Perfect for You

with a fist. She was going to tap back into her sensuality if it killed her. She just couldn't depend on the ad alone.
    The Thai cooking class started later this week. She'd gotten her art supplies out but facing the blank canvas had been as traumatic as facing Photoshop at work.
    She needed to do something else. Something physical, to get herself moving. Something like—
    She snapped her fingers in sudden inspiration. "Belly dancing!"
    Scooting off the bed, she opened her dresser and sifted through it. It only took a few minutes to find what she was looking for.
    A few years ago, she'd taken an interpretive dance class, not because she loved to dance but because she was assigned to design their website and wanted to get a feel for what they did. Since it seemed like the unofficial uniform for the class, she bought herself a pair of black leggings and a skintight, wide-collared crop top.
    She'd gone twice before the instructor asked her to stop attending, but it wasn't her fault. Being told to be lint would crack anyone up, especially when everyone in the class seriously applied themselves to adopting lint-like qualities. Who wouldn't laugh if someone ran by, crying, "I cling, I float!"
    To complete her outfit, she tied a bright scarf around her waist and checked out the results in the mirror. Not bad, really.
    The front door buzzed.
    She glanced at the clock. After eight on a school night—who could it be? Anna would have just let herself in.
    Hurrying downstairs, Freya opened the door to find Eve standing on the porch, a covered plate in her hand. "I come bearing cookies. I baked after work."
    "Uh-oh." She moved aside to let her friend in. "What happened?"
    "What makes you think something happened?" Eve asked too breezily as she walked up the stairs.
    "If you're baking on a workday, it's because you're upset. What did your dad do now?"
    "Nothing." She set the cookies on the coffee table and curled into one corner of the couch, pouting. "Except he didn't like the copy I wrote for the Flow account. He said it was watered down. No pun intended."
    Didn't like probably translated into a major rant session. Charles wasn't exactly diplomatic, even with his own daughter. "He never likes the first round of copy. I don't understand why this got to you this time."
    "Because he said he wished Claire was back working for him." She curled into a sad ball. "I hate it when he compares me to my sister. Of course I'm going to come up short. Claire is magic."
    "I wish you'd think about leaving Evolve. You aren't happy working for your dad. Isn't it time you did something you really wanted to do? Like open a bakery."
    Eve arched her fine eyebrows. "Just the way you're doing your life's purpose?"
    She frowned. "It's different. I have to support Anna through college."
    "And I have my father to think about." Eve sighed. "It's not easy, is it?"
    "No."
    "Let's not talk about any of that tonight. Eat a cookie and tell me why you're dressed like that. That's definitely a new look for you."
    "I look pretty good though, don't I?" She twisted in front of a small mirror hanging in her living room.
    "You'd look good wearing a garbage bag. I hate that about you," Eve said mildly as she reached for cookie.
    "I'm thinking of taking a dance class." She pirouetted with a flourish.
    "Great idea. Dancing is sexy. What kind of dance? Wait, let me guess." Tipping her head to one side, she studied her carefully. "All black, brightly patterned scarf... African tribal dancing?"
    "Belly dancing." Freya shook her hips and shimmied across the room. "It's exotic and all about exploring sensuality. Maybe it'll give me inspiration."
    "It's great that you're taking initiative, but there's just one problem."
    "What?"
    "You don't have a belly."
    She shrugged. "Nobody's perfect."
    "As long as you're prepared to be mocked for your pathetic belly."
    "Don't forget my breasts." Freya adjusted her meager cleavage. "My breasts are even more pathetic."
    "Good thing you have nice legs. That's your only saving grace."
    Laughing, Freya sat down on the couch and grabbed a cookie. "I hope making fun of my body is cheering you up."
    "Immensely." Eve grinned. "So what happened with the ad? I wanted to ask you earlier but with Charles..."
    "Say no more." She held her hand up. "The first batch of messages was less than desirable, but I'm confident I'll find a couple guys to go out with soon."
    "Have you made any progress with the web design?"
    Freya wilted just a little. "I have