Delia Suits Up

by Amanda Aksel

  “Ooooh!” Regina and I howl, causing his cheeks to turn salmon. I slip off my heels and settle on the sangria-colored rug. “Yes, I’ll take it in tomorrow.”

  “Good,” he says, satisfied.

  I uncork the bottle and pour evenly between the three glasses, careful not to lose a drop. We each take one and hold it just below our noses, inhaling in unison.

  Now I can finally relax after a very long couple of days. Hopefully I’ll sleep like a rock tonight. And wake up with my vagina. “This is the best, right?”

  “Mm-hmm,” Frankie and Regina hum.

  Frankie sits cross-legged on the floor next to me, while Regina grabs a copy of Vogue and stretches out on the couch.

  “So, how was your day?” I ask them, waiting for the wine to breathe. Frankie shoots me a sarcastic look and Regina scoffs.

  “Puh-leeze! Nothing compared to yours. Spill it, Post-dick Delia!” Regina says.

  I let out a laugh, then hold my head high. “I prefer to be called VP Delia now.”

  She hoots a long “Oooh!” then settles into a toothy grin.

  “Stop stalling! What happened?” Frankie begs.

  Taking a slow sip of wine, I savor the refined taste. “Well, I showed up at Monty Fuhrmann Tower just as myself, and proved that I was the best person for the job. And not just because Richard Allen sent me in his place.”

  Regina closes her magazine. “Geez. They must’ve had so many questions.”

  “Yeah, I bet Owen’s still trying to figure out how I knew everything I did on such short notice.”

  “Is that your new boss?” Regina asks.

  “Mm-hmm. You should’ve seen the two of us pitching Fairbanks. We closed the shit out of that deal! It was amazing.” My heart flutters at the thought of how it all came together—like I was meant to do that meeting all along. The two of them set their wineglasses down, whooing and applauding a job well done.

  “Was Fairbanks as cute in person as he is in pictures?” Frankie asks.

  “Cuter.” I let out a little laugh and he joins me.

  “That’s crazy. Your life is nuts!”

  “Nuts was yesterday. Today my life is perfect.” As hard as it was, yesterday was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. But damn, what a whirlwind. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.

  Regina raises her glass. “To Delia, the Pink Power Ranger who dared to do something crazy. And with a dick to boot.”

  “To Delia!” Frankie joins in.

  “Cheers!” I tap my glass to theirs, and we each suck down a deliciously long drag.

  “Oh, wait! I almost forgot.” Frankie sets his glass on the coffee table and jumps to his feet. “I’ll be right back.” He shuffles into his dark bedroom while Regina and I share a look and shrug.

  She leans in, batting her eyelashes. “So, what about Eric?”

  My cheeks blush as I hide a coy smile behind my glass. “I kissed him.”

  “You kissed him?” She gawks at me as if that’s the most unbelievable part of my day.

  “Yep.” I nod. “No fear. No doubt.” I’m practically counting the hours before I can do it again tomorrow.

  Frankie returns with two handfuls of medical supplies. “Wait, did you just say you kissed Eric?”

  “Yes, I did.” I run my finger across my lip and my stomach flutters. “And that’s not all we did.”

  “Ooooh!” my friends tease in harmony, flashing big smiles. I shut my eyes just long enough to relive the moment in my mind.

  Regina clinks her glass to mine. “When it rains it pours!”

  “Congratulations, chica!” Frankie says.

  “Thank you.” I nod. “Whatcha got there, Dr. Ramirez?”

  Kneeling down, he carefully places his stockpile on the table, then takes my glass from my hands. “Before you drink too much more, I want to get another blood sample.”

  Regina groans. “Do you really have to do that now? Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

  “It’ll only take a couple of minutes. I’m dying to compare the two samples.”

  I stretch my arm out while Frankie slaps a pair of blue latex gloves on himself and a lime-green tourniquet on me. The alcohol wipe is cold, and my skin prickles as he sticks me with the needle.

  “I think we should celebrate with a game of Truth or Dare,” Regina proposes.

  I shake my head. “No way! That game is dangerous. Potentially.”

  “Oh, c’mon,” Regina whines. “Nothing that crazy could ever happen twice. But just in case, don’t say anything about having a dick.”

  “Yeah, say something you actually want to have happen. Like, I would dare myself to have hot sex with Martino after our date.” Frankie giggles, keeping his eyes fixed on my arm.

