Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain novel Chapter 30

#Chapter 30: For Yourself

While I accepted Alex’s invitation happily at the time, once I get home, my eyes truly open.

There’s no way any of my current clothes will be good enough for me to wear to this dance. It’s supposed to be black–tie optional, not semi–casual, and just about all my clothes are semi–trash. The outfit I managed to put together for the movie was basically fool’s luck, but that’s entirely too casual for this dinner party.

I realize, with startling clarity, that there’s no way I can go when I’ll be so severely

underdressed.

I start to panic a bit, emptying out my closet. Maybe there’s some magical dress or something I haven’t worn in a long time? Maybe it’s tucked away, like, from a funeral or

something…

No, actually. Since Mom and I got ousted from the family, we’ve had no funerals to go to.

So I can’t even put on a black ensemble and act like it’s black–tie optional and not meant

for the dead.

I’m truly shit out of luck.

“Hhhhaaaaagh…”

Okay. Okay.

Calm down, me. Maybe I can fit my mom’s clothes. Maybe she has a formal–ish dress or

something…

Nope. She’s 5′ 3“. I’m 4‘ 11“.

Fuck.

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#Chapter 30: For Yourself

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As I panic over the inevitable embarrassment–whether that’s because I have to cancel on Alex or arrive severely underdressed–I get a text message. Who the hell is it? I’m too busy

realizing the futility of going to this party that, for, like, the first time ever, I wanted to go

to!!

I turn my panic into rage and practically throw myself at my phone, swiping on it to see the message. It’s not from Alex, but Hailey.

“come outside bf (*°°*) ”

Eh?

What does she mean “come outside“? We haven’t made any plans to meet up, much less go anywhere. Just to be sure she’s not joking with me, I go to the door and slip on my shoes

before peeking outside.

Sure enough, she’s parked outside, standing halfway out her car as she gestures to it.

“Get in bestie, we’re going shopping!”

…Well, I guess that’s an option.

Hailey was invited to the dance and dinner as well, by Lenard no less. Despite just meeting, they really hit it off during and after the movie.

At least, that’s what I’d thought. She and Lenard actually had some history, going to the same schools previously and interacting several times. Turns out Len was also pining after her for a good while, but he hadn’t had the courage to shoot his shot.

Even so, when Hailey straight up asked if they wanted to go out, he agreed. Now they’re running with it, almost like they’ve always been dating.

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“We’re going to wear matching colors! He looks so good in blue, and of course, I look good in anything” She drags me from her car to a discount dress rental shop. “You should totes

color coordinate with Alex, too!”

“Uhm…”

When we enter the door, many rows of colorful dresses assault my eyes. Somehow, the little brick and mortar shop looks bigger on the inside than it did outside, with the long metal clothing racks only slightly claustrophobic. The dresses at the front of the store seem to be their pride and joy, given round racks and more spacing.

She rushes in, almost forgetting to greet the store manager before beelining to the area

with many shades of blue dresses. I stand at the door for a good minute before deciding to

follow her and not block the entrance.

I haven’t really told her, but I don’t have much going for me as far as a budget. She doesn’t

either, but she doesn’t seem to have as tight of a limit as I do. Instead, she freely searches

in the discount section, looking for a good rental to use.

“Hrmm…this is too light for the season. I think. I know it’s March, but it’s not April, y’know?”

“I guessss?”

“Yeah, you’re right. Mid to dark is the way to go… Maybe a good royal blue. Oooh, that would be so good.”

I laugh a little, leaving her be as I hover nearby without really adding too much input.

The different dresses are a bit overwhelming, if I’m honest. And even on discount, just glancing at the price tag gives me pain. One dress is $159 to rent, and there’s not even a

chance to own it.

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My budget is, at most, about $120. Even this discount store is calling me poor.

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I sigh, feeling a bit depressed as Hailey picks up two royal blue dresses, asking a worker if

she can try them on.

“Found anything you like yet?” she asks, turning to me.

“Ah, no, not yet. You go ahead, though.”

“Alrighty. But do give a glance around. I’m sure there’s something that’ll catch your eye!”

She then hums, prancing off to the dressing room. Once she’s in, I just take a seat near a viewing area. Although the workers glance at me and ask if I need any help, I just shake my

head and thank them.

There’s no point in me looking at all…

“Comiiing~”

When Hailey exits the dressing room, she’s in a royal blue knee length V–neck dress with long, airy sleeves. Even though her hair’s still in a loose braid and she’s still in tennis shoes, she still looks more elegant, posing and twisting in front of the mirror.

“You look amazing…”

“Hehe, thanks! Though… I’m actually not so sure about this one. I mean, it’s cute, but it’s giving a bit more kahj, you know?”

“I…sssuppose.”

“Still, with a few little accessories and some nice shoes, this could be the one. I think I’ll try

the other one on, though.” She leaned in toward the mirror, adjusting her hair. “What about you? Find anything yet?”

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#Chapter 30 For Yourself

“Ah…” I glance off to the side. “…No.”

“No? Why not?” She turns toward me. “Nothing catches your eye?”

…I don’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her I can’t rent anything despite her efforts. Mostly because I’m not even sure if that’s true. There’s a color I’d like to wear, but I’m not