Tangled

Chapter 56

56 Ava: A Sudden Situation

Before I know it, the salesgirl is ushering me into the dressing room with an armload of clothes. I spend what feels like hours trying on outfit after outfit, parading out for Ivy’s critical eye.

“Hmm, I don’t love that one,” she says, wrinkling her nose at a slinky black dress. “Next.”

I obediently retreat back behind the curtain, shimmying out of the dress and into a pair of high–waisted trousers and a silk camisole. When I reemerge, Ivy claps her hands delightedly.

“That’s the one! You look so chic. We’ll take it. Actually, just keep it on. It looks better than what I brought

over.”

This Ivy is so different from the Ivy I’ve been treated to

up to this point, and I’m dizzy with whiplash.

The process repeats at what seems like a dozen different stores throughout the afternoon. Shoes, dresses, blouses, skirts, pants… by the time we hit the fourth boutique, I’m fairly certain I’ve tried on more outfits today than I have in my entire life.

12:35

56 Ava A Sudden Situation

My feet are screaming in protest from the endless parade of heels Ivy insists I model. I’m parched from barely having a chance to grab a bottle of water.

But Ivy seems to be having the time of her life, reveling in her role as personal shopper and stylist. She flits around me like a deranged fairy godmother, clucking over hemlines and admiring how certain colors bring

out my eyes.

“You have such a great figure, Ava,” she gushes as I self–consciously smooth my hands over my hips in a skintight black pencil skirt. “We simply must get you some things to show it off properly.”

I force a tight smile, feeling distinctly uncomfortable under her appraising stare. Revealing clothes have never been my thing–I much prefer loose, flowy fabrics that skim over my curves rather than clinging

to them.

take a break to

I had the driver pick up some

12.35

A Sudden Situation

me some sort of chalky–looking nutrition

eye it dubiously but take a small bite, grimacing at the

We pile back into the sleek sedan, and I sink gratefully into the plush leather seat, massaging my

as the driver pulls away from

fun?”

worn out to muster much

you’ll get used to it. Just

a delightful day lounging on the couch and watching my shows. No uncomfortable shoes or

me,

12:35

3/7

A Sudden Situation

I’ve learned the art of tuning her out while still nodding and making vague affirming noises at regular

place I’m taking you to is simply divine. The chef

gazing out the window. The city is behind us, and we’re driving through

suburb.

as far as the eye can see. It’s like a postcard image of the

I’ve long since tuned her out.

ceaseless chatter.

tailed. One car, a blue

sit up a little

1. us.

her neck

window with

12:35

4/7

A Sudden

a hint of impatience. coloring her

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