“Seriously? A year?”
Looking straight ahead with a grim expression, I said, “Yep. A whole year. My whole senior year. August 1st to August 1st.” We walked out of the courthouse.
My friend Tony shook his head in disbelief. “That’s crazy. When I heard that the law was changed last year, I really never thought anyone would be affected by it. It’s just too crazy.” Mom and Dad were walking behind us. Dad was actually crying.
“Tough break, kid,” said my court appointed lawyer. “I did everything I could.”
I scowled at the lawyer. “You didn’t do shit. You might as well have not even been there!”
The lawyer, I didn’t even know his name, chuckled. “You get what you pay for, kid. See ya in the funny papers.” He turned and walked toward the court parking lot.
We stopped walking. The afternoon late July sun beat down on us. It’s 2035 for crissake. Who’d thought this stupid law would ever be used. And I wasn’t even guilty of anything except I knew the guy who did the assaulting. So did most of the school. Karl, the football captain assaulted Angie, the lead cheerleader at an end of school party in June. While it was just this side of rape, Karl admitted what he did and everyone, including me thought the book should be thrown at him. And it was. A year in jail and large fine. Case closed, right?
I was nearby and accused of assisting in the assault even though I had no idea what was going on and didn’t even witness it. My buddy Roger got the same charge. His family could afford the fine. We couldn’t, so the judge, anxious to try out this new legal form of punishment, sentenced me to, get this, one year… twelve whole months… of being a girl. That’s right. I’m required to be a girl. Not just dress in funny clothes. But a complete change of legal status of my gender along with a list of requirements I must do in order to truly experience being female. Nothing gets lopped off, but there is a surgical tuck to give me a female shape along with hormones to keep me from getting excited. And of course, breast implants. They told me everything is reversible.
Now the judge claimed that me being sentenced to being a girl was not punishment. She didn’t want me to think that being a girl was punishment. No. It was to teach me a lesson and make me understand on a more intimate level just how wrong my behavior towards girls was. Except I didn’t do anything.
Angie who is both a long time friend as well as the victim of the assault, tried to explain to the judge that I was not involved. She should know, right? No. The judge wanted her example. The decision isn’t even appealable until the November following the end of the sentence. So I’m totally screwed.
Squinting in the sun, Tony looked at me and asked, “What are you going to do, Jason? Is there no way out?”
I frowned and pointed at the retreating lawyer. “Mr. Asswipe there, my brilliant legal council said there wasn’t. He did say there was a bill up for a vote in the next session to repeal it, but it wouldn’t change anyone currently sentenced. At least Angie said she’d help with girl things. To start at least.”
We walked on to my Dad’s car. Tony asked, “Can’t you just wear panties or something and call it good?”
I huffed. “I wish it was that easy. No. You have to present totally as a girl twenty-four seven just as if you were born that way. It’s going to be a pain just to get all my documents set up. Everything has to declare I’m female.”
Tony looked down at his feet. “Sucks, man. That’s completely insane. Let me know if I can help. I gotta run. Take it easy, man.”
Since there is only a week before the August 1st deadline, the court will grant some leeway, but I can’t drag it out. My surgery for the tuck and breasts are scheduled for tomorrow. While recovering, I can get my documents changed. I just have to show the court order and boom. No questions asked.
School starts August 15th. Now that’s going to really suck.
Dad pointed at his car. “Get in the car son. I can still say that, right?”
I frowned. “For another week.”
I got in the car and we went home.
“Hey Angie. Thanks for coming over. I’m going to need the help.”
Angie smiled at me. “I’m happy to, Jason. I kinda feel responsible for your situation.”
I closed the door behind her. “Don’t. It’s not your fault. And don’t forget. I’m Cindy now. That shit starts today.”
Frowning, Angie said, “Well, I still feel bad. I don’t know why that judge wouldn’t listen.” She hefted a couple plastic bags. “Anyway, I brought you some clothes. I can’t wear them anymore. Oddly they’re too small for me, but they seem to be in your size. Tops, skits, dresses, bras and panties. Don’t worry, they’ve all been washed. At least until you can get your own.”
I took the bags from her and held them up to try to look inside them. “Thanks Angie.”
She held up another bag from a drug store. “These are new. They’re for you. Again, I feel bad so I just went ahead and bought them. All the girls on the squad chipped in. It’s make-up. Just to get you started. There’s foundation, a compact. A few cheap brushes. Mascara and liner. An eye shadow palette. And three lipsticks. And some other stuff you might want.”
