She guides Dana back to her seat

Once the reactions to her "presentation" had died down, she felt Candace's hand on her back. She let herself be guided back to her seat, as their meal wasn't quite over yet - everyone was preparing to order dessert.

Before Dana could sit down, she felt Candace tap her on her shoulder. "Just a second", said Candace, and she took a cloth napkin from the table and laid it down on Dana's chair. "Now you can sit.", she winked.

Dana didn't think it was possible to be any more embarrassed, but here she was. Everyone knew just how wet she was - they must all think she was enjoying this. As she sat down on the napkin, she wanted to curl into a ball and hide. She quickly covered herself again, both hands shielding her breasts as she closed her legs together tightly.

The table was full of chatter about her. "Wow, do you work out?" "Can I get a picture?" "Holy shit, that's hot." "Come on Dana, give us a little shake!" She didn't know how to respond - her mind had lost any capacity for words.

Candace silenced everyone with a raised hand. "Will you all please stop!?". Candace had a natural authority in her voice - she didn't need to shout, as the entire table quieted down as she began speaking. "Dana has been my friend for a long time, and I know her better than anyone. Allow me to explain what's happening."

"Dana had a bad breakup a few months ago, and trust me, she was a wreck. But if anyone knows her, they know that she's a fighter. She's been trying to dig herself out of that hole - working out, doing yoga, dieting, sports - you name it, she's done it. But nothing brought the old Dana that I knew back."

She looked at Dana, an encouraging smile on her face. She continued, "But today, after a long time, I think I see my old friend again. If what she's doing now helps her regain her confidence, then she has my full support - and as her friends, I know you will support her too."

The entire table applauded with encouragement. "You go, girl!" "I told you you were too good for him!" "Trust me babe, a hottie like you won't be single for long!" "Trust me, any guy would be lucky to have you!" Dana felt slightly better - at least her friends were on her side. She smiled weakly, letting out a nervous laugh.

"There she is!", exclaimed Candace, beaming with joy. She looked around the table and resumed "As her friends, it is our duty to support Dana. While I appreciate all the 'encouragement' happening at the table, we must be careful to not make her feel awkward."

Candace's voice was firm, her tone dead serious. "We must treat her nudity as completely natural. We must completely support her in her journey - nobody is to make her uncomfortable, nor is anybody going to offer her something to wear. If Dana wants to be naked, so it shall be - not just today, but until she becomes her old self again. Are we clear?"

Everyone at the table cheered in approval - Dana even heard some noises of approval from waiters and nearby tables. She realized almost everyone around her must have been looking at her. "We got your back, girl!" "Don't let others get you down hon, you look great!"

While it was definitely great to see everyone so supportive, there was a problem. Candace's speech basically guaranteed Dana wasn't going to get anything to cover herself for the time being. She was going to be au naturale for the rest of the night, whether she liked it or not.