Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

37

"What do you mean you aren't coming?"

"Look, Kie, I told my Ma I'd already be there. We bought a dress and everything. I can't just not go now. We've been looking forward to this ball since Gray was invited by his colleague. Which was months ago." I told her as I gently rubbed lotion along my legs.

"But, we we're gonna go to the party single but together." I chuckled at her pouty tone.

"Kie, honey, I never told you I was going." I reminded her.

"Ugh. You're no fun." I scoffed at her whining.

"Kiara. I literally was just at a Christmas party with y'all last weekend. Despite my social battery short circuiting." I heard her wince from over the phone.

"Yeah, I actually kinda feel bad about that. Poor Devon didn't look like he was gonna wake up after you smacked him into La-La Land." I laughed.

"Asshole had it coming. He was getting stupid and trying to sneak into no-no land." She joined my laughter as I smiled at the phone.

"Who's gonna make us feel safe and protected without you here?" I shook my head as I applied some mascara.

"Really? You're trying to guilt me? It isn't going to work." She huffed and I knew she was crossing her arms.

"Fine. But I'm telling the boys of your betrayal."

"No. What you're going to tell the boys is that I had something planned with my mom. Nothing else. Or, I'll tell them about your little escapade." I causally threaten as I gently applied pink-tinted chapstick.

"You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would, Kie. You blackmail me, it's only fair I return to sender."

"Fine." I chuckled.

"Have fun tonight, Kie."

"Yeah, yeah. You too. I expect all the details."

Once I had hung up with her I turned to the dress bag which laid on my bed. It was now or never.

_______•*•*•*•_______

"Oh, Xena, you look gorgeous, honey." My mom whispered as I carefully walked down the stairs. My thick black heels keeping me upright as I slid a hand along the wooden banister.

"Thank you, Ma." I replied sheepishly. My cheeks heating slightly beneath the lilac masquerade mask that was decorated in black lacing throughout. The soft lilac matching the color of the gown I wore.

"You really do look gorgeous, Xena." I smiled as I finally made it to the bottom step.

"Thank you, Gray. You both cleaned up well." I complemented. My eyes glancing over the vibrant blue sweetheart gown my mother wore which matched the tie on Gray's dark grey suit.

"Oh, I want a picture of you, then we need to leave." My mother suddenly jumpstarted into action her body pivoting to free her phone from her purse.

Gray and I sent one another a knowing glance, we would be late. Because a picture, meant several.

I did as she asked though and moved to a better spot with better natural lighting for her to take the first ten photos. Then we moved again. Then again. Until we made it outside to the car.

By the time we finished taking photos, I regretted the long boho sleeves of the dress. My neck and torso area glistening as I found myself sweating from posing. The only freedom I had was the slit along my left leg, the sweetheart neckline, and the large dip in the back which exposed my skin in a v-shape before stopping inches before the curve of my ass.