Page 100 of Out on a Limb
“Me and Grant?”
“He was a pain in the ass about branching out too.” She pointed to my waist. “Tuck it in.”
I undid the fly of the pants and started shoving the shirt inside. “What do you mean branching out?”
“I mean he resisted new clothes at first too.” She wiggled her brows at me. “Now he wears flamingo pants when we go out.”
“I’m not wearing flamingo pants.” I finished working the tail of the shirt into place and redid the fly.
“Yet.” Julia held out the belt she’d sent into the dressing room. “Put that on.”
I was beyond arguing at this point. The clock was ticking, and the more time I tried to fight it, the more likely it would be that I showed up at Collette’s house in jeans, a t-shirt, and an old pair of loafers.
Which was exactly what I was trying to avoid.
“I found a pair of oxfords that match the belt.” Benjamin came in at Julia’s side. “He seems like the matching kind.”
“I am.” I grabbed the shoes Benjamin offered. “No socks?”
Julia reached to the rack just beside her and grabbed a pair of low-cut brown footies. “Here.” She threw them at me as she checked her watch. “Hurry up. Your reservation is in forty-five minutes.”
I sat down on one of the small benches beside the shoe display. “My reservation?”
Julia smiled at me. “Elaine got you a reservation at The Sweet Side.”
I worked one of the tiny socks onto my foot. “I’m not sure I’m supper club material.”
“You’ll be fine.” Julia went into the dressing room and picked up my discarded clothes and shoes. “Just don’t let anyone talk you into going into the coat closet.” She stacked everything in her arms. “Nothing good happens in that thing.”
“I got you a bag.” Benjamin passed Julia a large paper shopping bag before turning my way and giving me a once-over. “Not bad.”
I tied the lace on the second shoe before standing up.
Julia gave me a low whistle. “I think Collette might call that better than not bad.”
I wasn’t convinced. I felt ridiculous.
But there was no time to argue. I grabbed my wallet from the pants Julia was stuffing into the bag Benjamin brought her and passed a credit card over.
Julia picked a bit of lint off the front of my shirt. “Relax. It’s not like you have to convince her to like you.”
I snorted. “Right.”
Her brows came together. “Was that sarcasm?”
And everyone thoughtIhad a hard time reading people. “Of course it was sarcasm.”
“Don’t be an idiot. She already likes you.” Julia turned as Grant came strolling into the shop, a long bag from the department store next door draped over one arm.
She lifted a brow his way. “That doesn’t look like a gift for Nonna.”
“I didn’t find anything for her.” He snagged Julia around the waist and pulled her into his side. “But I did find something for you.”
She eyed the black garment bag. “I don’t need a dress.”
“If I wait until you need a dress then my grandmother will pick one out for you.” He spread one hand across her hip. “And I’ve seen the dresses she picks out.” His attention came my way. “Don’t let Collette go shopping with my grandmother. She’s a bad influence.”
Julia pressed her lips together as an odd look widened her eyes.
