I looked around discreetly, but there were only girls nearby. And of course, the Bexley sisters were also walking through the store.
“Now don't be such a dove in love and look for a suitable costume instead.”
Larissa pointed at the mask in my hands.
I had given up trying to explain to Larissa that Erik was just a good friend.
I stammered. “Um, right... Do you have any suggestions?”
Larissa pretended to think, then waved, “Follow me.”
When we finally stood in front of a row of tight black dresses, my jaw dropped.
“You get fifty dollars if you convince Julie to wear one of these.”
Grace had appeared in the aisle.
“Challenge accepted,” Larissa said rather confidently.
“I can't believe someone's betting on me again,” I sighed sarcastically, and Grace came closer.
“You're offering yourself up for something like this,” Larissa commented to my left.
“You're going to wear this?” Grace took the mask from my hand. “A mask?” She looked at me. “You really shouldn't hide your pretty face.”
“She's definitely wearing the mask,” Larissa said fortunately, and Grace handed it back to me wordlessly.
“Whatever you're doing to my cousin, I don't have a good feeling about it, okay?”
My gaze drifted to the clothing rail next to me. And of course, I was spoiled for choice between these insanely figure-hugging dresses that would all have the same effect. Everyone would stare at my body and I would feel insecure.
“I think this would suit you.” Larissa pulled a very short black dress with strange spikes on the breasts from the rack and I immediately blushed.
“Larissa!” I stammered and snatched the dress from her hand, only to immediately put it back where it belonged.
“Why don't you send her in lingerie,” Grace laughed, and I looked at her in disbelief.
“How about this: You two go and help Bayla and leave me to do it alone.”
“Wow, Miss is voicing her needs.” Grace raised both brows.
Again, my cheeks heated. I hated it. Did she always have to point out that I preferred to hold back?
“You're right. We shouldn't let Bay out of our sight,” Larissa agreed, and then disappeared around the corner.
Grace and I stayed behind.
I didn't know if she was still upset about the little conflict a few days ago, because she'd been avoiding me a lot. Something typical for her. Conflict resolution wasn't her strength and since I was bad at talking, the times she was mad at me were lonely times.
“Julie, is everything okay with you?”
She looked again at the mask in my hands as if it was proof that I was going insane.
I felt naked. As if people could see through my protective shield. As if they could see that something was wrong with me.
“Why do you ask?” I stammered and looked at the clothes again.
I would never wear such figure-hugging dresses. Couldn't I just go with what I was wearing? In light-colored jeans and my gray knit top?
“You look different...” Grace remarked, her eyes scrutinizing me.
I felt exposed to her.
“I feel a bit ill,” I lied. Apparently, bad again, because she gave me a meaningful glare.
“Julie, the last thing you are is sick.”
I looked at each dress one by one, taking extra time, so I didn't have to look directly at Grace.
“It's like something is bothering you, and you're trying to suppress it.”
I paused. “I don't know what you mean. I'm fine.”
“You may be able to pretend to others, but you can't fool me.” Grace looked annoyed. “When you're ready to talk, you know where I am.”
Then she disappeared back into another row.
She was still angry with me. And I seemed to be finding it harder and harder to keep secrets.
