#Chapter 37: Secret Date

Ava I smoothed my shirt down in front of the mirror, biting my lower lip in anticipation. Even now, standing in my own bedroom with no one else in sight, I couldn’t help but feel a red tinge creep into my cheeks. Normally, I opted for a more bohemian style: long, flowy skirts and dresses, tops suitable for the heat and humidity, that sort of thing. But Chris had texted me this morning to let me know that we were going on a hike, and to wear something appropriate. As I looked at my reflection now, I felt my heart do a flip inside of me. I wore tight cargo pants that hugged my curves in all the right spots and a white tank top. My hair was partially covered with a paisley bandana, and although I hated to admit it… I had even put on a little makeup. It was nothing too extraordinary—just some mascara and a little blush, which was even less than what I would have worn on a regular outing—but it was the reason behind putting it on that was getting to me. “This is wrong,” I