Brads idea

Downstairs, Brad holds the shop door open for me. Inside, a lot has changed. High tables with white tablecloths have been set up, and there are cardboard cutouts of fairies and elves standing around. Furthermore, the entire room is lit up in green and, with its decorations, looks like a mystical forest from a fantasy film.

I never would have thought that Brad would go to such effort for a theme night. But this also increases the pressure on me, and I get nervous—though a little bit of anticipation is mixed in. There are still a good 1.5 hours until the theme night begins, so there's still plenty of time. Brad starts by showing me the comics and the back room, which has a kitchen and a small storage area. The drinks that I'll be serving later are also kept here.

To be honest, in my costume I feel pretty much naked, and I keep trying to pull the hem of the short dress down a bit, which doesn't work, however. Whenever I blush and think about leaving, I try to focus on the money I'll be earning tonight. It doesn't make me feel any more comfortable, but at least it helps a little. In the back of the shop, there's another door. I don't find out what's behind it, though, and I don't ask Brad about it either. I look around a bit while Brad clears away some more comics, books, figures—and other stuff that I have no idea about. After a few minutes, he comes back to me: "The customers are going to love you. You're almost perfect."

I look at him questioningly: "What's missing then?" He thinks for a moment: "Well, to be honest, your hair could be a bit different. A lighter blonde, almost white, would be perfect."

"I can't help with that," I say with an embarrassed smile. Brad's facial expression changes. Wrinkles form on his forehead as he ponders: "Sooo, I have this friend. She's a hairstylist and still owes me a favor. We still have a little over an hour. She lives just around the corner, so maybe she can stop by and we can dye your hair."