Free Drummer Girl by Karen Bass Page B

studied herself in her new lacey underwear, which wasn’t very comfortable to sleep in, then took off the bra and panties and studied herself again.
    Not skinny, not fat. A bit of curve in the hips. Small breasts that looked bigger in the kind of bra Heather had made her buy. Sid struck a sexy pose – and started laughing. Her hair stuck out five different directions and the shadows under her eyes made her look more like a zombie than a Playboy bunny. She pointed at the mirror. “ You will not be wearing those stupid bunny ears any time in this life, girl. Deal with it.”
    If Mr. Are-You-Good-One-On-One could see her now, he’d realize she had only been disguised as a pretty girl last night. Not that she ever wanted him or any creepy guy to see her naked. Sid cranked on the shower as hot as she could stand it and let the heat cascade the soreness away.
    After her shower she padded into the kitchen in her bathrobe. James looked up from his Sunday paper. “I’ve only had three cups today so don’t hassle me.” He squinted at the clock. “You do know it’s almost noon, right? Usually you’re dressed by now. Was it a good concert?”
    Sid shrugged and sat down. “There was some decent drumming.”
    James smiled. “Nice to know my little girl hasn’t completely changed.”
    â€œYeah.” Sid rubbed her eyes and wondered if today would be a good day to start drinking coffee. The shower hadn’t done much to clear up the feeling of being hung-over. It was getting worse; a headache was starting. One shot of rum wouldn’t do that. She decided it was stress. “Dad, can I ask you something stupid?”
    â€œSure. I specialize in stupid.”
    â€œCan a guy tell when a girl is wearing sexy underwear? Does she move a different way? Can he tell from the panty lines or the way a bra pushes up her...” Sid stopped. For some reasons, she couldn’t bring herself to say “boobs” to her dad. Not this morning.
    James frowned into his empty coffee cup. “Ah, maybe this would be a good question for your Aunt Kathy.”
    â€œShe’s not a guy. How would she know?”
    James flushed. “I’m not sure how to answer you, Sid. This is very...awkward.”
    Sid sighed. Didn’t she know it? “Maybe I’ll ask Devin. Can I ask you something else?”
    â€œIs it an easier question?”
    â€œProbably not.” Sid got up and poured some orange juice. She popped half a bagel into the toaster and leaned against the counter. “Yesterday, when Taylor came over, he didn’t like my new look. Actually, he kind of freaked out.”
    â€œAnd you want to know why?”
    Sid nodded and drank half her juice. Her bagel popped so she got out the strawberry cream cheese and spread it on extra thick.
    â€œI can’t answer that, either, Sid. It doesn’t sound like the way Taylor would typically react. Maybe you should ask him instead of trying to guess what he’s thinking.”
    â€œI don’t think he’d talk to me. He was pretty ticked off when he left. Said I should phone him when I’ve decided to be me again.”
    â€œGive it a few days. Taylor isn’t the type to stay angry for long.”
    The doorbell rang. “That’ll be Heather.”
    â€œDo you want me to answer the door so you can go get dressed?”
    â€œWhat would be the point? She’s going to tell me what to wear anyway.”
    James chuckled. “What do you girls have planned today?”
    â€œWe are going dress shopping.”
    â€œAgain?”
    Sid started for the front door. “This time it’s for the wedding. Guys are so lucky. They throw on a suit, run a comb through their hair and they’re done.” She paused before entering the hallway. “Do you have any idea what a woman has to go through to get ready on a regular day, never mind what she does for a special