A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

you think of this one?”
    “Sinful.”
    “Perfect!”
    I wait, my head against the back of the chaise, as Sarah tries it on and pairs it with earrings and a clutch.
    “Mr. Wonderful coming to pick you up?” she asks, glancing over her shoulder as she poses in front of her full-length mirror. When I smile, she rolls her eyes. “I’d disapprove of you two spending so much time together,” she says, turning back to examine her reflection. “But I know he’s good in bed.” She grins deviously and meets my eyes in the mirror. “He is, right?”
    “ So not going there.” I stand up and stretch my arms over my head, my body still sore from the accident.
    “You don’t have to answer,” Sarah says, like it doesn’t matter. “I can tell by that stupid look on your face.”
    “You look really hot in that dress,” I say, both to change the subject and because it’s true.
    “I know, right?” She smiles and then strolls over to her dresser and opens the top drawer. She takes out a small shopping bag and then brings it over, holding it out to me. “For you. And don’t be all, ‘Oh, I can’t accept it.’ That pisses me off.”
    I feel awful. The only thing I can offer her as a friend is the Need, a way to help her. But instead it sent me to an abandoned warehouse. “I can’t accept it,” I repeat, mocking her voice.
    She groans and shoves it into my hands. “Take it! Did you just listen to me cry about giving a blow job?”
    “Um, yeah.”
    “Did you judge me and call me a slut?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Exactly.” She leaves the bag in my hands. “And there aren’t many friends who wouldn’t have at least thought it. You didn’t. That’s why I love your complicated ass. Now stop being modest and open it.”
    “If it’s a hat I’m beating you with it,” I murmur. But as I reach in my hand closes on something smaller. A box.
    I pull it out and stare at the jewelry box covered in maroon fabric. “Are you proposing?” I ask.
    “No. You’d leave me for Harlin.” She smiles. “Now shut up and look at it.”
    I flick open the box and my heart thumps loudly. “Earrings?” I ask when I see them. They are simple, glittering hoops, just like the ones she has on now. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
    “For the charity ball,” she says, like I already knew this. “You and Harlin are coming on Friday night. Did I forget to mention it?”
    I narrow my eyes. “Yes. Yes, you did.”
    “Sorry.” She shrugs. “Pick out a dress before Harlin gets here.” She motions toward her closet. “Something to go with the earrings. Oh, and PS, don’t wear anything trashy. Daddy hates that.”
    I start laughing. First, I’d never wear anything trashy. And second, because it’s hilarious when she calls her stiff, stuffed-suit father Daddy. “Deal.”
    Sarah grabs my arm and we rummage through her designer labels, my cheeks pink from embarrassment, but also gratitude. As soon as she starts holding dresses against me, I realize that there’s no way I can pull off a formal dress. Not with glowing skin. And what if the Need hits me when I’m there?
    Anxiety is just about to overtake me when Sarah holds up the perfect dress. “This is it.” The shimmery navy fabric is knee length and fitted without being too tight. It’s paired with a matching jacket that both tones it down and adds class. Not to mention it’ll cover my shoulder. I think I can actually get away with wearing it.
    “Well?” Sarah asks, pushing it toward me. “Try it on.”
    “Uh . . .” I glance back into her room. I can’t change here. I can’t let her see. “It’ll fit,” I say. “And I should go. Harlin’s probably waiting downstairs.” I chew on my lip. “He’s not happy with me right now.”
    “He’s fine.”
    I hope she’s right. “Are you sure I should borrow this?” I ask, touching the silky fabric. “Maybe I can borrow something from Mercy.”
    “Not that kind of event, Charlotte,” she sings, folding