“No,” I say vehemently. “Not that one. Hard pass.”
“What’s wrong with it?” Lumi asks.
“Uhhh. It’s see-through?”
“And?” Lumi says exasperatedly, flourishing the shirt my way as if I might change my mind.
“This is a dinner with hisuncle. I’m not going to show up looking like I’m ready to test my gag reflex on his nephew’s giant fucking cock.”
“Yeah, what’s up with that?” Lumi asks. Todd is rifling through my selection of pants. “Don’t you think it’s a little odd that your first date is with Library Guy’s family?”
“It’s our second date,” I defend, feeling the need to do so. “And I think it’s sweet. He lives with his uncle, so…”
I shrug, not really knowing what else to say about it.
Is it a little unconventional so early on in the dating period? Sure. But I’d rather eat a home-cooked meal at Trevor’s place, uncle present or not, than go to the movies or any other number of impersonal date locales.
This feels like…more.
Like something from the heart.
Not that I admit that to either of my friends.
“Have I ever seen you wear these?” Todd asks, picking up a pair of orange corduroy pants.
“Uh, no,” I say flatly. “Because they’re corduroy. And orange.”
I wave toward my hair for emphasis. I’m ginger enough without matching pants.
“Try them,” he says, holding the pair my way.
“This, too,” Lumi adds, draping the sheer shirt over my shoulder.
“You guys are trying to make me look like a slutty fucking pumpkin! Stop it.”
The pair exchange a glance.
“No,” I say firmly. “That’snota thing I will ever be. MyGod, why did I invite you over?”
“I live here,” Todd points out.
“I don’t need an invite,” Lumi says, examining her pointed, polished nails.
“I hate you both.”
“You don’t. Unfortunately,” Todd says.
I sigh loud enough to send my hair puffing away from my forehead. “Unfortunately.”
Lumi heads back into the tiny closet as Todd puts the orange monstrosity called pants away.
“Oh my God,” I hear a moment later. My heart plummets as Lumi turns around with a shoebox in her hands, the lid popped open.
“Lumi,” I warn.
“What isthis?” she asks, starting to pull the brand-new, still-packaged set of toys free.
“Put it away.”
