Katie comes over to stand beside me and strokes the soft materials. “Wow, I love them both,” she tells me. “Try them on.”

I duck into the changing room to pull off the black sweater dress and leather riding boots I’m wearing before replacing them with the skirt and top. I step out in front of the wide, full-length mirror that spans the back wall of the store, and Katie looks at me with awe.

“What do you think?” I ask, turning to stare at my reflection.

“You look incredible.”

The buttery material of the skirt hugs my hips and upper thighs, emphasizing the remnants of my summer tan and my toned legs. The silk top gathers around my neck and dips low in front, showcasing my cleavage. I smile, pleased with the outfit, although my face morphs into an annoyed frown when my first thought while looking at my appearance is to wonder what Jace will think when he sees me in it.

“You okay?” Katie asks.

“Of course,” I exclaim, pushing thoughts of Jace away. “Let’s get these and get out of here!”

We both change back into our previous clothes. Katie tries to buy her dress, but I refuse to let her. She finally acquiesces and thanks me profusely as we head back outside.

The sidewalk is emptier than it was earlier. The sun is setting in the distance, casting a muted orange glow over the street. We start to walk down the block, and I see Philip leaning against the car a block ahead.

We reach him a couple minutes later. He eyes our multiple bags with amusement before placing them in the sedan’s trunk.

“Looks like the trip was a success?” he asks as we all climb inside the car.

“Yup, we’ll be the two best-dressed girls there tonight!” Katie replies from the backseat.

I groan internally as I realize I forgot to ask her not to mention the reason for our impromptu outing to Philip.

“What’s tonight?” Philip questions, shooting me a confused look.

“You didn’t hear about the football party, either?” Katie asks, laughing. She proceeds to fill Philip in on the same details she provided me with earlier.

“You’re planning to go to this party, Vivienne?” Philip asks me.

“Yes.” I sigh. “But it will be fine. Katie’s coming with me.”

“I’m coming too.” Philip states.

“That’s really not necessary,” I tell him. “I can just call you if I need anything.” I guess the party is technically off campus, but I was viewing it as a gathering of students, not unlike the lectures I attend. If no one’s figured out who I am by now, there’s no reason to think tonight will be any different.

“There’s not a chance I’m letting you go to a football party without me.” Philip’s tone leaves no room for argument. “I’ve heard the stories about the guys on that team around campus.”

“The parties can get kind of wild…it might be nice to have another person there with us,” Katie adds. “I only know one other girl who’ll be there, and she’s been friends with one of the wide receivers for years. If Philip comes, we’ll have another person to hang out with.”