“And what’s more, it’s fun, carefree,” Ted added. “It’s really different and appealing because of that.”

She sighed. “I know you both think that, and I guess I can see it a little, but this isn’t me. I would be uncomfortable all night.”

“So?” Ted asked.

“Maddie will love it,” Jos added. “And Ted’s right—comfort is not what we’re going for. We’re going for mad sexy, and this outfit nails it.”

“Think of it like a costume,” he said. “You could wear a costume for a night, right?”

“I guess.” She held back a groan.

Jos, recognizing a win, clapped. “Good. Next, we do your makeup and hair. You want to be here for this, Ted?”

“You know it!”

Later, as they waited in the chilly lobby of the hotel for the party bus, Ryann still hadn’t adjusted to the ridiculous getup, but on the other hand, having worn the dress for a while now, she had started, at least physically, to adapt a bit, recognizing now how far she could move her legs without pulling on the fabric too much. That was something, at least. Her makeup was much heavier on her skin than she was used to wearing, but with that element, at least, she’d been pleased with the final product—even if she looked nothing like herself. Why dressing up as someone else was supposed to be appealing to Maddie was beyond her, but both Jos and Ted were so confident that she’d like it, she’d finally simply let them do whatever they wanted with her.

She had insisted on black nylons to help with the chill, but every other thing on her body right now belonged to Jos. Even the leather jacket was one of Jos’s sisters’ jackets (she couldn’t remember whom she’d stolen it from). Her hair had been done in a surprisingly interesting updo, clenched loosely behind her head, stray curls allowed to hang willy-nilly. Of all the weirdness, she didn’t mind the hair and makeup that much. Still, she couldn’t see how she’d possibly keep it up and on all night.

They heard the music and saw the lights long before their ride pulled into the parking lot. It was red and the size of a small school bus, decked out in bright-pink and red neon lights along every edge and around the rims of the wheels. There were also neon hearts and cupids, and all of the lights would pulse and then race along each side, as if chasing themselves, then pulse again. It was bright enough that she could hardly see the people inside, all of whom were apparently standing up.