Page 7 of One Last Chance

Megan went to school with us. She was one of the popular girls and had a huge crush on Sam.

Sam!

I should have called and told him I was coming.

Ever since my last time here, at the party, I spoke to Sam when I arrived in New York, and we caught up now and then, but we haven’t been in touch for at least two years. I doubt he will want to see me.

“I’m tired, Soph. I’ve got a big day tomorrow, and I want to nap.”

“You can sleep when you’re dead. Come on, let’s get your hair done, then we’re having a coffee and catching up. It’s been far too long.”

“Can I check-in first?” I ask with a smile.

“Oh, yeah. Sure, hon. I’ll let you check in, and I’ll meet you over at Megan’s salon when you’re done. I’ll go tell her you’re not far behind.”

“What are you doing here, anyway?” I ask.

“I had a meeting with a client for my next project. I have so much to tell you! Don’t be long now, okay?”

“Next, please,” the receptionist announces.

“I won’t be. I’ll see you soon.”

CHLOE

Past

I’ve just finished getting dressed for the end-of-year party, which is going to be at Domenic’s house.

After graduation and dinner with my parents and Sophia’s family, Sophia suggested we run home and change. She dropped me off at my house and said she’d be by in an hour to pick me up for the party, and she told me to wear something hot.Hot?I don’t own anything hot, so I decided to wear my comfortable denim jeans, a black and red Rolling Stones T-shirt, and my Converse. I brushed my hair out, allowing it to cascade down my back in waves, and applied some lip-gloss.

“Chloe, you can’t go out wearing that. Quick, let’s go change.”

“Why? What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I ask Sophia, looking down at my clothes.

We’re outside my house—I’d hurried out when I heard her car pull up.

Sophia got out with a bag in her hand and met me halfway to my house.

“What’s wrong?” Sophia repeats, raising her eyebrows. “Let’s go back inside, you are not coming out dressed like that.”

She snatches my hand and leads me up the steps to my front door, wearing her ridiculously high heels and tight-fitting black dress. She looks amazing, of course. How did I ever think that Domenic would want me when he has Sophia? Guilt fills me because what I’m thinking is so wrong. Sophia is my best friend, and if she knew how I felt about him? Well, it would kill her and probably break our friendship.

“Wait,” I gasp, coming to a halt. “I don’t have anything else to wear.”

Sophia turns to face me, a smile reaching her lips. Raising her hand with the black bag held tight, she replies, “What do you think this is? I brought a dress for you to wear. I knew you’d need it.”

I don’t argue with her because I know she’s right.

It’s time I listened to her.

“There, now you’re perfect.”

I open my eyes when Sophia finishes her last touches on my mascara. Not only did she bring a dress for me to wear, but she also brought her whole makeup case. She’s taken an entire hour to get me dressed and dolled up.

“Look how hot you are, Chloe.”

I turn to face the mirror and gasp in surprise at my appearance. The short black dress Sophia brought for me is snug around my breasts and waist, and then flows from my hips. It fits me to a T. The black strapless sandals to go with it are a perfect size and the makeup? Wow! I just can’t believe it’s me under there.

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