All Chapters of Plain Jane: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

JANEThe Wonder Woman costume was tighter than I remembered. I tugged at the bodice, making sure everything stayed in place. Red and gold leather, the signature tiara, knee-high boots that made my legs look endless. Halloween week at Fantasy Island meant themed costumes, and Madam Fantasy had been clear: go big or go home.I adjusted my mask in the mirror. Black and silver, covering the top half of my face, with small silver chains that dangled near my temples. The mask was my safety. My shield. Without it, I was just Jane Puckett, broke college student. With it, I was Jailbird, whoever the hell I wanted to be.The dressing room smelled like hairspray and body glitter. Keiko was beside me, dressed as Catwoman, her mask sleek and minimal. Cammie had gone full Harley Quinn, complete with a baseball bat covered in rhinestones."You think this is too much?" I asked, turning sideways to check the back."Babe, nothing is too much here," Keiko said. She was applying red lipstick, her hand st

JANE"Am I that handsome, Miss Jailbird?" His voice was smooth, amused.I forced myself to move. To breathe. I pulled away from his grip and straightened up, trying to salvage whatever dignity I had left. My mind was racing. Did he recognize me? Could he see past the mask?"Just surprised me," I managed. My voice came out steadier than I felt. "Usually people announce themselves before grabbing.""You were falling." He leaned back again, completely relaxed. "I was being a gentleman."Gentleman. Right. The word tasted wrong in my mouth.I needed to get control of this situation. I was Jailbird right now, not Jane. He didn't know. He couldn't know. The mask covered enough of my face. The lighting was low. I looked completely different in this costume compared to my usual jeans and hoodies.I sat down on the opposite end of the couch, crossing my legs. The movement was automatic, something I'd practiced. Look confident. Look unattainable. Make them work for your attention."So," I said,