I smirked. “A feller could have a pretty good time in Vegas with all that stuff.”
Angie looked at me funny.
I wave my hand dismissively. “An old movie line. Really old. You’re going to show me how to use this, right? Mom wanted to know if she was going to show me.”
It was Angie’s turn to smirk. “Trust me. You don’t want your mother teaching you how to wear make-up. All the girls on the squad have said they’d help when they can.”
I stepped aside. “Well, come on in. We’ll go back to my room.”
Mom stepped into the living room from the kitchen. “Jas… Cindy. What’s going on out here? Oh, hi Angie. Are you here to help Cindy with her make-up?”
Angie nodded. “Yes ma’am. What time is her hair appointment?”
Mom grinned. “Two thirty. Do you know where?”
Angie nodded. “Same salon I use. I’ll have her ready to go.”
I frowned at Mom and then Angie. “Do I have to get my hair done? I mean, really?”
Angie and Mom both said “Yes” at the same time. Angie continued, “You need to get that fright wig of yours under control.”
Mom chuckled. “I’ll let you girls get to it.”
As we entered my room, Angie giggled. “I think your mom is enjoying this.”
I sighed. “Ya think?”
Angie set the bag of make-up and other stuff on my bed as we both sat down. Angie dumped the contents of the bag on my bed and she suddenly looked serious.
Angie said, “Now, the first important thing for you to start doing, because I can see you don’t already, is take better care of your skin. It’s very important you moisturize. Not just your face, but all over. Look how dry your hands are. A boy isn't going to want to hold that.”
For the next hour and a half, Angie continued to scold me on my poor skin care regimen as well as show me how to use the various cosmetics she insisted I start using. I have to say it was an eye opening experience. I really had no real idea what women put themselves through in the name of beauty. I learned a lot, but I just didn’t really care much about what I learned. It just all seemed frivolous to me.
Angie grinned when she stepped back to admire her handiwork. “All I can say is wow, Cindy. You got this. We’ll have to see how things go in the behavior department, but as far as looks go, honey you’re beautiful.”
She had me stand up to look into the large mirror. I actually gasped. “Is that me?”
Angie smiled. “Sure is. It helps you still have those boyish looks instead of a more masculine face. Get used to it, girl. You’re going to be a boy magnet.”
“Terrific,” I frowned. I kept looking at my reflection in utter disbelief. “Girls really go through all this every day? Seriously?”
Angie laughed. “This is just your every day going to school look. As you do it every day, it will get easier. But just wait until you have those special occasions, like a dance or a date. Your make-up will play a bigger role.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that too much,” I smirked.
“Don’t be so sure,” said Angie with a wry smile. “You might be surprised. Come on. Put on these clothes and then we’ll go show your mother.”
I really felt embarrassed as we walked out of my room. I was wearing make-up. Angie assured me it wasn’t really a lot. But to me, any make-up is too much. I didn’t like feeling my lashes when I blinked.
Underneath I had on a bra and panties. The bra felt weird. Up until today, I wore a sports bra while my boobs healed. But to have these weighted blobs of flesh being held in place by a stretchy nylon harness just felt strange. Well, I didn’t grow up wearing a training bra.
And finally, just a t-shirt and girls jeans. I was shocked that I really did fit Angie’s old clothes. Turns out I actually weigh less than her and a bit shorter. The jeans were skinny jeans that I didn’t think I would be able to get into.
Angie called out, “Hey Mrs. G! Come meet your daughter!”
Mom came out of the kitchen, took one look at me and froze. “Oh my! You’re definitely a Cindy now. I swear, you look just like me when I was your age.” She stepped up closer to get a better look at my face. “That’s amazing. Did you do your own make-up?”
I shook my head. “This was all Angie. She’ll start making me do it tomorrow.”
Mom grinned at Angie. “You did good work.” She glanced at the wall clock. “Oh, it’s about time to leave for your hair appointment, Cindy. We should probably go.”
Angie said, “Do you mind if I took her there? I’d like to take her shopping afterwards. She definitely needs her ears pierced.”
Mom nodded. “Of course, hon. That sounds like a great idea.”
Horrified, I said, “Seriously? Like out in public? The salon is bad enough.”
