“They’re these special compression tights,” I say immediately. “They help with circulation. They’re huge in Europe right now.”
“Really? Because they look like women’s yoga pants.”
“Nah,” I don’t miss a beat. “It’s a unisex brand.”
Jackson just stares at me long enough that I start to sweat,for realthis time.
“Also,” I add, because hell, at this point, why not, “sustainable materials. It’s a whole thing.”
“Really.”
“You should try it.”
“I think I’m good.”
Jackson takes a slow sip of his coffee.
Right then, Cassie comes into view.
Her eyes widen the second she sees me.
Jackson glances over at her. “You hear about any of these new trends? Barefoot running with men’s compression shorts? Logan says they’re big in Europe. I mean, to each their own. I’ve just never seen someone wearing them.”
Cassie pauses like she’s actually considering it.
“Hm. You know what? Ididhear something about that. I think it started in Sweden.”
“Sweden.”
“Yeah,” I say. “Very progressive over there. After the Berlin Wall fell and whatnot.”
Berlin Wall? What the hell am I even saying?
“Berlin Wall?” Jackson looks back at me, unimpressed. “That was Germany.”
“Oh, yeah, obviously, but it spread throughout Europe. Culturally speaking. And it, uh, really picked up steam in Sweden.”
He nods slowly, like he’s filing this undercomplete bullshit.
“And not to be crude,” he says, “but those don’t exactly hide your…situation. You didn’t get any stares out there in the neighborhood? This isn’t Miami Beach.”
I shrug, doing my very best not to convey how much I want to be done with this conversation, up the stairs, and out of these pants. “I’m trendsetting. Like I said, I think Riverbend could use a little more, uh, outside culture.”
Cassie almost chokes on a laugh, but holds it in.
Luckily Jackson doesn’t see her.
“Anyway,” he says, like this is a normal conversation we’re having, “I wanted to mention, I’m hosting a barbecue this weekend. You should come.”
He looks at Cassie.
“Both of you. Obviously.”
“Oh,” she says. “Cool. Yeah, sounds like a blast.”
“Yeah,” Jackson adds, turning back to me. “Just…maybe don’t wear that.”
He takes another sip of his coffee, then heads back to the cabinet like this is just another normal morning.
