Page 12 of The Kiss Countdown

And I love Gina too.

She’s always there for me. My ray of sunshine in the midst of all the storms. When my mom got sick, Gina dropped off a self-care basket filled with tea, cozy socks, and a ridiculous candle that looked like a bowl of cereal. It didn’t fit in with my aesthetic at all, but it smelled amazing.

When this night is over and I’ve got my business flowing with a good pipeline of clients, I’ll have to treat Gina to a special girls’ trip.

“That is not enough color,” Gina complains as I set the makeup brush down.

She grabs the makeup and turns to me. Instantly, I close my eyes, lest I end up losing one due to Gina’s impatience. Smooth bristles sweep my lids as she picks up where I left off.

“We need to have you glowing like the diamond you are.”

I open my eyes just to roll them. Yeah, I’m a real diamond in the rough.Roughbeing the operative word. I can’t even get my hair right, yet I’m supposed to show up on Vincent’s arm, all smiles like we’re in a happy relationship. This night is going to be a disaster, and all because I had to save face in front of Derrick. Not only will the night be adisaster, I’ll never get my business off the ground. I’m a walking mess, throwing away money on a pointless investment.

Gina runs her thumb over my forehead to smooth out the frown. “Nuh-uh, none of that. How can you say all those sweet things about me but then deny what’s plain to see about yourself? Youarea diamond; you’ve just forgotten how bright you can shine. Don’t worry, we’ll get you there.” She pauses. “Where are your falsies?”

“I don’t have any false eyelashes.”

Gina’s sigh is full of all kinds of attitude.

“What?” I ask. “Where would I have worn them in the last year? Should I start dressing up for my morning walks around the golf course?”

“If that’s what it takes to get you out of this funk, then yes.” Gina uncaps the top of my dried mascara, not even bothering to look at me before chucking it into the metal trash can with aclangand pulling an emergency tube from her purse. “Look up.”

I relax and let her continue to pamper me as she applies a few coats of mascara on my lashes and then color on my lips. She makes a disapproving sound in the back of her throat when she feels my damp hair, then tackles it without a word.

“I know you’ve been through a lot lately with the breakup and losing your job, and I know that scare with your mom still affects you more than you’re willing to acknowledge. But I want you to take this one night to let the old Amerie out and let loose. When midnight strikes, kiss that astronaut until all he sees is stars.” Gina’s words pierce through me. Who is the old Amerie? It’s like I’ve been in survival mode for so long, I don’t remember what anything else feels like. Sure, I’m good at putting on a convincing genialface, but most days are still a struggle. I certainly don’t feel like the same person who not only loved going to parties but also enjoyed planning them so much I got a degree in hospitality. All I’ve felt for so long is tired, worn, and useless.

“Promise me you’ll at least try,” Gina presses.

I look past her to admire my image in the mirror. Gina is a miracle worker. My hair is braided into a halo around my head, and my face is done in a soft glamorous look. The gold eyeshadow and dramatic mascara look good against my almond skin, and I can’t help but think I’m staring at someone I haven’t seen in a long time.

I pick up the fan brush and dust highlighter along my cheekbones, nose, and chin. Meeting Gina’s approving gaze in the mirror, I softly smile. “I’ll try.”

Chapter Five

An hour later, Gina has left to meet up with Mack, and I’m pacing back and forth in my living room. The pacing serves two purposes. For one, I have too much nervous energy. I’m set on seeing this night through, but that doesn’t erase my apprehension about pretending I’m in a relationship with a total stranger. And two, my feet need to get reacquainted with stilettos. Gina would disagree, but these Aminah Abdul Jillils aren’t exactly the type of shoe one wears to walk around a golf course. Not unless you’re trying to find a sugar daddy.

At exactly nine o’clock, three knocks sound at my door. Despite myself, dozens of tiny butterflies take flight in my stomach as I move to answer it. I smooth the skirt of my dress before undoing the dead bolt, opening the door, and...wow.

Vincent stands tall in the quiet apartment hallway, wearing the hell out of a fitted black tux.

I drink him in from his gleaming ebony oxfords to his slate-gray tie and fresh edge-up. I’ve seen him in nothing but business suits at Moon Bean, so it’s hard to believe he cleans up even more.

“Hey,” I say.

“You—” His voice comes out on a rasp, then he clears his throat and tries again. “You look amazing.”

The frog in his throat and undisguised appreciation as he takes in my outfit help to quell some of my apprehension as my confidence kicks up a notch, and I tamp down the grin threatening to break through. “Thank you, Vincent. You look great too.”

We lock eyes for a second before he clears his throat. “Are you ready?”

“Let’s do it.” I grab my clutch before following him to a silver Mercedes-Benz. I clock that it’s an electric vehicle, not surprised in the least that an astronaut would be conscious about his carbon footprint.

We ride in silence for the first few miles, and I can hardly keep my eyes off him. The fifth time I glance from the street to Vincent, he finally looks back at me. “What?”

“I’m trying to figure you out.” I squint my eyes, hoping it will allow me to see through his head. “You’re obviously successful. What could you possibly have to prove that you need to show up to this party with a woman by your side?”

I had wanted to keep things simple. Flash a smile here, charm a little there, then go home having paid my debt. But Gina posed the question, and now I can’t stop the curiosity that’s eating at me to know his motivations.

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