This deleted scene takes place the day Tristan runs away to go shopping. I deleted it from the book because a lot of it was unnecessary. I could be wrong, so you decide.
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“Wow, training has been good for you.” Anna said with a wide eyed stare. “But, that dress is one size too small.”
“I think you’re right.” Tristan smiled at her friend’s reflection in the mirror of the dressing room they both occupied. “Only pixies can wear dresses like this,” she grumbled as she tried to adjust the top. Her chest was too large for the cut of it and spilled out of the front and sides of the tank top style dress. “I don’t think I like this color anyway.”
“Yellow is normally a good color for you, but ugh, between that and the size, you look like you’re wearing vomit.” She turned and cracked open the dressing room door and slid out of it. “I’ll be right back with something for both of us.”
“Okay,” Tristan replied as she stripped off the undersized garment and carefully hung it back on its hanger. That afternoon immediately after she’d finished training with Audley, Anna and she had quietly snuck out. The two of them had gotten their hair, nails and make-up done. They were shopping for pretty outfits and after that there was a promising comic book store nearby, as well as a computer store. Tristan didn’t usually enjoy spending her time pampering herself in such a way, but there was the promise of a new laptop and reading material. Plus she needed a break from Audley. More importantly, she needed a break from her uncontrollable feelings for him.
“Try this.” Anna said and a green dress suddenly appeared shaking at her over the top of the door. “It’s a twelve.”
Tristan took the dress and eyed it carefully. The emerald green was dotted with a pattern of small pale pink lilies. Though the halter style gave her qualms, she liked the silky fabric. Removing it frpm its hanger, she slid it on over her head and pulled it into place. She pivoted back and forth in front of the mirror and carefully examined the fit. The hem of the skirt fell to just above her knees and flowed prettily with her movements. The halter style top gave her plenty of coverage and the color seemed to highlight her skin, hair, and eyes.
The door suddenly opened and Anna came in wearing a red strapless dress that accentuated her curves and made her hair seem blonder. “Oh wow,” Anna said with wide eyes. “You make that dress look amazing. Man, you could totally be a super model and change the standard for average sizes.”
Tristan felt heat pulse across her cheeks. “The dress is pretty.”
Anna snorted, “A dress can be as pretty as it wants to be on the hanger. If the right person isn’t wearing it, it’s still just a dress. Take some credit would you? You’re a total hottie and I wish the annoyed one could see you.”
The thought made Tristan frown. “Yeah,” she agreed softly and turned away from Anna.
“Wait,” Anna maneuvered so that she was in front of Tristan again. “I thought you liked Audley. I mean like REALLY liked Audley.” Tristan didn’t say anything, because she didn’t want to hear herself confess to how deeply her feelings ran. That didn’t stop Anna from being able to read her face. “That bad,” she asked softly and put her hand on Tristan’s shoulder. “Does he know?”
“I’m smart enough not to get involved with the bad boy who doesn’t have girlfriends even if I’m stupid enough to fall for him.” She paused then continued, “I sound pathetic.”
“No.” Anna shook her head. “You sound like my friend Tristan. One nearly broken heart was enough for you to learn to be careful.”
“Yeah,” Tristan said thinking back to the last man she’d dated. “I wasn’t even in love with him and he still managed to hurt my feelings. Imagine the damage Audley could do.”
They both fell silent for a moment then Anna smiled. “Well, it’s a good thing I incited a jail break. Now, let’s get you some shoes to match that dress and get falling down drunk.”
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