Chapter 44

“Ah,” said the salesgirl.

“I’m getting ready for a pageant next weekend,” Ashok told her. “I found this dress, right, which is the most perfect lavender confection. It’s like poofy up here.” He mimicked a field of ruffles across his chest. “But more slinky down here.” He ran a hand over his hip and down his thigh. “And slit up to here.” He brought his hand back to his hip, eliciting a raised eyebrow. “I’ve got the shoes, I’ve got the hair, but I want to kill with my eyes, and I can’t find the right color.”

“Do you have a picture of the dress?” she asked.

Erik rolled his eyes. “A picture?”