144 — Mrs. Smith’s birthday

I’m looking at myself in the mirror, turning around, and inspecting every part that the dress doesn’t cover. This black dress is one of those Cathy picked out for me, and I haven’t tried it on; I think if I’d put it on in the store, I wouldn’t have bought it.

It’s beautiful, yes. Very pretty. Its light and loose fabric feels comfortable against my skin, especially when the long skirt brushes against my legs. However... It’s too revealing.

The top looks like a black corselet that supports my belly and isn’t too tight, but the cloth around my breasts is made of lace that almost shows more than it should, riding up on a strap with gold drops. It certainly matched the jewelry Cathy had also chosen, a vintage necklace with small diamonds. I told her it was too much, but she didn’t seem to mind.

I sigh, touching my belly slowly, stroking and pulling at the fabric to make sure it’s not too tight. So I look at mysel