HAZEL “My panties,” I wheeze, pushing the rest of my protest out. Because, of course I would. “You can’t be serious.” “Do I look unserious to you?” He narrows his eyes. “I’m serious freckles. You want your friend to go out on a date with a hot rugby player, right? Well, this is the way to make it happen.” “What would you even do with my panties, you perv!” “I would much rather how you.” His smile grows and it makes my traitorous belly swoop. I won’t admit it but I’m curious. I hide it behind an annoyed face, even as my hands disappear underneath my dress. Slowly, I wrap my fingers around the hem of my panties and begin pulling them down my legs. I’m not wearing anything fancy or lacy. The stuff I’m putting on is made of cotton and I am suddenly feeling very self-conscious. If only