  “Seriously, Delia,” Regina prods. “Truth or dare?”

  My gaze wanders to the bright pink wings of the butterfly needle in my arm, and I feel a rush, a release as the tube fills with my blood.

  The truth?

  The truth is that when you dare to be who you really are, a path unfolds where you least expect it. Yesterday was proof of that. I’ll probably never be able to explain how it all happened. But there’s one thing I know for sure.

  You don’t need a dick to have balls.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  When I first wrote this book, I had no idea that I would be embarking on a five-year journey that would require more courage and determination than I believed I was capable of. There’s a serendipitous story behind this book with twists, tears, and inner transformation. It was Nichiren Daishonin who said, “Could there ever be a more wonderful story than your own?” I’d like to acknowledge the most amazing people in mine . . .

  Heather Hildenbrand, my elephant friend and fellow author, this book would’ve never happened if you hadn’t insisted I write it immediately. Thank you for your encouragement and support. My friend, shoten-zenjin, and dedicated editor, Carine McCandless. Working with you over the years was like writers’ boot camp with lots of laughs. I’m a much stronger writer because of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. A special thank-you to my agent, Suzie Townsend, and the team at New Leaf Literary & Media. It’s no secret that you’re the greatest agent an author could ask for. You inspire me more than you know, and I look forward to many more projects together. Kristine E. Swartz and the team at Berkley, from our first call I knew you were the editor I’d been praying for. Thank you so much for your trustworthy wisdom and collaborative spirit.

  A very special and sincere thank-you to my husband, Joe. I have the deepest appreciation for your eternal love and support, and for believing in me and my work, despite all of the challenges. You are my greatest friend and ally. To Lani, my sweet little girl who snuggled on my lap through many drafts and edits. You are the treasure of my heart. And thank you, Mom, for always being my biggest cheerleader. Thank you to all of my family and friends, particularly those who offered extra emotional and writing encouragement throughout this process—Chantell Morales, Chelsea Fine, Michiko Tajima, Jessica Goldner Bowman, Sara Long, Kristina Robinson, Robert Robinson, Rachel Linde, Mai Lee Aksel, Show Lee and Gil Mendoza, Alice Wilson, Denise Nostrom, the Hampton Roads Writers, Steph Nuss, Kristina Harrison, Imani Pretlor, Nicole Cruz, Judy Glenney, Steve Aquilino, Stacie O’Brien, Daisy Pardasani, Armen Czepyha, Jay Odnant, and all of the Winsletts. Also my teachers who encouraged my writing from the (very) beginning, Peri Kost aka Ms. Smith, and Antonio Zarro.

  A heartfelt thank-you to all my fellow members of the SGI-USA, who warmly encouraged me over the years. I could fill the pages of a book with your names alone. A special acknowledgment of appreciation to Chika O’Berry, Ram Surendren, and Moonjung Cho. And of course, all of the infinitely precious YWD of Virginia South Region. Because of each of you, I was able to reach into the depths of my life and keep fighting for my dreams. My victory is
your victory, and your victory is mine. Let’s keep winning together! Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda. I owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude for your courage, compassion, wisdom, and dauntless efforts for kosen-rufu. Because of you, I learned how to be the champion of my own life and dreams.

  READERS GUIDE

  DELIA SUITS UP

  AMANDA AKSEL

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  What aspects of Delia’s story could you most relate to?

  After reading Delia’s story, do you feel she experienced discrimination in the workplace or was it more about confidence or lack thereof?

  Which scene stuck with you the most and why?

  Delia has a really strong support network with her roommates. How do you think your friends would have reacted if you were in Delia’s situation? How would you try to convince them that it is you?

  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be someone else for a day? How would you spend your day?

  Delia’s new body allows her to manifest her confidence. What helps you embody confidence? Or what circumstances do you think would help you bring out more confidence?

  Delia takes some big risks in this book. What would you be willing to risk for your dream life?

  What ideas do you think the author is trying to get across in this book?

  Amanda Aksel is a West Coast transplant whose curiosity about people led her to earn a bachelor’s in psychology. Instead of pursuing a career as a couples counselor, she wrote about one in her first novel. You’ll often find her writing stories about fabulous, independent heroines; pretending to be Sara Bareilles at the piano; watching reruns of Sex and the City; or sprinkling a little too much feta on her salad. Amanda calls Virginia Beach home but loves to travel the world with her high school sweetheart husband any chance they get.

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