A sneak peek at When Jerry Met Ali. Free until Sunday at Smashwords.

As I walked to the bus, I could feel the breeze all over my body and I suddenly had a pang of regret. Only a thin, short layer of cotton protected me from being totally exposed for the entire world to see. I pulled my cardigan tighter around my cleavage and smoothed my dress down to increase its sudden inappropriate shortness. I nervously looked around, expecting an audience of gawkers to be staring at my shame. But, unsurprisingly, no one was really paying me much heed. The few people who were on the street seemed to mind their own business.

As I boarded the bus, I paradoxically felt less self-conscious and exposed. Despite their proximity, everyone on board seemed to be lost in their own little worlds and I realised I could pull this off.