Mom chuckled. “Cindy, you’ll be fine. You’ll be in good hands, and honestly, you’re very pretty. You have to go outside sometime. I mean, school starts soon. Trust me. Everyone will accept you as a girl.”
Angie laughed as she playfully punched my shoulder. “Come on, girl. It’ll be fun. Just relax.”
I nodded. “You’re right. I need to face my fate before school starts.”
Mom smiled, “Too bad your father is at work. I’m sure he’ll love his new daughter.”
I rolled my eyes. “I somehow doubt that.”
Angie stated matter-of-factly, “Hey we need to go. I’ll have her back in time for dinner.”
As we walked towards Angie’s car, I looked at the ground and said, using air quotes, “It’s bad enough to get my ‘hair done’. Let’s skip the ear piercing.”
Angie stopped walking. “I’m trying to help you, Cindy. If you don’t want my help, I have other things to do. I want you to enjoy being a girl.”
I frowned at her. “Do you ‘enjoy’ being a girl?”
Angie folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at me. “As a matter of fact, I do enjoy it. I can’t imagine being anything else. And unlike you, I’m in it for the long haul. You may only have to be a girl for a year, which over all doesn’t seem very long, but it’ll be a long, miserable time for you if you don’t relax and embrace it. There are a ton of things to enjoy about being a girl. And I’m not just talking about clothes and make-up.”
I looked glumly over at her. “I suppose you’re right. It’s all just so foreign to me.”
Angie grinned at me. “We’ll fix that!”
The salon we went to was located in a strip mall about two blocks from our high school. Several of the stores Angie wanted to take me to were all in this same shopping area. There was a bridal store Angie tried to get me to go in and browse. I strongly declined and she just laughed.
As we entered the salon, the woman at the counter looked up. She smiled at Angie. “Just go on back. Sue is waiting for you.”
Angie said, “Thanks!” As she headed towards the back, Angie said, “See ya in a few.”
The woman looked at her computer screen and asked, “Are you Ms. Garland?” I nodded. She smiled and said, “We have you down for styling and to have your nails done. Is that correct?”
Holy crap. My nails? Was that Mom’s idea or Angie’s? I really don’t want anything done to my nails. But I sighed and said, “Yes. That’s right.”
The woman smiled at me. “When your mother made the appointment, she told us how you wanted your hair. So let’s go on back.”
Since I got up this morning, I’ve been worried about what was going to happen to my hair. It’s not really long, like Angie’s. But it’s not short like Tony’s and Roger’s. They’re both on the football team and the coach prefers the team to all have almost buzz cuts. And saying you’re having your nails done sounds just so damned girlie. I looked down at my boobs. MY boobs. I guess being girlie was a moot point.
I guessed the first order of business was a shampoo as I sat down in a chair and had to bend my head way back. It was kinda uncomfortable. As they sprayed my hair and started sudsing my hair up, I was suddenly worried about my make-up getting messed up. I hate myself.
The woman doing my nails did so quietly. However, the one doing my hair talked non-stop, asking me if I was excited about school, had my boyfriend asked me to the homecoming dance and what did my dress look like, was I a cheerleader like Angie and on and on. I really don’t think she even really listened to my replies. At least it made the time go by faster.
It was jarring when I looked in the mirror. I didn’t see me at all. I couldn’t figure out how that cute girl got inside the reflection. And I never once ever considered my nails as being pretty. But that’s what they now were. Shaped and a polished deep pink. What in the hell am I doing with not just nail polish, but pink? I swear. Being a girl is extremely emasculating.
I was directed back to the front of the salon where Angie was waiting. The woman at the counter. Angie had an ear-to-ear grin as I walked up to the cashier. The woman looked up at me as I approached and smiled. “You’re good to go, miss. Your mother paid for it when she made the appointment.” She then gave me a quizzical expression. “It’s funny. Your mother has been coming here for years and she’s not once mentioned having a daughter.”
I shrugged. “What can I say?”
Angie grinned as she looked at my head from different angles. My hair, while still on the longish side for a boy, it was still a fairly short style for a girl. Angie exclaimed, “I just love your hair, Cindy! That looks perfect on you. You really are beautiful!”
I shook my head with an embarrassed grin. “Don’t be ridiculous, Angie.”
Angie grabbed my shoulder and turned me to face the woman at the register. She asked, “What do you think?”
