Page 36 of Play With Me

“I can’t—‘’ I said just as he said, “Okay.” My stomach rolled.

“What do you mean you can’t?” Ortiz was glaring at me. I gave him the eye and eyebrow combination that best said, Shut the fuck up, you don’t know the whole story! But he wasn’t picking up what I was putting down.

“I…” cannot embarrass him in front of his friends. We can always make an excuse later. “Don’t have a dress?”

The tension in the room dropped, obviously inversely correlated to Ortiz’s eyebrows.

“Mari’s got a whole closet full, ¿verdad, cariño?”

“I got you, girl.” Marisol’s eyes were warm.

“Then it sounds like you’re coming with me, Louisa.”

And it sounds like you’re dreading it, Will. Fuck my life.

17

Makeover Movie Montage

Boston, MA

Louisa

I wasn’t sure how I ended up actually going to Will’s military prom. I honestly assumed we would agree to pretend like I got the shits or something. I even prepared a graphic and embarrassing story to really sell it and let him have a little fun at my expense. That’s what friends are for, right?

Instead, I somehow found myself in the Clueless makeover montage over at la Casa de Delgado, Marisol’s parents’ place, on Sunday night. Rachel ended up running a dress over for me, and she brought along a friend to help us with hair and makeup.

Jaimie was New York pretty. Like a 90s era Ralph Lauren model with a turtleneck peeking out of his cable-knit sweater and somehow pulling it off. I texted Hasan. I wasn’t a girly girl on the reg, but something about getting dolled up with fabulous friends kind of brought out my inner Tyra Banks, and I wanted my Miss Jay with me.

Has met Rachel briefly last night when he dropped me off at her apartment. There were glimmers of friendmistry there, but I was an impatient bitch, and I was definitely going to force it. Her friend being here tonight was a low-pressure opportunity to feel out the vibes.

I had initially planned to stay with Hasan and Will in their dorm until my place could get set up. Will acted like he was totally fine with it, even offered to sleep somewhere else so I could have his bed—absolutely not—but I chickened out at the last minute and stayed with Rach.

Best Bear

Bawk bawk bawk

Me

Not scared. H had Taco Bell for lunch. Good luck!

Best Bear

I thought you’d be huffing his farts all night. Not the type?

Me

Oh my god, what kind of porn do you watch?

Best Bear

Smoothie kink. It’s niche.

Me

Sounds cute actually.

Let me know what time you want me to bail tomorrow so I can lay the groundwork. Are we going with bubble guts? I can say I had bad eggs