Page 36 of Best Kept Secret

I laughed despite myself. Nova's energy was contagious, and I could already feel the edge of my reluctance fade. Maybe she was right. Perhaps I did need this.

She held up the black dress. "It doesn't fit me anymore—I'm not a size six these days. But it's perfect for you."

I eyed the dress, feeling a little unsure. "It's...kind ofposh."

"Pish-posh," Nova laughed, pushing the outfit into my hands. "You'll look amazing. Trust me."

I hesitated, but then I caught sight of myself in the mirror—a tired woman who hadn't done anything for herself in far too long—and I realized something. I missed feeling like me. Since I left my parents' house and before Asha fell sick, I'd beenlivinga little. I dated. I went out with friends. I used to have fun. That felt like a million years ago.

"Okay." A small smile crept onto my face. "Let's do this."

Nova clapped, practically bouncing on her feet. "Yes!"

She zipped up the dress, fixed my hair, and even did my makeup with cosmetics she'd brought along, as she knew how little I had. Since Asha, I'd had other things to spend money on, like clothes, food, shoes…basics for Pari. I was fine with a ChapStick and moisturizer.

But as Nova transformed me from a tired single mother to a twenty-two-year-old, I started to feel lighter.

Nova stepped back, admiring her work with a grin that said she knew she'd nailed it. I turned to the mirror in the bathroom, almost afraid to look at first. My reflection wasn't what I'd expected—it wasn't the Mira I'd been seeing for years now.

The black dress was elegant, simple, and striking. Its soft, flowing fabric skimmed over my body in all the right places, emphasizing my waist without being tight. The neckline dipped just low enough to feel a little daring but still tasteful. The sleeves were delicate, hitting just above my elbows, and the length grazed my knees. It was perfect—classy but not over the top. It was exactly what I'd pick for myself if I had the funds.

Nova swept my hair up into a loose, effortless bun with a few strands framing my face. It was sophisticated but casual like I hadn't tried too hard, though we both knew Nova had put effort into every little detail. My makeup was subtle—just enough to enhance what was already there. A light sweep of bronzer on my cheeks, a touch of eyeliner, and a soft red tint on my lips. Since Nova was half black and half white, her skin tones were similar to my Indian ones, so she had the right shade of makeup for me.

When she was done, the one aspect of my face that struck me the hardest were my eyes. They looked brighter, more awake. I didn't look tired. I didn't look like someone who'd been drowning under responsibilities I was barely able to live up to.

Nova came up behind me, her grin widening as she caught my expression in the mirror.

"What do you think?"

"I…I look nice." I couldn't believe the transformation.

"Nice? A cup of tea is nice. You, my dear, are lethal." She sounded more than a little pleased with herself. "I told you this dress was perfect. Look at you."

I let out a nervous laugh, and twirled in front of the mirror. "I don't even recognize myself."

"You're still you." Nova gave me a playful nudge, and then her tone became serious. "You're not just Mira the mom, or Mira the caretaker. You're Mira, a gorgeous woman. You're allowed to feel beautiful, and to enjoy yourself."

I swallowed. She was right. I'd forgotten what it felt like to be anything other than a caregiver to, first Asha, and now Pari. My reflection looked like someone who had a life beyond diapers, bills, and sleepless nights.

I looked, for lack of a better word,free.

"Are you sure this isn't too much?" I asked, biting my lip. I felt a little exposed. Usually, I was in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. "Do I look like I'm trying too hard?"

Nova rolled her eyes. "Mira, trust me. This is perfect. You're going out, having fun, and you deserve to look like this. Beau won't know what hit him."

I tensed at the mention of Beau, my stomach knotting the way it always did when he crossed my mind. Would he even notice me? Or would I fade into the background next to the Fallons of the world?

It wasn't just that I was going to see him in a social setting—it was how things were between us. The tension, the unspoken feelings, the pull that I couldn't quite understand and couldn't seem to resist, either.

"I don't know if this is a good idea," I muttered, tugging at the hem of the dress. "Going out with him andhisfriends... I'm not sure I belong there."

What if they were like Fallon and Donna? What would I do then?

Nova raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Of course, you belong. You've taken care of Beau's kid, kept your life together, and you're standing here, looking like a damn goddess in this dress. If anyone belongs out there tonight, it's you."

Her words gave me a little boost, just enough to silence that nagging voice in my head that kept telling me I didn't fit. That I wasn't good enough for Beau's world. I looked at myself in the mirror again, letting that version of me sink in.

I smiled a little. "Okay. Okay. You win."

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