Page 65 of 2204 Hunter Lane
When I faced myself in the mirror, I tried so hard to see what Winter saw. My legs looked long even though I was short, but that was probably just the silver heels. The blue contrasted against my skin, but it made me look orange and splotchy, like a pumpkin. My breasts were pushed together by the deep dip of boning on either side of the middle, making me self conscious about the exposure.
“I don’t know, Winter…” I swallowed. “It’s really showy.”
“Babe, it’s New Year’s Eve. You’re supposed to be showy.”
“I know but…”
“Marley, look at me. I’m wearing two strips that cover my tits and a skirt that could be a baby bib. Embrace yourself, love yourself. You are stunning.”
I giggled, pulling Winter into a hug as I let my fragility shine through once again. When I was in high school, I was well aware of the attention I received. From boys, from girls, everyone. But when the curtains were drawn and I faced Harlow Matthews, I was never good enough.
She told me to use my looks to my advantage, but to her that was all her fabrication and good work. If she thought I grew a size, she’d shrink me two. If I was on her arm, I had to embody her, dress like her, look like her. But at the end of the day, I didn’t. I got my father’s sharp jaw and thicker eyebrows. My mom thought I looked masculine, so she booked me monthly microblading sessions to keep them in check.
I’d always been self conscious about my appearance, even though I tried my best to regulate my diet and exercise. But I couldn’t stop the thoughts, the judgment I’d put on myself whenever I wore something daring.
“If Hunter doesn’t kiss you, I will.” Winter teased, plumping her glossy lips my way.
“Well looks like I’ll be kissing you tonight, then.”
She winked at me and ran her manicured nails through my hair, fluffing it up before squeezing my collarbone.
“Ready to make some memories?” She smirked, moving towards the front door.
I took one last look at myself in the mirror, breathing out all the insecurity and embracing all the praise.You look good, Marley. You’re hot. You’re pretty. You look good.
Let’s end the year right.“Ready.”
???
The flashing lights of Cid’s Pub were a combination of blue and white strobes.
Silver disco balls hung from the ceiling with water refreshment tables lining the dance floor.
Flocks of people bumped and grinded to the old throwback playlist blaring through the enormous wall speakers, making it nearly impossible to hear anyone speaking unless they were right next to you.
We met Cramer inside the bar. He totally looked like a fairy-tale prince charming, dressed in a brown and white vest combo with taupe slacks.
“You girls look amazin’!” He yelled, drawing us into an empty booth further away from the dancers.
When the sound fazed out, an echo of noise rang through my ears before I comfortably settled against the hard wood.
“Shall we order some drinks?” Winter asked, bobbing her head from side to side.
Cramer called over one of the waitresses working, a pretty redhead wearing a black long sleeve and leggings.
“Hey all, what is everyone havin’ tonight?” She perked, taking out her notepad.
“Can I get nine tequila shots to the table?” Cramer asked, grinning at us widely.
“Nine? Cramer are you insane?” I laughed, shocked and yet, not at all.
“It’s New Year’s Eve, Marley. Night’s young!” He shot back.
The waitress took our order and left us to converse, which went on for a few minutes before two men approached our table, silencing our discourse.
I didn’t even need to look into those sea blue spheres to tell who it was. My gaze trailed from his dark jeans to his black dress shirt, cuffed at the sleeves. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone and I almost died right then and there.
“We had a table, but yours is better.” Hunter released, addressing me and me only.
