“I wish we had the money to go shopping every week. That was so fun. Well, everything except twisting my ankle,” Paige says as she fiddles with the radio. It’s Friday evening, and we have the windows rolled down and the radio blaring.
“We’ll ice it when we get home. Is it swollen?” I ask as I turn down our street.
“A little, but hopefully it’ll be okay by morning.”
“Like you always say, there’s a price for beauty.”
She chuckles. “Our first game isn’t for a few more days, so I should be good to go if I rest it. Don’t tell my coach, but finding that dress was worth it. Plus, it was a steal.”
“I adore this pattern.” I run my hand over the thin fabric covering my thighs. “I never would’ve had the courage to try this on, but I love it.” We went thrifting this afternoon, and Paige found this beautiful floral tube-top dress. It’s much more daring than anything else I own, but I feel so pretty that I had to wear it home.
“You look fab.”
I pull the top higher. “I’m just afraid I’m going to flash someone.”
She smirks. “That’s half the fun.”
“You’re sure this is okay without a bra? I feel so nipply.”
After a quick glance at my chest, she shrugs. “The dress is mostly black. I’d say go with a strapless bra if it really bothers you, but I think you have the boobs to hold it up, so why not? Besides, nips are in these days.”
We giggle, and I shrug. Nips are in.
Ezra would hate this dress, which means I’m absolutely going to wear it braless.
When we pull up to our house, I have to be careful getting out because the dress is a little short, but with these new wedge sandals, I feel pretty stylish. Before this moment, no one would ever describe me as stylish. The best part is I only spent thirty dollars on the whole ensemble.
A loud banging makes us turn toward Nick’s house where his nanny is hammering on the door with her fists. “Open the door right this minute, little girl!”
Paige and I look at each other, and I motion toward the nanny. “Sounds like she needs help.”
We walk over, and the nanny turns toward us with a huff. “I got locked out.”
“Do you want me to call Nick?” I offer. Paige lifts her eyebrow at me, and I laugh. She thinks he and I are secretly pining for each other. I hate to rain on her parade, but I’d rather date a cactus than Nick Silva. Plus, he’s seeing that beautiful redhead. Why in the world would he be interested in me? “For your information, I have his info because of that fender bender.”
Nanny Meany Pants scowls. “We do not have time. I have something on the stove, and I am worried how much longer it can boil.”
I frown. “Why can’t she hear you?”
Meany Pants’ eyes turn into little slits. “She listens to music too loud with those things on her head.” She motions over her ears.
“Headphones?”
“Headphones. It is bad for her hearing.”
“Okay, that’s probably an issue for another day. Have you tried the back door?”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Of course. Do you think I’m stupid?”
All right then.
That’s when I sniff the smoke, and my eyes widen. I turn to Paige. “Call the fire department. Better to be safe than sorry.” I pull up Nick’s number and get his voicemail. “Hey, neighbor, it’s Abigail. We have a little situation at your house. Your nanny got locked out. We’re calling the fire department, but I wanted to let you know what’s going on.” That’s when I notice the awning window above the giant picture window in the living room is cracked open. “I’m going to try to crawl in through your window. Call us back.”
I toss my phone on the ground and point to the window. “Paige, could we lift you up there?”
“Yeah, but I’m worried about coming down on my ankle.”
Ugh. “That’s right.” Nanny Meany Pants would never fit up there. It would be a tight squeeze for me, but maybe I can try. I turn to her. “Think you could hoist me up?” I point to the open window.
