My cheeks flushed. “Yes.”
“Youscheduleda one-night stand?” She was practically screaming for all of Oahu to hear. “Sophia! That it is the most Sophia-thing you’ve ever done. If I were going to characterize you with one single action, it would be this one, right here.”
I glared at her. “This is not helping me. I called you for help. I recognize this situation is unusual but I kind of snapped, okay?”
“You don’t say.” She laughed. “Youplanneda one-night stand. Wow. I don’t even know what do with this information.”
“I have an idea. Help me get dressed since that’s the reason I called you.”
“And turn off all the amazing commentary I have on this situation?”
“Yes.”
She tipped her head back and groaned. “Okay, but you know how hard this is for me, right?”
I glared at her impatiently.
“Show me what we’re working with,” she said with a shake of her head.
I held up the four outfits I’d selected. There were two dresses that were sexy but probably said I was trying too hard to be sexy, a jean-and-sweater combo, which was probably the most weather appropriate, and a pair of black leggings with a long, white tunic.
“Ditch the white unless you’re trying to look virginal,” she said the second she saw that option. “I vote for jeans and a sweater. Is it low-cut?”
“Yeah,” I said, looking it over. “Not ridiculously so, but there will be visible cleavage.”
“Good, wear a push-up bra.”
“He’s going to notice my boobs are small when he takes my clothes off, El. There’s no point in trying to pretend I have something I don’t.” Despite her petite frame, Elena was far more blessed in the boob department than I was. But at least I’d never had to worry that a guy was staring at my chest while we were talking.
“Didn’tyoucallmefor advice?” she asked. “My advice is a push-up bra.”
I sighed. “Yes, and how sad is that? I called my fifteen-year-old sister to dress me for a planned one-night stand. Have I lost my mind?”
“Don’t insult me. My fashion advice is gold.” Elena dropped the sarcasm as soon as she saw me spiraling. “Sophia. You deserve to do a few fun and crazy things while you’re young. Don’t overthink this. If you want to hook up with this guy, do it. Enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks,” I said, even though I was already spinning out.
What if he only agreed to this because he feels bad for me?
I’d thought Leo was maybe a little into me but he could literally have anyone and instead, he was spending his night doing this with meand it was likely to be embarrassing as soon as he realized how inexperienced I was with all things sex.
“Seriously. Stop it,” Elena said sternly as she rose from her bench. “Kennedy’s giving me a curious look from the window so I’m going to work but stop thinking. In fact, don’t think at all until tomorrow morning.”
“Tell Kennedy I said hi. I love you.”
Elena pursed her lips in a kiss and ended the call. I’d spent so long overthinking my outfit that I had very little time left to get ready. So, I did what my sister suggested, push-up bra and all. I swiped on a little mascara and tousled my hair, letting it hang loose over my shoulders.
Without another thought, I grabbed my phone, tucked a credit card and my room key inside the case, and stepped outside to wait for Leo. I glanced at the time on my phone, relieved that I was still a little early, and looked up to see his smiling face approaching me. It was the second time we had a scheduled appointment of some sort and he was early for this one too. Well, Leo Harrison certainly knew how to impress me. And if his punctuality hadn’t done it, the way his blue-gray eyes popped against the dark blue shirt he wore would have certainly made up for any possible lateness.
Chapter Nine
Leo
I walked across campusto meet Sophia, worried I was going to be a few minutes late after I got held up at the phone store longer than I’d planned and had to rush to get ready. I hadn’t been kidding when I told Jace I needed a new phone, the other one was now at the bottom of the Charles River. I felt bad about the pollution. But I had chucked it into the air without thinking.
I reprogramed my family into the new one after getting their numbers from Jace as I walked to Sophia’s dorm. I was almost there when I pulled them all into a new group chat.
Me:I got a new phone and a new number. Don’t ask any questions.
