After trying on multiple outfits, Kallie settled on a flattering green and yellow dress. Spaghetti straps with support already built in and fabric that poured down to her knees. The high empire waist accented the dips in her body while concealing the thicker curves. Her thighs for instance. Kallie hated her thighs. She slipped her feet into a matching pair of green flats and walked into the bathroom, then ran a brush through her hair. She untangled all the knots and braided it down her back, then pulled a few wispy curls out to frame her face.
She paired the outfit off with a delicate necklace and sparkling earrings, and she felt new and refreshed already.
“Gonna show me up, huh?” Eris asked.
Kallie snickered and shook her head before she held out her arms.
“How do I look?” Kallie asked.
“Like you’d cost a hell of a lot more than I have to offer.”
“Fuck you.”
“I see the island has loosened up your tongue. I like that. You ready to go get our party on?”
“Do I have a choice?” Kallie asked.
“Trust me. The color is already flooding back to your face. By the end of tonight, you’ll be as good as new and you’ll know what to do. That’s my goal. To get you back on track to succeed and flourish in your own life.”
Kallie took one last look at herself before grabbing her purse.
“Come on,” she said. “Let’s go.”
“That’s the spirit,” Eris said. “To the bars!”
Chapter 3
Kallie
Eris insisted on dragging her to a cocktail bar to start their evening. It was one of the trendiest spots in New York, and she was walking in there in a tank top and sweatpants. Even though she looked two ticks shy of homeless, Eris was still batting away the offers. They both were. Men were offering them drinks left and right. Men in blazers and button-downs and tight pants all walked up to Kallie and smiled at her. Complimented her. Made any excuse to be close to her. Some complimented her eyes while others complimented her dress. One man even complimented her on her earrings. He said they “made her eyes twinkle in the lights of the strobes.”
“You see that guy over there?” Eris asked.
“Which one?”
“The one with the buzz cut and the holey jeans? I bet you he’s military.”
“You got a thing for military men?” Kallie asked.
“Nope. Figured you did after your little island excursion,” Eris said with a grin.
“Oh stop it. Now you’re being mean.”
“What about that guy? Hmm? With his longer hair and that tailored suit. What do you think he does for work?”
“Well, he’s got his nose crinkled at something. Looks a little uptight. Possibly an accountant?”
“I was thinking president of a no-name start-up, but that one’s good too.”
Kallie sputtered her drink as she tried to conceal her laughter.
“What about that guy over there?” Eris asked.
“That’s the bartender, Eris.”
“But I mean look at him. Tattoos all up his arms. Bald head. Stern expression. Loose shirt. The man looks like he recently escaped from prison.”
“Possibly James’s old bodyguard?” Kallie asked.