I bought the dress, and after some convincing from Amy I even got lacy red lingerie from Victoria Secret that I couldn’t even afford. At least, I had sexy high heels, so I didn’t need to buy new shoes. But I'd given out more money than I should have anyway. I really hoped it was worth it. Adrian had better appreciate my outfit.
Of course, I was sorely mistaken when I’d thought shopping was the only torture Amy had in mind for me. Without warning, she pulled me into the waxing studio I’d sworn to never enter again. Before I could as much as protest, I was already on my way to get another Brazilian waxing. At least, my leg hairs were too short even for the special sugar-mix they were using because I’d shaved them only yesterday. Even though I hated to admit it, Amy had been right. The second time wasn’t as painful as the first, but definitely not pleasant in any way.
At three pm, we returned to her apartment – exactly as Amy had planned it. Jared gave us an amused smile when Amy pulled me into their bedroom. Bruno was sitting on his lap because he'd agreed to keep an eye on my pug while I was busy.
Amy pushed me down on the chair in front of her dressing table.
“Amy, do we really need three hours to get me ready?” I hadn't intended for it to come out quite so whiny, but I was already tired and cranky, and I still had to survive a date without embarrassing myself. Amy made an impatient little noise and grabbed tweezers from the dressing table. I followed her movements warily when she brought the tweezers closer to my face.
“What are you doing?”
“Plucking your eyebrows.” Without warning, she ripped the first hair out and I yelped. It hurt. I'd plucked my eyebrows only yesterday, but obviously I hadn't done the job properly. I closed my eyes and winced now and then when Amy plucked too roughly. She really was a little devil.
“Done!” she exclaimed happily after what felt like an eternity and I opened my eyes slowly to find her beaming at me. It seemed as though plucking eyebrows made her very happy. I attempted a smile, which looked like a grimace. Red blotches formed where Amy had removed wayward hairs. I really hoped they’d be gone by the time Adrian picked me up. As if on cue, Amy reached for a tube of calming cream and rubbed into my forehead.
“You need to shower, shave your legs, and wash your hair,” she demanded and ushered me into their bathroom. I didn't even try to protest. After the shower, I returned into the bedroom where Amy had already laid the clothes out. She handed me the red silk and lace underwear and I took it reluctantly. “Amy, do you really think that's necessary? I don't plan on letting him see my underwear.” What if I dressed up and Adrian didn’t even try anything? That would be the worst. I’d feel like an idiot.
She rolled her eyes. “Of course, it's necessary. Men can be incredibly charming and convincing if they want to get into the pants of a woman, especially men like Adrian, and I fear you might fall for his charm.”
Maybe it was ridiculous, but I was actually glad that Amy was sure Adrian would lay the charm on. Of course I would never admit it. “I won’t fall for his charm.” I took the underwear from her and went into the bathroom to put it on. “I don’t bite,” Amy called as I closed the door behind me. It probably wasn’t a good sign that I was too embarrassed to let Amy see me naked. Maybe I could ask Adrian to turn off the light if we ended up in his bedroom.
Oh God, Amy was right. How could I ever resist Adrian’s charm? I was a horny virgin who needed to get laid. I was doomed.
I put the underwear on and admired myself in the mirror. I loved the feel of the lace panties on my waxed skin. A knock sounded, making me jump. “Can I come in?” Amy called.
“Sure.”
Amy poked her head in, looking apologetic. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that you will fall for Adrian’s charm, but I'm worried about you, Nora. Are you mad at me?”
“Of course, I’m not mad at you. But you should really trust me. I can handle Adrian.”
“Good,” she said, pushing the door open and finally stepping in. Her eyes travelled up and down my body. “Wow. You look hot.”
My cheeks heated and I didn’t know what to say. After a moment, Amy clapped her hands. “Let's get you ready. There’s still so much to do.”
“Great,” I muttered sarcastically, but Amy had already disappeared into the bedroom. I followed after her. She’d laid out my dress on the bed.
“Make up first.” She waved me over to her vanity and with a last longing glance toward the dress, I walked up to her and sank down on the chair she was pulling out for me. In the next hour, Amy did my make up and used a curling iron on my hair.