The woman laughed and said, “She’s beautiful.”
Angie said, “See?”
I looked at Angie like she was crazy. I said, “She works here. What else is she going to say?”
The woman laughed and said, “Well, speaking on my own time, you’re beautiful. I should know. Beauty is our business.”
Angie nodded. “See? Expert opinion. Okay, we’ve got more to do.” As we exited the salon, Angie took my hand to pull me to the earring store. Frowning, she let go of my hand. “Girl, we really got to do something about your hands.”
She held up my hand and commented, “See? You now have gorgeous hands but they’re so dry. Trust me. No boy is going to want to hold a rough hand like that.”
I frowned and pulled my hand back. “I let it slide the last time you said that. I’m not interested in a boy holding my hand regardless of softness.”
Angie shook her head. “Your mission girl is before school starts to get your skin baby soft even if you have to bathe in moisturizers.” She pushed on the door of the earring store. “Now to get your ears pierced.”
I rolled my eyes at her. “Is this really necessary?”
Angie looked at me as if I was from Mars. “Well, duh!”
The bell mounted on the door jingled as we entered Stacy’s Earring Shoppe. A girl by the cash register was sitting on a stool, smiled and stood up as the door closed behind us. She smiled broadly at us.
“Angie!” the girl exclaimed. She pointed at a tall carousel of earrings and said, “Good to see you again. We just got a ton of new earrings in.”
Angie grinned, “Hey Marilyn.” I thought for sure her name would be Stacy. “Cool. I’m definitely in the market for something new. Oh, and this is Cindy. She’s a new student this year. I’m trying to help her out.”
Marilyn smiled pleasantly at me. “Well, then welcome, Cindy. Happy to have you with us. And I just love your hair. It’s so cute!” Funny. The only reaction I’d get when I got a haircut as Jason was from my Uncle Nick who always asked if I got my ears lowered. “Are you going to be a cheerleader like Angie?”
I waved my hand dismissively. “Oh no. I wasn’t here for the tryouts anyway.”
Angie’s eyes twinkled as she said, “Actually, tryouts are the first week of school. So you have a chance.”
I sighed. “Lucky me.” No way in hell.
Smiling, Marilyn asked, “So, how can I help you ladies?”
Angie said, “I’m just looking for something new, but Cindy wants to get her ears pierced. She’s nervous about it.”
Marilyn waved her hand. “Girl, there’s nothing to worry about. It doesn’t hurt. Much. Try not to let out an ear-piercing scream.” She chuckled. Angie rolled her eyes and Marilyn, continued, “Well, you did say she was new here.”
I was directed to sit on the stool just recently vacated by Marilyn. She started numbing an earlobe by rubbing it. She picked up a paper hole punch and came towards me. I gave her a worried look and she said, “Oh. Sorry. This is how I pierce boy’s ears.” She chuckled.
I looked to Angie and asked, “Are we paying extra for the show?”
Marilyn frowned. “I’m just trying to keep it light.” She picked up a small gun looking thing. “Try not to jump when the starter stud goes in. You keep your starter earrings in for at least six weeks and avoid touching them. At least with dirty hands. They’ll be sore and red for a few days.”
I scowled at Angie and asked, “Tell me again why I’m doing this?”
In response, Angie held up a pair of earrings she’d removed from a nearby carousel and wiggled them at me. “I’m getting these for you. They’re just adorable and will look really cute on you.” I learn that ‘cute’ is a universal adjective for something attractive.
Despite being told not to, I still jumped when the stud pierced my ear.
We left the earring store after I got studs in both ears and with Angie’s recommendations I bought several pairs of earrings.
Angie grinned at me. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it? And now you get to wear all these pretty earrings. And stop touching your ears! You’ll get infected.”
I frowned at Angie. “It bothers me.”
Shaking her head, Angie said, “Cindy, believe me. In a few weeks, you’ll be so happy you did this. Now let’s go check out the shoe store. Your mom is expecting you back in about an hour.”
After entering my house, I set the shopping bags of shoes including a pair of high heels that I can’t imagine ever wearing. A little black dress that Angie insisted that every girl should have and a bikini of all things. Exhausted, I plopped down on the couch and numbly turned on the TV.
Mom was in the kitchen and heard me come in and walked over to me. She took one look and exclaimed, “I love your hair, Cindy. It’s so cute.”
