State of Mind

Chapter 3

Osvaldo's POV

"Osvaldo!" my father calls out to me as I walk down the stairs.

"Yeah, yeah I'm coming."

"So. As you know, I won't be able to come with you tonight but I will give you the location of where she is going to be. You should remain in your car as she will mostly be outside, but if she goes inside, you follow."

"Alright. Got it." I say as I try to hide the annoyed tone in my voice.

Ava's POV

"I am not wearing this shit," I say as I look down on a piece of garment I haven't worn in years. Not since my childhood.

"Ava, just wear the fucking dress, you can't show up in a pair of jeans and a leather jacket," says Dante growing more and more frustrated.

"So I basically have to wear stripper attire."

"Ava.."

The dress is far too revealing. It really is beautiful, just not something I would ever wear or feel comfortable in. The dress is tight and form-fitting, meant to show every curve. It is a fiery red color and completely backless. It is also, a dress I normally wouldn't be caught dead in.

"What seems to be the problem?" Redd questioned.

"Ava doesn't like the outfit you put together for her."

"Oh for fuck's sake. Ava, sweetie, just put the damn dress on. I worked so hard on making it absolutely perfect for you."

I roll my eyes slightly and defeatedly put the dress on. It feels, uncomfortable to say the least. I walk out while hesitating, and see both Redd and Dante staring at me looking almost stunned.

"Wow. Girl, you look amazing in this dress! I am so jealous of your body."

"Yeah... you look nice Ava," Dante says quietly.

"Aw well thank you Dante, you are just so sweet," I say sarcastically.

"Alright, alright. Enough of the sarcasm, we have to go."

I look at the dress in the mirror once more. I feel completely out of place and far too revealing. The way my entire back is exposed, and how tight it is. I can already hear all of the perverted comments coming my way from men who have had far too many drinks. But I remind myself that this is only business, I don't always like it, and the quicker we get this done, the sooner I can take it off.

"Fine. I guess I'm taking it."

I hear Redd squealing in joy as I walk back into the dressing room to change. After I finish, I grab my things and go to the counter pulling out my card to pay. Redd folds and places my dress into a bag and hands me a receipt.

"Have fun tonight," she says with a smile.

"It's just business, Redd."

"Yeah I know, but I think you deserve a little fun once in a while," she says smirking.

"Yeah, no thank you. Have a good one Redd."

I walk over to Dante, and we both leave the store heading back to the car. I get into the passenger side while he starts the car and we make our way back to my apartment.

"Okay, so you know the plan for tonight, right?"

"Yes, I know. Don't worry"

He drops me off at my apartment and I say goodbye, waving at him until he drives off. I enter the code to get into the building and take the elevator up to my floor. I unlock my door and walk into my place. I drop all of my things onto the couch and grab the manila folder Dante gave me. The files contain all the information I need to locate the suspect.