‘Feminine,’ Christine corrected. ‘And I really think you’re overreacting.’ She sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. ‘I knew you might take this badly. I was reluctant to say anything at all. Your defensiveness might become a problem if you’re not careful.’
‘I’m not being defensive!’
Which is exactly what a defensive person would say. Well played, nitwit.
‘It’s perfectly normal for couples to give opinions in relationships, Rebecca. To guide each other. I don’t want anything to detract from your full potential. You deserve to have every pair of eyes in the room on you next week… but for the right reasons. Yes, this is a lovely skirt, but I think you can do better. Is that really so bad?’
Becky took one last look in the mirror and sighed. The old Becky would have worn the skirt regardless, but the old Becky was dumped for being ridiculous. She could do better, she couldbebetter. Christine was right.
‘What trouser suit did you have in mind then?’
Becky finished unpacking in the other side of the wardrobe, thinking that side by side, their clothes looked like a before and after in one of those makeover shows:From Basic Witch to Boss BitchorQueer Eye for the Bohemian Bi.
‘I’m sure Erin has an iron you could borrow,’ Christine remarked dryly.
Becky quietly sighed. She’d really tried to make an effort to smarten up. To become more polished. To leave behind her more unconventional fashion and join Christine in a world of trendy labels, delicate jewellery, and unpatterned tights, but given the creased garments in front of her, it obviously hadn’t worked as well as she’d hoped.
‘Shall we go back downstairs?’ she asked, and Christine nodded, her eyes still on Becky’s clothes.
She’ll loosen up after a couple of drinks,Becky thought.She might even be fun. She used to be fun.
