"Mom, I'm going out with the guys for the week," said Tim, his voice echoing through the empty house. Hannah looked up from her book, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face.
"But Tim, who's going to take care of the house?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
Tim rolled his eyes. "You'll manage, you always do." He threw a backpack over his shoulder and disappeared out the door.
Hannah sighed and stared at the closed door. She had always enjoyed her quiet, orderly life, but this week-long silence was going to be eerie. Tim's friend Alex had offered to check in on her, but she had politely declined. She didn't need his brand of chaos.
The doorbell rang, jolting her out of her thoughts. She frowned, not expecting anyone. Through the peephole, she saw Alex's smug grin. "Surprise," he called out. "Tim gave me a spare key."
With a heavy sigh, she unlocked the door. "What do you want?"
Alex barged in, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "I'm here to keep you company," he said, his tone teasing. "And maybe get some home-cooked meals."
Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not your personal chef."
He held up his hands. "Okay, okay. But you can't blame a guy for trying." He looked around the living room. "So, what do we do to pass the time?"
"I have my book club," she said, hoping he'd get the hint.
"Perfect," Alex said, flopping onto the couch. "We can play a game."
"I don't think so," Hannah replied, her voice firm. "I have plans."
Alex leaned back and smirked. "Oh, come on, Hannah. Live a little. How about truth or dare?"
Her curiosity piqued, she hesitated. It had been years since she'd played a game like that. "Fine," she said, trying to keep her tone light. "But I pick truth."
Alex grinned. "Alright, truth it is."
"Why did you really want to come here?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
His smile didn't waver. "I dare you to wear that maid cosplay you bought for Tim's last birthday."
Hannah's eyes widened. She had hoped he wouldn't remember. "That's not truth or dare!" she protested.
"Your turn to choose," he said, his eyes gleaming. "But I dare you to be my maid for the week."
She stared at him, horrified. "You can't be serious."
Alex leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "Oh, I am. And if you don't, I'll tell Tim you have a secret maid fetish."
Her face flushed. "That's blackmail."
"Call it what you want," he said with a shrug. "But I'm not leaving until you agree."
With a resigned sigh, Hannah picked up the outfit. She had never liked Alex, and she liked this idea even less. But she didn't have a choice. The next seven days were going to be interesting, to say the least.
The mini skirt was shorter than she had remembered, barely covering her thighs, and the top was tight and revealing. She put it on, feeling the fabric cling to her body in a way that made her uncomfortable. Alex watched with a smug look on his face, his eyes lingering on her legs as she adjusted the skirt.