I sighed heavily. “Thanks, Mom. Shopping is exhausting.”
Mom chuckled as she started going through my shopping bags. “It can be. But it’s also fun.” She pulled out the earrings I’d bought and exclaimed, “Oh, these are darling! I can’t wait to see you wear them.” I guess I need to add ‘cute’, ‘adorable’ and ‘darling’ to my personal lexicon.
Mom extracted the dress and the high heels and grinned at me. “Oh! I love this dress! And matching heels!” She gave me a knowing look and asked, “Planning a special evening?”
I frowned and shook my head. “Knock it off, Mom. I think Angie is trying to create her mini-me.”
Mom shook her head at me. “You should be more thankful for her help, Cindy. She told me she’s wants to be your life coach. In a few weeks, she’ll have to cut back on time with you because of cheerleading practice. And then when school starts, she’ll have even less time with you. Let her help you as much as she can now.”
“I’m trying to Mom!” I said trying not to sound frustrated. “Look at me. This is just day one!”
Mom smiled. “And you’re beautiful. I won’t lie to you. I love having a daughter. I could use some help in the kitchen.”
I sighed as I stood. I was still tired from my afternoon with Shopzilla. As my grandmother used to say, “No rest for the wicked.” Am I wicked?
As I turned to follow Mom to the kitchen, Dad came in from the garage. He frowned and said, “You look ridiculous. And that hair!” At least he didn’t say how cute my hair was. I don’t think ‘cute’ is in his vocabulary.
Mom frowned at Dad. “Be nice, George. I think your daughter is adorable.”
Dad shrugged and heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry Jas…Cindy. I know this is hard on you. I’ll admit your hair is cute.” Damn! I spoke too soon.
I smiled weakly at Dad. “No problem Dad. It’s an adjustment.” Ya think?
Dad nodded. “That’s for damn sure. Oh, I’m trying to think up some rules for you.”
“Rules, Dad?” I asked. “Other than letting you know where I was, you never had rules for me before.”
Dad grunted. “You weren’t a daughter before. Just simple rules, like you can’t stay out past ten o’clock, no boys in the house… stuff like that.”
Trying not to whine, I said, “But that’s not fair, Dad!”
Dad frowned. “It’s more than fair. We’ll talk about it later.” He turned to sit on the couch in front of the TV and mumbled about how much being a girl is going to cost him.
From the kitchen, Mom said, “Cindy, if you can give me a hand? Can you make the mashed potatoes for me?”
I turned away glumly from Dad and walked to the kitchen. “Sure Mom.”
I was sitting in my room playing a game on my computer. Girls play computer games, right? I don’t want to give this up or have to switch to playing Barnyard Veterinarian. The lecture from Dad after dinner was definitely annoying.
Sounding aggravated, I heard Dad call from the living room, “Cindy! There’s a boy here to see you.” Dad is going to try to embarrass me as much as he can just because he doesn’t like me being a girl. It’s not like I volunteered.
I walked into the living room and saw who was standing outside on the porch. I exclaimed, “Dad! That’s not a boy. That’s Tony!” I’m going to have to have another talk with Dad. After seeing it was Tony at the door, Mom or Dad used to tell him I’m in my room and let him come in.
Looking confused, Tony said, “I thought I was a boy.”
As I stepped up to the door, I said, “You know what I mean. Dad, you know Tony.”
Tony looked at my Dad. He held up a thumb drive. “I won’t be long, sir. I just have some software to install on Cindy’s computer.” That must be the new Skyrim 27 that just came out. Tony had told me he had a cracked version.
Dad didn’t move. “How long will that take?”
Bewildered at not being let in, Tony said, “Maybe half an hour to install and then configure.”
Dad checked the time displayed on his phone. “Okay. You have half an hour frommm… now”
Tony looked at my dad like he was from an alien planet. He said, “Yes sir.” He stepped through the open door towards me.
I picked up the handset of the house phone and held the receiver out towards Dad. “Dad. It’s Ward Cleaver. He wants his decade back.”
Tony suppressed a chuckle as both ran for my room.
When we got inside my room and I closed the door, Tony said, “Man. You run like girl.”
I said, “Thank you.” I plucked the thumb drive from Tony’s grasp. Tony sat down on the edge of my bed.
