Page 74 of Power Play
The zipper slid up easily.
Size two.
The number soothed me in a way the mirror refused to.
When I stepped outside, my mother’s entire face changed.
“Oh, Charm.”
Gabriella smiled beside her.
“Turn.”
I turned slowly.
Crystal stood and came closer, smoothing the fabric lightly at my waist.
“You really have gotten tiny.”
Warmth spread through me.
“A two?” she asked.
I nodded.
Her smile deepened. “That is impressive, sweetheart.”
My chest loosened.
Then her gaze traveled upward, and the warmth disappeared before she spoke.
“I’m not sure about the neckline.”
I looked toward the mirror.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“You’ve lost so much through your shoulders.”
Her fingertips rested lightly near my collarbone.
“You need a little tone now.”
My stomach dropped.
Gabriella considered the dress. “It is a strong neckline.”
Crystal nodded. “She’s beautifully slim, but without definition it makes her look a little sickly.”
Sickly.
The word slid beneath my skin.
I crossed my arms unconsciously.
My mother noticed immediately.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m not criticizing you.”
