A new, skimpy dress and a few drinks should do the job...

Christmas with the family is fairly quiet, and I return to the University relaxed and rested.

Stepping through my front door, I drop my suitcase and immediately run out again to shop.

I spend the afternoon at the mall, trying to find something that's sexy without looking slutty.

I end up with a simple black silk dress, like a simple tank top attached to a fluttery flared skirt coming just far enough down to hide the lacey black garters for the stockings I get as an afterthought.

The day flys by, and before long I'm slipping into the dress and stockings, brushing my dark hair til it gleams, and carefully doing my makeup. As I do my hair and makeup, I drink, sipping a large screwdriver I poured when I got home. By the time I'm ready to go, I am relaxed and slightly tipsy, the **** adding color to my cheeks and confidence to my demeanor.

My outfit is designed to make me look a few years older, and as I survey the image that looks back from the mirror, I think I've succeeded.

I had looked up the place Doe had mentioned in advance, relieved to find it was only a few blocks from the condo my parents had rented for me. Excited and a little drunk, I pay the cover and walk in the front door of Kidders.