“Get over it,” she said without any sympathy. “It’s time to face your fears. Starting with what you’re going to be wearing over there tonight.”
“I was thinking a strapless dress and a jacket over it,” I said. “I was hoping to borrow your black mini.”
“But it’s so plain.”
“I’ll dress it up with a jacket,” I said.
“Hmm…ah, I’ve got it!”
“You’ve got what?”
She ignored me and proceeded to rifle through her own closet. After a minute, she pulled out a silver studded jacket with buttons and buckles all down the front.
“Whoa…”
“Right?” she said, throwing it towards me. “That should dress up the mini perfectly. Have you thought about shoes?”
“Black wedges,” I said.
“What about this pair?” Missy said, pointing to a strappy, four-inch heels.
“Urgh… I think I’ll stick to the wedges,” I said. “I would like to be able to walk straight.”
“You might not be walking straight tomorrow,” she laughed, winking at me.
I groaned and turned away from her towards the mirror. I had applied a little eyeliner and eyeshadow, contoured with foundation, and added just a touch of nude lipstick. I was actually quite proud of my handiwork, considering I had never worn much makeup before.
I stripped off my clothes and reached for the black mini, but Missy’s incredulous tone stopped me. “Hold on a second.”
“What?”
“Is that what you’re wearing?” she said, looking me up and down in shock.
I looked down at my matching white bra and panties. “What’s wrong with this?”
“It’s so…un-sexy.”
“It’s Victoria Secret.”
“Yeah, the twelve-year-old girl’s collection.”
“Hey—”
“Come on, Nat,” Missy said. “That’s fine for the everyday, but you’re going on a hot date with a hot guy. And if this date moves to the bedroom you’re going to wish you had worn something different.”
“What do you suggest?” I asked. “I don’t think I own anything too sexy.”
Missy moved to my underwear drawer and started rifling through it. After a moment, she pulled out a strapless bra, but it was plain, beige, and completely practical.
“Oh boy,” she sighed.
“I told you.”
Missy looked at the bra and then she looked towards me. “I have the perfect solution.”
“What?”
“Don’t wear underwear.”