Once I had finished my assistant task, I headed into the department store where Jay and Annie were changing. I found them outside the dressing rooms. Jay was straightening his tie and looking in a mirror when I arrived. Annie sat on the edge of an armchair, now wearing a pair of black trousers and a silvery collared shirt.
“We’re eight minutes ahead of schedule. Let’s move.” Annie gave me a sideways glance, eyeing the pine needles and various smudges I’d gotten on my skirt at the flower district. “Should I assume you are going like that?”
“I can change my look if it’s important to you.”
“There’s no time for shopping.”
“I don’t need to go shopping.” I pulled down my ankle-length skirt, revealing the slim-fit black pants underneath that matched my turtleneck. The pants were tucked into m
