The fancier outfit

"I'd go with the red top and skirt," I said. "It looks like a really nice outfit, I think it'll suit you."

"Are you sure?" she asked. She seemed uncertain, her forehead slightly wrinkled. "You don't think it's a bit much?"

"Not at all, I don't think it's really possible to be overdressed for an event like this."

{if@ Allie > 75}

"Okay, if you say so. Now turn around, I need to get changed."

While she changed, I pulled on a different pair of jeans and a black shirt, spritzed myself with aftershave, and tousled my hair, smiling at myself in the mirror. I also changed into my nicest boxers, just in case.

"Hey, Sam?" she said from behind me.

"Yeah?"

"Can you zip me up?"

I turned to see Allie dressed in the outfit I suggested, her back to me. The pleated skirt looked great, flaring out over her bubble butt. The red top hung open at the back, showing me the straps and fastener of her light pink bra.

"Actually," she said, "I can't wear this bra with this - you can see the straps. One sec..."

She rooted around in her drawer, pulling out a beige strapless bra before unclasping the one she was wearing and letting it fall away. She didn't tell me to turn around, and I was rooted to the spot anyway, incapable of movement as I stared at her toned back, the shoulder blades moving under her pale skin as she fastened the strapless bra.

"Okay, done! You can zip me up now."

I did as she asked before adjusting my trousers for, um, comfort.

To be honest, I feel a bit bad about my decision because I know she ended up feeling kind of uncomfortable for the rest of the night, next to all the people in sweaty t-shirts and jeans, and got a bit of unwanted male attention, but overall I stand by it: she looked good.

{else}

"Hmm... I'm going to get a second opinion."

She left the room for a minute or two, and I took the opportunity to pull on a different pair of jeans and a black shirt; I also changed into my nicest boxers, just in case. She returned just as I was spritzing myself with aftershave.

"Laura said to go with the other one," she said. "Thanks for the help, though."

"No problem," I replied, disappointed, as I tousled my hair in the mirror.

When I was dressed, I quickly peeked out of the window just in time to see the mystery girl struggle to zip herself into a blue dress, the two halves finally closing over her bare back when she succeeded. I cursed myself for not looking a few minutes earlier, in time to see the rest of the show, but then realised she'd be with us at the club. Obviously I knew it would be busy and the chances of bumping into her were practically nil, but a guy can dream.

{endif}

Once we were both dressed, Allie returned to her hair and make-up. I got the impression it was going to take a while and headed back out to the common area, where Jack and Tim were already sat, chatting.