It All Started With a Lima Bean by Kimi Flores Page A

let’s stick with her, especially if she doesn’t bring a date.”
    “Deal.”
     
     

     
    “For the millionth time, you look incredible, Abby. Stop fussing.”
    Abby loved her new green and black lace cocktail dress with matching green rhinestone-adorned strappy heels that Leah helped her pick out a couple of weeks prior. “How do I smell? I can’t stop sweating; I’m so nervous.” Lifting her arms, she started to flap her hands, fanning her damp underarms.
    “You smell fine, but I think you should go put some of my deodorant on. That eco stuff you wear doesn’t last very long.” Her best and most honest friend scrunched her nose as though something did, in fact, stink.
    Although Abby normally appreciated Leah’s honesty, paranoia began to set in, and she shot Leah a dirty look. “Do I normally smell, and you don’t tell me?”
    “No ding-a-ling, you are always complaining about it running out too soon and having to reapply. It isn’t sexy when you keep your nose in your pit, asking if you stink all of the time.” Leah laughed at her own sarcastic joke.
    Smelly pits were no laughing matter, especially when a super-hot guy was about to pick her up and she most certainly wasn’t confident in her choice of deodorant.
    “I know, but I try to stay away from all of those chemicals. The natural stuff needs to be put on over and over, but you’re right; I will use yours today.”
    “I don’t see any panty lines, so I assume you took my advice, and wore the cute, lacy chonies.”
    “What is it with you and underwear? That and shoes. I bet you walk around in only undies and heels when you are alone.”
    “Well matching undies, bra, and heels.” She snorted at Abby’s scowling face just as the knock came.
    “Oh my gosh Leah, he’s here. Are you sure I look okay? My hair is okay up like this?” Panicking, she quickly waved both hands in front of her as if swatting something away from her face.
    “Yes, now go put some decent deodorant on before you sweat all over that beautiful dress. I’ll let Prince Charming in.” She strolled toward the door while pointing in the direction of the bathroom.
    Abby’s heels click-clacked on the tile floor as she ran into the restroom. Finding the deodorant, she applied as much as she could without it clumping. Scared of what she might find, Abby looked at herself in the mirror then blotted her face with toilet paper. She was a sweaty disaster. Rummaging through the cabinet, she found a hair dryer. She plugged it in, put it to the cool setting, and then ran it all over her face, hair, and body, including under her dress. There was no way she wanted that area to be a sweaty mess. Once she was dry, she spritzed on a little of Leah’s perfume. There . She was finally ready.
    Taking a deep breath, she went back into the living room. Spotting him, her feet instantly turned to walk back into the bathroom. “Are you ready? We need to get on the road.” Leah gave her friend a pointed look, but Abby couldn’t pay attention to her. She’d twisted back to them and was too busy staring at the dazzling man in a suit and green tie standing in the living room. His eyes, in turn, were glued on her.
    “Abby, you are breathtaking.” He exhaled heavily as though she literally did take his breath away.
    Her mind went blank. She couldn’t tear her eyes off him or think of a response. “Caleb cleans up pretty good too, doesn’t he Abby?” Abby knew Leah was just trying to save her, but she turned bright red again .
    “Yes Caleb, you look very handsome.” There she got it out, but she sounded like a robot. It didn’t come out naturally at all.
    “Your tie matches Abby’s dress. How did you know?” Leah pointed out.
    “Lucky guess. You wear a lot of green, brown, and pink, so I took a shot and wore the green tie.” He’d noticed the colors she wore. Swoon!
    “Those colors bring out the green rings around her blue irises,” Leah proudly said, because she was the one that