The Lies That Bind

Chapter 13 : Awkward Socializing

One emergency trip back to my place for hair care supplies and 2 hours with the curling iron later, my hair is back to its natural, wavy, not-caked-in-sweat state. I tuck my makeup away and admire myself in the mirror. My eyes immediately shoot down towards my chest, barely contained behind a plunging, and I do mean plunging, black, v-neck draped dress with long sleeves. Thank God for boobie tape. Normally, I wouldn't wear something so... revealing, but something's making me feel bolder, more comfortable in my own skin. Not that I hadn't already, I wear pencil skirts almost daily, but I'm still covered.

The delightful ache down below is a testament to my recent change; my legs still feel like jelly. I get the feeling walking will be an issue tonight; hopefully I won't be doing much of that. Maybe I can get Kazmir to carry me?

As if on cue, the man in question appears in the doorway, dressed to the nines as usual while wearing a traditional black suit. I watch out the corner of my eye as he approaches me. Kazmir envelopes me from behind and rests his head on my shoulder. Mimicking my previous action, his eyes rest on the reflection of my chest.

"Got something to prove, Miss Edith?" He asks with interest.

"No," I say calmly, "Just a little something to keep your eyes from wandering."

A rumbling hum of displeasure hits my ears, "There is no need for that." He kisses my neck gently, slowly making his way towards my shoulder.

I bite my bottom lip as I watch him; a growing need makes its fourth... maybe fifth appearance for the day. But I clench my fists and fight the urge, "Don't we have to be somewhere, Doctor?"

"Unfortunately," He murmurs as his lips leave my now heated skin, straightening up. "If I could get out of it, I would."

"You mean you're not going on your volition?" I inquire.

Kazmir shakes his head, "No, Norton is making us, and the head of psychology will be... unhappy if we all don't show up."

"Your boss is a bit of a ball buster, huh?"

"Gretchen is a good woman. However, being on her bad side is not something I'm fond of." Kazmir pulls back his sleeve to check his watch, "We should head out."

The trip to the DeYoung the second time around is more... distracting, for Kazmir anyway. His not-so casual peeks at my chest did not go unnoticed, and honestly? I have no problem giving him a little teaser when we encounter the seemingly endless barrage of red lights, lucky him. Nevertheless, I will stay on my best behavior once we're back in the public eye. "A lady in the streets," as they say.

I fail to suppress an eye roll as the sound of Erika's voice hits my ears. I suppose she's going to be here for the duration. Her sultry rendition of Marilyn Monroe's "I Wanna Be Loved By You" strikes as something that's not just merely a coincidence. My theory is further proven as our eyes meet and she gives me a small wink. I roll my eyes again.

"Oh my God, Edie!"

My ears perk and my eyes grow wide at the sound of a cheery, feminine voice. I know that voice. I look around in search of the owner, making Kazmir stumble somewhat at my sudden stop. He says something, but I barely hear him. Just then, I spot the source, a slightly shorter, copper blonde woman in a tea length white dress catches my eye on the edge of the dance floor. The pure white fabric barely contrasts her lightly tanned skin, nearly washing her out. I call to her,

"Celia!"

The woman's golden-brown eyes meet mine and a wide grin forms on her face, "Edie!" She hurries over to me and we embrace each other tightly, "Edith, oh my God, I didn't expect to see you here!" She hugs me again before releasing me, smiling wide.