Pretty Things Novels & Stories

“Not gonna lie, kid. You dress fancier than anyone I’ve seen at this place.” I grinned, doing a little spin to show off my outfit. “Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear Carl.” This morning’s look was a light green chiffon button-up, breezy and elegant, tucked into white flared jeans. My Mary Jane pumps clicked softly against the marble floor, and my wig—styled into a sleek ponytail—felt secure on my head. A strawberry pin sat proudly on my shirt, perfectly matching the pink lip tint I had swiped on before leaving the house.

Maybe today wasn’t going to be so bad after all. We walked over to the table, and as we got closer, I saw there was already someone sitting there—a really pretty girl who looked like she could be in a magazine or one of those fashion ads on TV. She had smooth, dark brown skin that looked soft and glowing, and her hair was done in long, neat braids that fell perfectly over her shoulders. She wore a light purple sweater with small sparkles on it, paired with ripped jeans and white sneakers. Everything about her screamed confidence and style, like she knew exactly how to look good without even trying.

“Yes. Option A: can be something sentimental. Option B: hot. Option C: something pretty valuable. I blink at her. “Here I was thinking that’s all we’ve been doing all day. And what do you mean by valuable?” She grins like a villain. “I think when he sees you in a very beautiful, very very beautiful outfit he might have a heart attack.” “…You’re insane.” “And here I was thinking I was being helpful,” she shoots back. Fair point. We stop in front of a watch store, and she gestures dramatically like she’s unveiling a masterpiece. “Boom. Classic. Rich man gift.”

The desk dug into the small of my back, holding me upright as he pressed forward, the hard line of his erection unmistakable against my hip through his tailored slacks. “Do you always show up to work like this… wet, bare, and so damn tempting?" he continued, voice rough with approval. “Or is today my lucky day?” I’d ditched wearing panties months ago after seeing some late-night TV segment about breathability and feminine health—best decision I’d ever made, especially now, with Blackwell’s fingers sliding against me with nothing in the way.

Boys nowadays are very unpredictable. The sales lady who assists me came back with a box in her hands, and she went to me with a wide smile. “This is our last stock for size 9, Ma’am.” I happily removed my sneakers and fit them. The sales lady who assists the guy in front of me went back and looked disappointed. Oh, I think I know what will happen. “I’m sorry, Sir. We just ran out of size 9 stocks. Would you like to see our size 10?”

we'll see who wears their clothing well Drumbob: Yeah, right as if you got fashion sense, Sadie Elecguit: OH MY GOSH, SADIE, PLEASE TELL ME YOU WORE THAT PLEATED SKIRT AND ANYTHING BUT YOUR HEARTS IN CIRCLES TEE Me: What's the problem with the tee? Elecguit: AGON BAIN WILL THINK WE ARE TOO OBSESSED OR SOMETHING Me: My body my choice Austin Elecguit: MY ASS SADES

After King Tatsuo left our room, Aidinth and I ate our breakfast, then I decided I had better start getting ready to go. After I showered, I walked into our closet and put on the most basic, black, long sleeve dress I had. I put on my black knee-length boots and walked to my makeup table. I blow dried my hair and put it in a high bun. I kept makeup to a minimum, doing nothing with my eyes, because I knew I would have streaks of makeup running down my face, if I did. I turned around and Aidinth said, "Stunning." I laughed, "I don't understand. I literally have no makeup on, this dress is as basic as they come, and my hair is just in a bun. What is so stunning about me right now?" He smiled, "

Blue jeans with knees and thighs ripped, and my black off the shoulder shirt, my lime green bra strap showing. "What is wrong with this?" I ask, holding my hands out. I don't see the problem. "I'm even wearing underwear today," I inform. Turning around, I look in the mirror. My blonde hair is spilling over one of my shoulders, and I even put on makeup today. Of course my idea of makeup is eyeliner, mascara, and a little eye shadow. I've tried to wear the liquid foundation and concealer crap but I feel like I'm wearing a suffocating mask. "Okay, well, kudos for the panties, but I think you should look more... classy," she blurts the last part out like she'd been holding it in.

POV: Silver Preston Americus could turn anything into a production. Her suite looks like a garment district has been invited inside and allowed to fully express itself. Sequins cascade from open garment bags across every surface. Silk ties in jewel tones are draped over her desk chair in a waterfall of color. A precise lineup of heels stands along the baseboard with the discipline of something that has been arranged, considered, and rearranged at least twice. The glittery pink clipboard is somewhere under a drift of fabric.

"Capitalism at its finest. Slap a fancy name on something basic, double the price, and convince people they're buying luxury." Penelope pretended to wave a candle like it was a trophy. "Congratulations, you now own Ethereal Serenity. Smells like…lemon Pledge." We burst out laughing, drawing a few side-eyes from nearby shoppers, which only made us giggle more. Moments like these, surrounded by simple absurdity and Penelope's infectious laugh, made me feel so full of joy and relief,I never thought I would have such a day again.