Page 129 of Not That Into You

Chapter 35

Monica

“I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“Shut up and help me zip up the back.”

Smiling, Claire moves behind me and finishes zipping up the simple black column dress I borrowed from Anna. It’s more conservative than I might choose, but I didn’t want to wear the same dress I wore to Mr. Stanhope’s party, and the dress is formal enough that no one should give me a second look.

I take a deep breath. “Okay, what do you think?”

Claire nods in appreciation. “Nice. It looks good on you.”

I stare at myself in the full-length mirror in the corner of my bedroom. I turn to check the back and confirm everything looks good. The fabric drapes attractively without drawing attention to my backside. Thank goodness Anna and I are similar sizes.

I run a hand through my hair, brushing it over one shoulder. I opted to keep my hair down in loose waves—simple but nice. And I know Cameron likes it that way.

“Okay.” I grab my strappy black shoes and head to the bathroom. “Now, I just have to do my makeup.”

My heart flutters at the thought of showing up tonight and seeing Cameron. I didn’t tell him I changed my flight to Thursday, so I could make it to the dinner tonight. I’m not usually one for surprises, but when I’d picked up the phone to call him, a wave of nervousness had rolled through me.

I smooth down the front of the dress. “Do you think this is a mistake?”

“No.” Claire walks in behind me. “I think this is romantic.”

I glance at her. “Romantic?”

“Yes. You’re showing up to support Cameron when he needs you most. You’re proving he’s important to you.”

“What if he’s not happy to see me?”

“Monica, please. He’ll be happy to see you.”

“Maybe I should have called. Should I call him now?”

“No. The surprise will be the boost he needs. He’ll love it.”

Truthfully, part of the reason I held off on telling him I was coming was because I wanted to give myself an out. Arriving as his date to this dinner is a big step. We can’t go back to being casual afterward. It’s basically a declaration I want more with Cameron; that I want to be his girlfriend for real.

I’m not sure I’m ready for it, but I’m also not ready to let him go, so here I am.

After putting in my contacts, I focus on applying my makeup.

Claire sits on the ledge of the tub. “What are you going to do?”

I pull out various eye shadows, brushes, and liners. “I’m thinking a winged look with gold shadow.”

The gold is sparkly and will add a little interest and drama to my overall traditional look.

Applying brown eyeliner, I create an outline for the gold shadow while Claire sighs. “I envy your makeup skills.”

“Why? You rarely wear makeup.”

“True, but sometimes when I’m out with Elliot, I wish l could do more than just a swipe of eye shadow and liner.”

I pause and glance at Claire’s face. “I’m happy to do your makeup any time you want.”

She smiles. “Thanks.”

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