Page 94 of If My Wishes Came True
“Great,” I confirm with a nod. “So, lay it on me.”
“Well…we’re hanging out with Sam and Vanessa tonight, and I’ve never met them, so I looked them up on Facebook. They’re bothgorgeous,” Christy continues with a pout. “And sounique-looking. Then there’s you—my bombshell big sister—and I just feel so plain, in comparison.”
My heart aches knowing Christy still feels as insecure about her looks as she did when we were growing up. I wish she could see what I see. So, I grab her hand and lead her to the mirror in my foyer.
“You are a classic beauty, Christy Andersen,” I begin. “And I’m not only saying that as your sister. I’m speaking as an artist who did your portrait, so consider this my professional opinion.”
She half-smiles at my reflection.
“Your features are very symmetrical, for one thing,” I go on, “and we all know that symmetry is aesthetically pleasing. I loved painting your almond-shaped eyes, and your pert little nose—and don’t get me started on this cupid’s bow.”
I expect her to laugh, but her shoulders slump. “All I see are small eyes, a small nose, and thin lips. Boring, boring, boring.”
I put my hands on my waist. “Then you need to get your vision checked. There is nothing boring about you, Christy. Do you know how many women out there—including your own sister—wish they had auburn hair like yours? Not to mention that smattering of freckles on your peachy skin?” Smiling, I pinch her cheek.
Finally, she giggles. “The freckles are kinda cute.”
“They’re beautiful.Youare beautiful, Christy. Now, let’s go get glammed up and have some fun.”
One hour, and one movie-worthy makeover montage later, Christy and I are walking into the bar to meet Vanessa and Sam. From the moment we step inside, my sister is already turningheads. She’s wearing a strappy red dress I bought months ago, but forgot to have hemmed. It fits her perfectly, and she looks hot as fire in matching red lipstick and the bold cat eye I gave her with my liquid liner.
Vanessa and Sam are at a high-top table with a pitcher of margaritas when we walk in.
“You must be Christy,” Vanessa says with her beaming smile as she wraps her arms around my sister.
Sam takes her turn hugging Christy, then squeals. “I was not expecting Jenna Andersen’s little sister to be a ginger! What a pleasant surprise!”
We all look at her, confused.
“My best friend growing up had the most beautiful red hair,” Sam explains. “She was the sweetest, funniest person I’d ever met. But her family moved abroad when we were in sixth grade, and we lost touch. I was devastated for all of middle school. To this day, whenever I see a redhead, my heart skips a beat. You’re so rare and magical. Like unicorns.”
“Why, thank you,” Christy says as she flips her long, wavy hair. The smile on her face is unmistakable, and I’m grateful to Sam for boosting my sister’s confidence.
“I hope you like margaritas,” Vanessa says as we all sit at the table. “Because tonight…we’re celebrating.”
“What’s the occasion?” I ask as she pours drinks for me and Christy.
“My assistant director came back from maternity leave this week, and she’s taken so much work off my plate,” she says with a huge grin. “I finally feel like I can breathe.”
“Cheers to that,” Sam toasts as we all clink glasses.
But Vanessa’s announcement makes me think of Charlie and his work woes, and even as I’m smiling for my friend, my heart sinks. I try my best to shake off the feeling, so no one notices.
“So, what’s your story?” Sam asks, turning to my sister.
Christy takes a sip of her margarita. “Well…I’m a literary agent, and Ilovemy job.”
Vanessa’s eyes light up. “What kind of books do you rep?”
“Book club fiction is my jam,” my sister answers, eager to talk about her work. “I love the commercial appeal of the stories, mixed with the literary writing style.”
“Do you represent any romance writers? That’s my favorite genre,” Vanessa says with the rosy glow of a woman in love.
Christy shakes her head. “I only started feeling drawn to romance novels again recently. I just broke up with my boyfriend of eight years, and he was the polar opposite of romantic, so love stories were a little triggering for me.”
Sam nods as she sets down her glass after taking a sip. “Well, good for you for calling it quits. Life’s too short to settle for anything that doesn’t knock your socks off, that’s what I say.”
Ugh.Now we’re talking about not settling? My heart plummets even further.
