Page 13 of With Us

Overwhelmed, I’d taken out my phone to cancel when a ‘genius’ idea popped into my head. I’d seen a million Pinterest posts for turning shirts into dresses. The tutorials always made it look super easy.

I worked hard to avoid getting lost in a Pinter-vortex and scrolled through until I found the right look. When I’d walked over to the men’s section and immediately picked up the perfect black shirt, half-price at that, I’d thought my luck had turned around.

Glaring down at my disaster, it was clear I was wrong.

Waywrong.

I’d watched the video at least five times first. Then I’d watched while I worked, pausing as I went.

What the hell did I do wrong? I followed the instructions exactly.

The oversized, silk men’s dress shirt was supposed to transform into a fun and fitted dress.

Instead, it looked like I’d survived a bear attack, only to fall into some thorny bushes.

With a sigh, I pulled off the disaster, tossing it right into the trash. I picked up the phone to check the time, only to see a text.

Theo:Looking forward to tonight.

Closing my eyes, I pictured his sharp eyes and dimpled smile. I also remembered how easily he’d made me laugh.

Oh yeah,that’swhy I agreed to this.

Me:Me too.

Pulling everything out of my closet, I spread all my clothes across the bed and stepped back. My lone dress was going to have to do. Scoop necked and three-quarter sleeved, the loose skirt of the dress ended a couple inches above my knees. Different sized pastel pink flowers were spread across the pale green fabric. I lined up all my leggings with it before deciding on a black pair that looked almost like leather. I was hoping it gave it an edgier look, but was fairly certain I just looked like I was having a fashion identity crisis.

Which, really, I kinda was.

It’s the look that says ‘I’m going to a picnic, but then I need to cosplay as Catwoman’.

After quickly getting dressed, I did some light makeup and started to pull my hair up. Changing my mind, I left it down and pinned the top back.

I checked my purse, tossing my phone in. Digging through my small coat closet, I pulled out a pair of green ballet style shoes and a drapey black cardigan. With one last look in the mirror, I locked up and headed for the T.

Even though it was long after rush hour, the subway was packed. Some people were still in their work gear, others clearly out to party. Based on the giggles and booze smell coming from the seat behind me, some had already been partying for a while. Sitting diagonal from me, a clearly drunk brunette talked incessantlyatan older, suit clad man with graying red hair. He didn’t appear to be paying attention to a word she said, but she didn’t seem to mind or notice.

My earbuds were in, although they were only for show. I was able to hear what was happening around me, but it deterred people from trying to talk to me.

Usually.

The train ride was quick and uneventful, the other passengers wrapped up in their own groups or fighting to stay awake after a long week. My nerves grew the closer I got to my stop, but it was a nervous excitement rather than a negative feeling.

After getting off the train, I made my way through the station and up to the streets. I pulled my sweater tight around me, the wind whipping as I made the short walk to the restaurant.

Coming from the side, I saw Theo before he saw me. The sleeves of his dark sweater were pushed up, his hands in his slack pockets. Ambience lighting made his cheekbones more defined.

Doubt attacked my mind, racing thoughts telling me to run away.

Don’t let him see you. Especially not in your hot mess of an outfit.

Tuning out the annoying voice of self-doubt, I fisted my hands at my sides to stop myself from picking at my clothes.

Go, go, go!

I was caught between wanting to roll my eyes at myself and wanting to follow my own advice.

Before I could decide which to do, Theo turned. A wide smile spread across his face as he walked toward me.

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