11- "Naked bodies..."

The unexpected onset of uneasiness led me to put back the dress on its hanger and leave hurriedly. I went to the store where Chris was.

"Chris!"

I immediately held onto his arm as I saw him and called his name.

He was a bit surprised that I followed him. “Tami, hey. What’s wrong?”

Before looking squarely into my eyes, he cast a momentary glance over my hands, which were quivering ever-so-slightly.

I turned my head away and made every effort to relax. “Uhm, nothing’s wrong. I simply want to follow you here."

He didn't say a word, but he kept staring at me the whole time as if he were trying to figure out what I was thinking simply by observing me and not breaking eye contact.

In a nervous moment, I bit my lower lip.

Okay, here's the thing—I am fully aware that this particular friend of mine knows me so well that he would be able to determine whether or not I am being truthful with him or whether I am telling him a lie.

I finally straightened up and looked him in the eye, too. “Come o