Xander's Chance

She skirted the group, feeling underdressed and frumpy in her faded wrap, jersey-knit dress. She wore it because she was too upset to wash out the pile of jeans when she got home last night. Self-conscious, she went to the bedroom, where Xander was. Before she could order him downstairs as she intended, he spoke.

"You've got small fingers. Put this on." He held out a black cord with a red gem.