Free Breaking Braydon by MK Harkins

afternoon we spent together was the best day I’d had in, well, I couldn’t remember a better day. The conversation was effortless; it flowed between us like we’d known each other for years. We talked about the things that were important to us and were able to laugh about all of our stupid mistakes. We also shared the sadness that came with losing a parent at a young age. I’d never had a day quite like it. I wanted a repeat, which scared the hell out of me. It also gave me a feeling of warmth and excitement just thinking about spending more time with her. It felt like I was headed toward a sheared-edged cliff, slowly, inch by inch, unable to prevent the plummet.
     

SIXTEEN
    Jain
    “Just kill me now.” I couldn’t try on another dress. I just couldn’t.
    Colin’s face fell. He was holding three more “beauties” as he called them. I called them prostitute attire. They were supposed to be dresses, but they looked more like shirts to me.
    “No! You could at least try them on. Come on, get into the spirit of things.” He was persistent; I’d give him that.
    We were in the Special Occasion section of Nordstrom’s. But I didn’t want to look like I was dressing up for a special occasion. I wanted to go unnoticed, like I always had. These dresses were too form-fitting and flashy.
    “You can’t wear your lab coat to this event,” he scolded.
    “I know that, but I need to find a dress doesn’t scream ‘Hoochie Mama’!” I was exasperated.
    Colin’s face was blank until my words sunk in. “Did you really just say Hoochie Mama?” He bent over and roared with laughter.
    This day was going downhill fast. Now, everyone in the department was staring at us.
    “Shhh. Colin you’re making a scene. Quit laughing!” I took the dresses out of his arms and set them on the nearest countertop. “I’m doing this on my own. No more help from you.” I led him out of the store while he laughed himself to tears.
    Once we hit the main area of the mall, he seemed to gain his composure. Thank goodness.
    “Okay. That didn’t work. How about we go to Macy’s?” He glanced over to the entrance about fifty yards away.
    Oh, hell no. “You know, Colin, I think I’m going to come back tomorrow.” I was pretty sure I was lying, but I continued. “When I’m more open and in the mood. Right now, every dress looks the same. I need a fresh perspective.” I hoped he bought my excuse.
    He tilted his head back and sighed deeply. “Oh, no you don’t!”
    That was the best he could do?
    “Colin. I’m hungry, tired, and done with this shopping fiasco. I’ve tried on twenty dresses. Dresses you’ve chosen for me. Not one has been close to anything I’d ever wear. It’s time for me to branch out on my own. Don’t worry. I’ll pick out something suitable. I won’t embarrass you.”
    He stopped in his tracks. “You don’t think I’m helping you with your dress selection because I’m concerned about myself, do you?” His brow creased.
    “Oh, no. Sorry, Colin. That’s not what I meant.” What did I mean? I knew it was important for us to dress like all the fashionable people who would be attending the party, but at what cost? I didn’t want to be a plastic imitation of a woman who wore flashy clothes to attract a man or keep one. Why would I ever want to do that? I felt my focus start to waver again. I’d been so disciplined since college, what was my problem? Fascinating silver eyes . I wanted him. No! My stomach plummeted. Again.
    “What did you mean?” Colin questioned.
    “I’ll admit, Colin, I did think you were helping me in part because I don’t have any sense of style. It’s all right, I understand. I know this party is important, but I can’t pretend to be someone I’m not, even for one night.”
    He grabbed one of my hands and squeezed. “I’m so sorry. You’re right. I’ve been
    wrapped up in all the fine details of our presentation. I’ve put too much emphasis on how we’ll appear to the