Belly Literary Universe (part 2)

Camilla's Clothes Part 7: A Night On The Town

For the first time in a week she dressed up nice. Her wounds from her tissue samples were largely healed, despite still being quite tender. She put on a long white dress shirt, and cinched it with a partial black corset. The pressure helped with the lingering pain. She pulled on a pair of tight jeans and she felt ready to go.

She left Everspring early to beat traffic, but still ended up stuck in a line of still cars. With no place to go she checked the news on her phone only to see one of the biggest concerts in recent memory was later that night in the direction she was going. Is it really 4/27? Darn it. I knew the date sounded familiar. She got off at the next exit, and took a route through the western part of Azure Heights, and headed back east to her destination: a mid class bar and restaurant on the side of a hill overlooking the more vibrant commercial half of Azure heights.

She stepped into the wood trimmed, and red carpeted building and checked in at the front table to sign in for the speed dating event. She got her name tag and stuck it above her left breast. Most of the seats were already taken. It was good she got there when she did, because as she sat at a table, the bell rang signaling everyone to start.

Camilla wrenched her fingers. The drive was calm with her being more concerned with getting there in time. But the bell ringing meant it was time to put on her charms and find a connection. The first man who sat down had neatly plucked eyebrows, eyeliner, stunningly brushed and maintained short blonde hair, and fitted dress shirt. She sat down and gave Camilla a sly smile. "Hey. I'm Anton."

Oh boy. He's a bit... Feminine. But at least he knows how to dress. Camilla smiled. "Oh hey there. I'm Camilla."

He smiled and nodded, leaving an awkward silence.

"So uh, I'm glad I got here in time. I didn't realize there was some big event on?"

He nodded along with her. "Oh yeah, Veera Deva. Are you a fan?"

"Nooo. I listen to a lot of older music. I think some of it is older than she is."

"I respect that. So what do you do, Camilla?"

"I make maternity clothes." She blushed, unsure of how normal people felt about such a niche job.

Anton smiled and leaned on one hand "Oh! Clothes is a great profession! Hah. I don't suppose you'd give me a discount."

"Maybe if you were pregnant," she joked. "On that -how do you feel about kids?"

Anton bit his lip. "I uh - I love kids. Sorry to say, but I can't do it in the way you're hoping. I mean, I've had bottom surgery, but, well, I'm shooting blanks..."

"Oh." Camilla buried herself in her hand. "I'm sorry darling. I didn't mean to - i didn't want to -"

"Don't worry about it, babe." He laughed.

The bell rang.

Camilla exhaled loudly in her embarrassment.

The next man walked up to the table and put out his hand. "Not going well so far? Better odds for me then." he chuckled. He was dressed in a white suit and had long blonde hair tied into a tight ponytail.

Is this the 60's? A ponytail on a guy? Stop it, I shouldn't be so quick to judge. Camilla took a deep breath and composed herself. "Just poor choices of conversation. But hey there darling, I'm Camilla."

"Hugo Lipman. Pleasure to meet you."

"I have to say - I make clothes for a living. Women's stuff almost entirely. But whoever your tailor is has done great work on your suit."