Before Tony could respond, the door to my room was yanked open. Looking angry, Dad said, “This door is to remain open!” He turned and stormed off to the couch.
Tony just sat there on the edge of my bed. “Well, shit. Looks like I won’t be able to fuck you tonight.”
I laughed and then I felt a slight chill. “You were joking, right?”
Tony flashed a What do you think? expression at me. “What do you think?”
As my PC started reading the thumb drive Tony screwed up his face and asked, “What the hell is up with you dad? I mean, yeah. When I’ve visited some other girls from school to get some math help, she had to leave her door opened. Makes sense as she was a girl and all.”
I folded my arms and glared at Tony. “What do I look like?”
Getting defensive, Tony said, “Well, uh, you.. you look like a girl. Oh. I didn’t get to say it when I walked into your house, but you’re very pretty. That hair style looks cute on you.”
I closed my eyes and made a stabbing gesture to my chess. “Et tu, Brute.”
Tony frowned. “Okay. You’re not pretty. Better?”
I grunted a laugh. “That’s not it. Everyone I’ve talked to today has said my hair is cute.”
Tony smirked, “Sorry to bring you bad news, Bucko. It is cute. I’m not usually attracted to short hair girls. But I have to say your hair style looks very cute on you. Being pretty must be a terrible burden on you.”
Folding my arms with a scowl, I said, “You can stop now.”
“Seriously, though,” said Tony seriously. “I can fully understand why your dad is protective of you. Hell, I wouldn’t even let me anywhere near my daughter. If I had one.”
I shook my head and said, “The install is done. What do we configure?”
Tony leaned over me to get to the keyboard. He turned to grin at me. He put his hand on my shoulder. “You smell nice.” I told him thanks and pointed at the PC. He continued, “Look. Just run all the settings to max. You’ve got one of the best graphic cards. Just set everything to High. High body count, high blood splatters. Turn damage on.” After fiddling around with the settings for a few minutes, Tony said, “Oh hey. I need to tell…”
Dad entered my room to see Tony practically lying on top of me. Trying to sound like an authoritarian, Dad said, “Time to go, son.”
“But Daddy,” I complained. “It hasn’t been half an hour yet.” I haven’t called my dad, daddy since I was about four.
If looks could kill, Tony would have been vaporized. “Party’s over.” Dad had better mellow out soon, or I’m going to be in for a hard time.”
“Daddy. Just five more minutes. Please.”
Dad stuck his hands into his pockets. “Okay. Just five minutes and no more.” He turned and walked back to his couch. All right! Saying ‘Daddy’ works.
Tony took his thumb drive back from me. “Okay, real quick,” he said. “Remember how us and some of our friends for the past couple of years have been all going to a movie on the last Saturday before school? That’s next Saturday! We’re doing it again this year. I wondered if you wanted to come too.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “As your date?”
Tony laughed. “Oh fuck no!” He stood up to leave. “Just asking if you’d want to go to. I’m picking up Roger along the way. You in?”
I got up too, so I could follow him to the door. “As long as it’s not a date, I’m in.”
Tony grinned. “Cool beans. Talk to you later, bud.” Dad closed the door after him.
I walked back to my room and closed the door. I was going to play the game for a bit before going to bed. Before the game’s intro finished, my cell phone rang. I looked and it was Angie.
“Hey girl,” said the pleasant voice of Angie. “I just wanted to remind you that I’ll be over at your house by nine. Be sure to have everything out.”
Before she could hang up, I said, “Before you hang up, I have a question.”
Angie said quietly, “Of course, Cindy.What’s up?”
I said, “You know Tony, right? He wanted to ask me if I’d be interested to go with him and our usual gang to see a movie next Saturday. Do you think I should go with them?
Angie said, “I think so. It would be a good experience for you.”
I was afraid to ask the question. Finally, I asked, “This doesn’t mean I’m dating Tony does it?”
Angie giggled. “Not necessarily. Interesting question though. I mean, Tony asks you, Tony picks you up, Tony pays for everything…”
“Whoa,” I said quickly. “I’m paying my own way.”
Angie said, “There is such a thing as a Dutch treat and still be a date. Are you planning to get romantic with him?”
I almost shouted, “Of course not!”
Angie laughed. “Then don’t worry about and just enjoy a evening out with your friends. I need to run. See you in the morning.” She disconnected before I could say anything else.
Shit. That’s all I need.