She was about to change the subject when Lily walked up to their booth.
“I’m clocked out and ready to be awed. I’ve heard enough talk about those poles that I expect a show when we get there.” Lily’s eyes went to Sam. “Who’s this?”
Evie made introductions, and Sam shook Lily’s hand like she was afraid she’d break it.
“Friend of yours, Evie?” Lily asked, clearly surprised.
“Sort of. Sam made a bad first impression and wanted to make it up to me with coffee. Somehow, we ended up here.”
Sam’s eyes widened. “You invited me here. I just—” She stopped when she noticed Evie’s calming smile. She returned it nervously. “A joke. Right. Sorry.”
“And they called me a rabbit…” Lily mumbled.
“What?” Evie and Sam said in unison.
“Forget it.” Lily flashed Evie’s and Sam’s tab at them. “This has been paid for, so we can go when you’re ready. I wasn’t kidding. I’m dying to see you show off.”
“You didn’t have to handle the bill,” Evie said.
“I only did it because I decided you’re buying the first round at Court. And I’m on a two-drink limit, so I’m expecting the good stuff.” Lily grinned. “Consider it nightclub warfare.”
Evie laughed, shaking her head. Lily was so easy to like.
“Does the offer still stand?” Sam said as Evie got up. “About me coming out with you tonight?”
Evie raised her brows with a smirk. “What about yourmeeting?”
“I’ll cancel. They’ll understand.” Sam’s tense expression suggested that probably wasn’t the case, but it could just be her general nervous disposition.
Evie shot Lily an apologetic look. She hadn’t thought to ask if she’d be okay with Sam tagging along. Luckily, Lily seemed even less likely to kick a puppy than Evie.
“Sure. On one condition, though.” Lily put on a serious face. “You have to cheer when Evie starts dancing.”
“Oh, that’ll be easy. I already saw her dance.” Sam smiled genuinely for once, like she was happy to be in on the conversation. “She’s really good.”
“Now I just feel left out.” Lily dragged Evie along, waving at Sam. “Be there at seven. I’ll make sure you’re on the VIP list.”
As the two of them left The Five-Leaf, Evie was momentarily puzzled by the expression on Sam’s face through the window. She was on the phone, looking dour and nervous. Maybe cancelling with whoever she was meeting with that night had consequences.
Seeing it made Evie frown, but then Lily pulled her along, and Evie was distracted by excitement. She would get to dance again.Reallydance. She’d feel the energy of a crowd drunk on alcohol and adrenaline. Let loose. Have fun. With friends, no less.
Lily almost had to break into a jog to keep up with Evie. When they made it to Natalya’s apartment in the high-rise, she had to endure Evie changing her mind about her outfit about a dozen times.
As Evie did her hair up, covered her scars with concealer, and put on bright red lipstick, she caught Lily looking at her.
“What?”
Lily smiled. “You look amazing.”
The words made Evie grin from ear to ear. She’d settled on wearing dark shorts and a green sequin crop top that matched the color of her eyes. She did look good. It had been a while since she got compliments and actually believed them.
It had become easier lately. Evie was opening up more with Georgina, difficult as it was, and she was keeping her promise to Natalya. Telling her own reflection, every day, that she was beautiful, strong, and brave. It felt awkward at first. Then tragic. But somehow, it helped. It helped more than she thought it would.
“You look great, too,” Evie said, looking at Lily’s outfit with genuine appreciation. The slight woman wore a dark red, laced-up corset, and a short black skirt. The colors suited her tan skin and dark brown hair. Had they met under different circumstances, Evie could have seen herself asking Lily out.
“I lookokay.” Lily hugged herself, her face sullen. “It’s hard to look better than okay when you’re built like a stick.”
Evie was more than familiar with that self-deprecating mindset. It was insecurity she still felt herself, though not as much as usual. Putting on the clothes and makeup was like putting on a uniform. It was like stepping into the role of someone who oozed confidence. Someone who wasn’t scarred and scared.
