After she left, I went to Mom and briefly hugged her. "Thanks so much for coming over."
"Sure, no problem." She was holding the dress in a garment bag. "I've steamed it, and it's ready to wear."
"I still have to take care of a few customers."
"We've got plenty of time. Unless you want me to do your hair too?"
I nodded. "I brought my curling iron, and I'm going to need your help with it."
"Then chop, chop. We should've started half an hour ago. I'll relax a bit in the back, okay? I can catch up with whoever’s there now and see how things are going."
My stomach somersaulted. This was why Mom offered to come here—she wanted to check up on how the business was doing.
Serves me right for downplaying the effect of the flood instead of telling her exactly what was going on.
My phone vibrated, and I immediately checked it.
Julian: Still up for being picked up at five?
Georgie: Yes. Mom is here helping me get ready.
Julian: I can't wait to see you.
My heart skipped a beat.
No pressure.
After Mom slipped into the back, I saw to the four other customers in the shop before joining her. She was chatting with Danielle and Eva, who were working on the masks.
Mom and I went to a separate room, where there were a few chairs and a mirror along the wall between boxes upon boxes of supplies.
“You’ve got everything you need here?” she asked.
“Yeah, I do."
"Then I'll do your hair first, and you can tell me all about this Julian LeBlanc."
"Okay?" I felt my face go red, and I laughed nervously as I sat down. I'd already plugged in the curling iron by the outlet near the mirror. "There's not much to say, really. I met him recently, and he simply offered to..."
"Take you to a ball? That's unusual."
"He is a bit unusual. But in the best way."
"Just be careful, okay?"
She started by applying my makeup. Mom was really good at this. She'd done my hair and makeup forever, starting with prom. I'd always loved how she brought out my best features.
"You had a rough time with Kyle,” she continued. “I wouldn't like to see you jump into something else if you're not ready."
"Mom, it's nothing like that, I promise you."
"Well, all right, then. I don't want to spoil your fun. Just let me work my magic."
Forty minutes later, my makeup was perfect, as was my hair. My mom truly was a whiz. She'd pulled it into a very elegant half updo, my blonde curls very natural around my shoulders.
She took the dress out of the plastic cover and held it for me while I carefully slipped it on. It felt almost like water on my skin.
"This fabric is amazing. I can't believe it’s lasted all these years."