“Fine,” she said, but her face belied her words. She didn’t look fine. “Tomorrow night here, and I’ll be in a skirt.”
Heath grinned, feeling like he just won a major battle. “Now, I can’t wait for tomorrow.” It was going to be a long day tomorrow with visions of her in her little skirt, and all the things he wanted to do to her in it. And out of it.
Chapter 11
“What about this one?” Olivia asked, holding a blouse up to her chest, while staring at the floor length mirror. She had been trying to decide the right outfit for the past hour. It was after six o’clock, and she still needed to do her make up. If she didn’t pick out an outfit soon, she was going to be late, and she hated being late. It wasn’t because she was excited to go on her first date in years. Who was she kidding? She was totally excited and freaking out; not necessarily in a good way.
“It’s nice.” Kathy said with a tight face, like she was trying not to grimace.
“What’s wrong with this one?” She asked exasperated. This is what she got for taking advice from a matchmaker. If it was up to her, she would be in jeans and a t-shirt and be done with it. No, Kathy cornered her, saying she needed to be more dressed up. Olivia never should have told her, but she had needed the babysitter.
Kathy pursed her lips, as she looked it over again. “It’s just…plain. You’re going on a date with Heath Jacobs.”
Olivia looked back at her simple, black, spaghetti strap top. Black was classic and timeless. There was nothing plain about it just because it didn’t have bright colors.
“So? It’s not like he’s a royal or something.” She had technically already gone out with him, when they spent time together at the carnival. She had been wearing plain clothes then too, and he never said anything. Why was Kathy making a big deal that it was Heath, like it made a difference she was going out with him, as opposed to others? He was still just a man.
“No, but it’s your first date. You still want to look nice.”
“I also want to be comfortable.” She had the perfect sandals for her outfit, as opposed to sneakers, giving it a classier look.
“Comfort and glam can go hand-in-hand.” She tried reasoning.
Not likely.
“So, what do you suggest?” Olivia planted her fists on her hands, crumping her top.
Kathy stepped around her to look through Olivia’s meager closet. If Kathy was hoping Olivia had something glamourous hidden in there, she was sadly mistaken. Olivia didn’t own any fancy clothes, not anymore. Royce had demanded she always look her best, when they went out. He said he had an image to uphold. When she ran away, she left all of those clothes behind gladly. Olivia hated those clothes. It wasn’t her. She preferred comfort over style.
“Good lord, Olivia. Do you own anything besides shirts and jeans?” Kathy tsked from her closet.
When she was running for her life, taking dresses was not the first thing she thought of. Clothes were easy to replace, but they cost money that she needed to save for other things, like food and lodging. That’s why she only took simple clothes that could easily fit inside a duffle bag.
“No.”
“We’ll need to go to my house and see if I have anything for you to wear.”
Olivia’s eyes widened in horror at the thought. Kathy was several sizes larger than her. Nothing of Kathy’s would fit her. “I appreciate it, but we don’t have time.” Olivia smiled, softening her refusal.
“Very well.” Kathy’s shoulders slumped. Olivia felt bad, but not enough to change her wardrobe. The top would have to suffice. If Heath didn’t like it then tough for him. She was done changing herself for men.
She had bent over backwards to please Royce, and what had it gotten her? Nothing but misery. Never again.
“Thank you for your help, though.”
Kathy smiled genuinely and patted her shoulder. “Any time. I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard to get all dolled up. Just be yourself.”
Olivia gave her a genuine smile. “That I can do.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to finish getting ready.” Kathy smiled at her one last time, before leaving her alone.
Olivia rushed to get ready. Her last internal debate was whether to shave her legs or not, and then she finally decided, too. She was overthinking this way too much. It was just one date. She was acting like it was going to go somewhere. It wasn’t like she was going to sleep with him tonight. They would go on their date, and that would be that.
Olivia stepped out to see Ivy and Susan, sitting on the couch next to Kathy. Olivia watched her to gauge her reaction. Ivy and Susan had their heads together, whispering back and forth giggling. They had become inseparable, since they met.
Olivia was still nervous about her decision in letting Ivy go to school, but as Ivy pointed out, Royce hadn’t found them yet, and there was the fact she had Chad’s last name, so it would be harder for Royce to track her down.
Olivia cleared her throat and waited for Ivy to look up. When she did, Olivia’s nerves set in, when Ivy just stared at her with a blank expression. “What do you think?” Olivia looked down at her top and blue ruffled skirt—she’d honestly been shocked it was in the closest, as she didn’t remember packing it. The top showed off a little cleavage, but it was hardly hanging out.
