Free Lucky 13 by Rachael Brownell

her.
    “Looking good, Lib.” I lay on the sarcasm thick to make sure that she doesn’t miss it.
    “Thanks.” I wait for her to elaborate on her look. She doesn’t so I’m going to have to probe for information.
    “What’s the occasion?”
    “No occasion. Just wanted to dress up a little.” Judging by the look on her face, she’s dead serious.
    I laugh. This is not dressing up. “You would have to put on more clothes to be considered dressed in my opinion.”
    Looking down at her outfit, Libby frowns. “Well, how else am I going to find a boyfriend?”
    “Not by showing off all your goods. Just be you. If he doesn’t like you for who you are then he’s not worth it. Who’s the special guy, anyway?”
    “I don’t know yet. I haven’t met him. When I do, though, I want him to be interested.”
    “Dressed like that,” I say, motioning to her outfit, or lack thereof, “he’ll notice you and be interested, but not in you. He’ll want to see what you have covered and that’s about it.”
    “Well, what do you think I should do?”
    “I already told you. You need to just be you. Do you have a change of clothes in your car?”
    “Yeah,” she replies. “I’ll grab them and meet you after first period.”
    Hanging her head in defeat, Libby turns and walks back toward her car. True to her word, she is waiting for me between classes. She’s changed into a pair of jeans and a cute blouse. She looks adorable. I’m sure she was hoping for something more along the lines of sexy, if her outfit earlier was any indication.
    “Much better,” I say as I approach. “I’m glad you kept the boots. They’re cute as hell.”
    “Thanks.”
    “So what was this morning really about?”
    “Nothing. I just wanted to get noticed and I have my college classes this afternoon. I ransacked the store last night looking for the sluttiest thing I could find to wear today. I should have known it was a bad idea.” Shame drips off of each word as she speaks.
    “Well, I don’t think you looked like a slut at all. You looked hot! I do think that this is more you, though. I would hate for you to get involved with a guy that’s not really interested in who you really are.”
    “True. I guess I knew better, but my insecurities got the best of me. Apparently Jason saw me in the parking lot this morning and started telling his buddies how hot I looked.” There’s a small smile spreading across her face, a little pink in her cheeks.
    “Who’s this Jason guy? Do you want him to like you?” I ask, intrigued.
    “Not really. He’s only interested in dating a girl for her money. It doesn’t surprise me that he said something. It was nice to be noticed, but I think you’re right. He was probably only interested in me for what he thought he might get out of me, not for me.”
    “Well, screw him then. Not literally, of course.” We both giggle at the thought.
    The bell rings and we part ways until lunch. At lunch Libby invites me to the football game with her Friday night. I promise to let her know as soon as I ask my father if I can go. I haven’t seen much of him this week. He’s been spending the majority of his time on base and coming home long after I’m in bed, according to Eloise. I’ll have to wait up for him tonight if I wanna catch him.
     
    ***
     
    Today’s the big day. I take extra time to ensure my hair looks great. My outfit is comfortable yet dressy. In less than an hour class starts and I’m going to have to stand up and read my essay in front of everyone. I kept it short and sweet, only covering the highlights of my life. I left out the bad parts and focused on the things I’ve experienced as a military kid. No mention of my mother. No mention of losing Grandma. Talking about either might make me an emotional wreck.
    Staring at myself in the mirror, I look ready to take on anything. Thinking about Grant sitting in his seat, listening to me talk about myself, I start to get nervous. Nerves or not, I have