looking away, feeling like a creeper, I hear Ada's soft chuckle."Does my nudity bother you, little Evie?"

"No.I just...don't...know the protocol here."

She laughs softly again."I've spent too many years in changing rooms with a dozen other chicks to be shy about a little nudity."

"Yeah.I guess."She knows that I don't change in front of the other girls.Maybe this is something that I should focus on next.I already don't wear my protection hoodie anymore.I can be in a room with multiple people without any anxiety as long as it's a room filled with my people.Still working on that one, I guess.

I dress in front of V.Maybe not full nudity but, undergarments.I can work on this with Ada.Next time.I'm in my head running through my thoughts and I haven't even realized that Ada is fully dressed until she says, "Well, what do you think?"

Uh red hot chili pepper.That's all I can think right now.This girl is hot.Like hot, hot.Like if the Devil and Hades had a flame child, they'd name it Ada.I don't want to say all that to her, so I just slow clap.Ada smiles wide and does a spin.Her dress is just as tight as mine so there's no twirl factor, but the full 360 view is impressive all the same.

"Are you ready for this?"Ada asks with a sardonic smile.

I waste no time and respond, "Definitely not."

Her smile falls instantly and her brows furrow."You're going to have a good time.WE are going to have a good time TOGETHER."

Vaughn walks into the room and both hands fly to her mouth when she sees me.Channeling my inner Ada, I do a full spin.V's smile is contagious, and my smile has overtaken my face before I can stop it.Not that I would stop it.Seeing this girl smile makes me happy and I know my smile does the same for her.

"Wow.You look incredible."

"You think so?"

"I know so.I'm so proud of you.I want you to have fun tonight, okay?"I can hear it all in her voice.The love and pride.It's all there.

I say nothing and smile back, giving her a slow nod.

"Adam will be there and that means there's nothing to worry about.Just let go and focus on the fun."

I heave in a deep breath, "I'm going to try.I'm excited and nervous in equal measure at the moment."

Vaughn looks toward Ada, acknowledging her for the first time since she entered the room."You look nice."She says this in a tone of complete disinterest, but it's a step.She's trying.For me, she's trying.

Ada gives her that heart-stopping smile and a genuine "Thank you."

"Well, little sister" Ada says, addressing me with her favorite inaccurate nickname, "Are you ready to paaaaaaaartay?"

"Nope."

Ada glares at me with fake disdain."Thin ice, little sister.You're on it."

A laugh that I try and fail to hold in splutters from my lips.

Vaughn grabs my arms and looks me over intently, "Are you going to be okay tonight?"

"A chicken once lived for 18 months without its head."

Vaughn's grip on my arms loosen and she appears confused."Huh?"

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