Page 27 of Christmas Wishes

“Not bad. Hoping it’ll get busier this afternoon.” She glanced around the fairly quiet hall. “Can I ask a favor? Will you watch the table while I run to make a call and visit the restroom? If anyone has a makeup question, I know you’ll be able to help.”

“Go, go. I’ll hold down the fort.”

“You’re an angel. Back in a few!” She stood from her chair and hustled down the row toward the exit.

I moved around to the back of the table and sat in the chair next to the one she’d occupied. While I had the opportunity, I poked around her stock and spotted a stunning fuchsia eyeliner, so I set that aside to buy when she returned.

A middle-aged woman wearing a little eyeshadow and blush approached and gave me a quick closed-mouth smile.

“Hi there! Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

“Just browsing.”

I smiled. “There’s a lot of great things to look at. What types of makeup do you usually wear?” I was probably being pushy, but I couldn’t stop myself when it came to beauty. It was my favorite subject.

“Oh, um, concealer and light eye shadow usually.”

“Blush too? That peach tone is lovely on you.”

She lifted her fingertips to brush her cheek. “Oh, thank you. Yes, blush too.”

“Are you interested in replacing your go-to products or trying something new?”

She glanced around, then gave me a warmer smile. “I might be willing to try something slightly more adventurous. Not too much.”

I grinned. “My friend has just the thing. I’m watching the table for her for a few, but I’ve been using some products and love them. I think this palette would blend well with your dark hair and eyes. These aren’t quite a vibrant purple, but muted plums, pinks, and mauves. There’s a solid beige in there to help you tone down the color if you’d like.” I handed her the palette.

She studied it. “You think this would work on me?”

“Oh, absolutely. Want me to show you?”

She nodded hesitantly.

I stood and grabbed the tester of that palette and spread two colors across the back of her hand, then handed her a mirror. “You can see how good it would look. Also, notice how smooth it spreads?”

After holding her hand next to her face and studying herself in the mirror for several long moments, she smiled. “I like it. What would you recommend for a blush to go with it?”

I rubbed my hands together. “Now you’re talking.” That got a giggle from her. “Do you usually wear darker or lighter colors or a bit of everything?”

“Mostly darker.”

I rubbed my fingers over my chin. “What do you think of this one?” I selected a color moving more into rose territory and spread some over her hand.

She held it to her face while looking in the mirror. “I like it. You really think I can pull that off?”

“Honey, you could pull off nearly anything with your coloring. This is a step toward being more visible than what you currently have. Not too big of a jump.”

“I’ll take them. Thanks for your help.”

I looked around me. Evie hadn’t mentioned how I could take money. I supposed I could ask if she had Venmo and then send the money to Evie. But I was saved from that when I saw her hurrying back.

“Hi.” Evie looked between me and the customer.

“Welcome back. This lovely woman is interested in purchasing this palette and blush compact.” I handed them to Evie, who smiled brightly and finished the sale while I grabbed the packaging.

It turned out Evie cleaned for the woman’s neighbor, and she asked for Evie’s card. Small towns were wild.

Evie held out her hand for a subtle low-five when the woman walked away smiling.

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