Page 16 of Give In

Faux concern covered her face, an exaggerated pout pushing her lip out. “I hope you’re not mad at me.”

“Why would I be?”

Her eyes darted to the other girls and she lowered her voice. “You know how some can be when their regulars branch out.”

I do.

Just like I know you’re the worst of us all.

“Nope. It’s all business.”

“Maybe,” she drawled before giggling. “Or maybe it’ll turn into more.”

“Maybe,” I muttered as I left.

And maybe it’s time to detangle my messy knot of a life.

Chapter Five

The Land of Make-Believe and Making Out

Eden

“I can’t believe you’re finally going out!” Tonia squealed, and not for the first time. Rather than becoming adjusted to the idea, she seemed to be getting more and more excited as she watched me work on my makeup.

“Is it that shocking?” I asked.

“Totally.” In typical Tonia fashion, she didn’t pull any punches. “Your life is all work and school, school and work. With as late as you bartend and as early as you go to class, I don’t think you even sleep.”

She had a point. Not the bartending part—that’d been true before, I’d just never shared about my career change. My lack of sleep, however, was very much real.

Shrugging, she continued. “But now you’re going out, and with Brooks at that. That dude is a hottie.”

“He’s sweet, too. But not in a goody-two-shoes way.” Pretending for a little while that I was a regular college student, I confided, “I’m glad he asked me out.”

Tonia beamed like a proud mother hen. “Well, I’m glad, too. Now people will see you’re not a workaholic robot. Is he picking you up?”

I shook my head. “I told him I’d meet him at the restaurant, and then it’s only a quick walk to the theater. He seems like a good guy, but just in case.”

“Smart. I met a guy at my old place once, and the date was awful. Like, in my top three worst dates. I told him I wasn’t feeling it, but he wouldn’t give up. Total creeper status. Finally, I had to threaten to call the cops.” She shook her head and rushed to add, “Not that I think Brooks is a creeper, but better safe, right? Anyway, what’re you wearing?”

I gestured down to my tee and jeans. “This.”

Tonia looked horrified. “Nu-uh. Too casual. With first dates, you want to try without looking like you’re trying. Nice, but not too nice.”

“Oh, yeah, that sounds easy enough,” I muttered sarcastically.

“I mean, feel free to wear what you want. I’m just giving you my advice.”

“No, I need it. Clearly.”

My dating history was limited to when jeans and a tee would’ve been acceptable. Dating as a quasi-adult felt like a totally different ball game.

Her proud mother hen look returned as Tonia began a rapid fire of her sage wisdom. “Some girls wear skirts or dresses on a regular basis, so that’s fine for them. But if you don’t, jeans are a good, safe choice.”

I’m guessing the skirts I wear at work arenotwhat she’s referring to.

Hopping up, she headed for my closet. “Since jeans are so low-key, you can go a little nicer with the top. But since it’s a casual first date, you don’t want to be too dressy, either. There’s a whole hidden science to it. Let’s see what you have.” In two seconds flat, she held up a pair of black skinny jeans. “Bam, done. These with your dark gray, knee-high boots.”

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