"Mom, we're going to be late!" Tierra called out, squirming to fit into her gown.
Solana set down her purse and keys on the entryway table, then hurried over. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," she said, reaching to help. "Now take a deep breath and hold it."
As the zipper glided upward, the burgundy fabric embraced Tierra's form, sculpting the subtle curves of her trim figure.
"There, all done," Solana said, smoothing out lingering wrinkles.
Tierra exhaled as the satin glided over her skin, tracing every inch. The bustline molded to her pert breasts, cradling them in a firm grasp while the snugness around her ribcage made each breath measured, as if the dress demanded her focus. She shifted her shoulders and hips, adjusting to the dress's confines, the material responding like silken fingers trailing across her body. Arching her back, the fabric stretched taut, making her aware of every curve beneath.
"Tierra turned, angling herself to catch a glimpse of her back in the mirror. She craned her neck for a better view, then shifted her attention to the front. 'What do you think, Mom?'"
Solana nodded with approval. "It's perfect."
Tierra's cheeks lifted, her green eyes brightening into a smile. But Solana sensed unease behind her expression.
"Nervous?" Solana asked in a flat tone.
"Yeah, a bit."
"Good, that means you're going to kill it."
"Thanks, Mom," Tierra laughed, appreciating the way her mom's pep talks always managed to surprise her.
With Tierra settled in her gown, Solana's fingers explored how the dress hugged Tierra's torso, cinching at her narrow waist before draping over her hips and cascading down her tapered legs.
So elegant.
Peeking out just below the hem were dainty ankles and stockinged feet adorned in high heels. Taking a step back, she noticed that the lift of the heels shifted Tierra's normal posture, nudging her chest and buttocks outward.
Irresistible.
Solana's attention moved to the mid-thigh slit, which she knew would catch the eye with every step.
"You're going to turn more than a few heads tonight."
Tierra tilted her head. "What do you mean by that, Mom?"
Solana placed her hands on Tierra's shoulders, pressing into them before tracing a slow path down her arms to intertwine their fingers. "Don't play dumb with me, young lady. I know you've noticed it before."
Tierra smiled, her dimples showing.
"The way men look at you," Solana said, cupping Tierra's chin and tilting her face toward the mirror.
Solana remembered the first time she'd worn a gown like this at Tierra's age—the weight of their stares, the way they made her feel empowered and vulnerable. She turned Tierra around to face her, leaning in to tuck a stray strand of chestnut hair back into place.
"But in a dress like this," Solana said as she ran a finger along the neckline that framed her daughter's cleavage, "it's going to be different."