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.

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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.

myself, suggesting we take a break to grab a bite to eat. But Ivy

some protein bars and smoothies. Here, have one of

12.35

Ava: A Sudden Situation

tosses me some sort of chalky–looking nutrition bar from

a small bite, grimacing at the gritty, tasteless lump. So much for lunch.

We pile back

prompts expectantly as the driver pulls away from the curb. “What did you think? Wasn’t that

fun?”

out to muster much enthusiasm. “It was an experience.”

disturbingly condescending way. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.

in my head. Well, I for one have had a delightful day lounging on

beside me, oblivious to my silent

12:35

3/7

A Sudden

out while still nodding and making vague affirming

divine.

murmur absently, gazing out the window. The city is behind

suburb.

perfectly manicured lawns and white picket fences stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s like a postcard image of the American dream.

she’s taking me to, but I’ve long

ceaseless chatter.

tailed. One car,

little straighter, instinctively glancing behind

1. us.

finally falls silent, craning her

with a

12:35

4/7

A Sudden

demands, a hint of

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