Page 73 of Semblance

“Your skin is so soft,” Kara said as she gently brushed my cheeks with the tips of the makeup brush, applying a thin layer of powder. “Honestly, I don’t need to do that much work on you. You have an elegant look—this natural beauty needs almost no work.”

“She’s not that great,” Bria huffed as she sat on my bed and folded her arms.

“Really Bria, give it a rest,” Calisto, who was standing in front of my full-length vanity mirror, checking herself out. “I look great Kara, first class work as always.”

“You’re another easy one Calisto,” Kara said. “Honestly, for the amount you’re paying me, I feel almost guilty. I don’t need to do much with you.”

“Nonsense,” Calisto said. “I pay you for your artistic vision, not for how much make up you smear on my face. It’s those small little touches that really bring out the best in my features.”

“What about me?” Bria asked. “How’s my natural beauty?”

“Do you mind not sitting on my bed, or cross your legs if you do?” I said. “I’m afraid what toxic chemicals might escape through your vagina.”

Both Calisto and Kara laughed at my joke, but Bria sat there in silence, her lips pursed. She was clearly pissed.

I knew I was being cruel, but it was less than what she deserved, right?

After all, I was Shadow’s girl now, and I had an image to maintain for his sake. If I was to be the girlfriend of the Lord of the Midnight Society, I couldn’t let someone talk down to me like Bria did.

“Did you ever consider dying your hair black, like I suggested Bria?” Kara asked. “I think it’ll be quite a good, exotic look for you.”

“I did it once in high school but didn’t take a liking to it,” Bria replied. “With my pasty white skin tone, I got mixed up for Calisto a few times, and we all know that I’m an original.”

“More tall tales out of your mouth Bria,” Calisto sighed. “No one ever mixed us up.”

“Brad did, when he blew you that kiss, which was really meant for me.”

“How are you so sure it wasn’t intended for me?” Calisto asked.

“Brad was my boyfriend at the time,” Bria stated.

“Once again, how are you so sure it wasn’t intended for me?” Calisto said with a sly smile.

“Forget it,” Bria exclaimed. “Let’s just get out of here and go to the club.”

Kara applied the final dab of mascara and then stood back and reflected on her work.

“Absolutely lovely,” she said. “You’re going to kill it in the club tonight.”

I took a look in the mirror and was astounded by my own reflection. With only a little bit of makeup and foundation, Kara had made me look like a princess. For the first time, I actually felt worthy to be a part of the upper echelon of society.

“Oh gosh,” I said, my breath taken away. “I look…”

“You look the same as you always did,” Kara said, “Which is motherfucking gorgeous. I just brought out a little more of your best features.”

I wished Shadow were here to see me like this.

He would fall in love with me.

After regaining my composure, I turned to Kara.

“Are you coming out with us tonight?” I asked.

She shook her head. “My time for partying is long gone,” she laughed. “I have a husband and a hyper little boy to get home to.”

“As always, the money’s been deposited into your account. I’ll have one of my drivers take you home Kara,” Calisto said as she gave her a hug. “You. Are. A. Godsend.”

“It’s always a pleasure babe,” Kara replied.

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