Page 164 of The Surprise Play
“I’m so sorry,” I murmur, pulling the skirt up over my hips.
“Why?” Sienna laughs and spins me around so she can zip me up. “It’s been so much fun!”
“But so much work.”
“Zoey and I loved it. We’ve been on a shopping spree with Wily’s credit card. He told me to spare no expense, and I took him at his word.” She spins me back, the grin on her face priceless. “Which is why I was able to arrange this.” Reaching back into the closet, she pulls out a shiny black jacket with a pink collar and cuffs. Spinning it around, I take in the wordSatchembroidered into the back in swirly pink letters. “You like it?”
“Wow.” I reach for it, reverently stroking the jacket. “It looks just like something the Pink Ladies would wear.”
“I know.” Sienna dances on the spot excitedly. “I’m so stoked I managed to pull it together for you. And I hope you don’t mind that I chose black with pink accents, but I just thought it’d match better with the poodle skirt.”
“It’s amazing,” I whisper, still in awe of all the effort she’s gone to for me.
Spinning me around, she helps me put the jacket on, then straightens everything, tweaking my shirt and collar until it’s sitting just right.
“Now, I’ve got this scarf as well, but…” She tips her head, smiling as she checks out my necklace and brushes her thumb over the silver coyote emblem. “I don’t think you need it.”
Her smile is so kind. It reminds me of my Aunt Shayla, and I almost want to cry.
Shaking my head in wonder, I then flinch when there’s a quick knock and the door opens. “Just me.” Nylah bounces in wearing the cutest pair of jeans that are rolled up around her slim ankles. She’s sporting a pair of black-and-white Oxfords and has a scarf around herneck. She’s curled and coiffed her hair to look like a 1950s dame, and I swear she’s the most beautiful girl I know.
“You look amazing.” I drink her in, and she grins at me.
“And now it’s my turn to do the same to you. Now, sit.”
I do as I’m told, and I’m soon being worked on by both girls. Nylah’s doing my makeup while Sienna deals with my hair, getting directions from Nylah about the best way to curl my fine locks.
It takes about twenty minutes, but I’m soon looking in the mirror and gasping.
I’ve been transformed into a poodle-skirt-wearing girl with my own pair of Oxfords.
The pink-and-black outfit hugs my body, made to fit me perfectly, and my hair has been curled and styled, draping around my shoulders with the front section swirled up and sitting on my head with enough hairspray and bobby pins that it’s not moving an inch.
My eyes are made big and bold with eyeliner and mascara, and my lips are bright pink to match my outfit.
“Wow.” It’s all I can manage.
“You look amazing!” Sienna bobs on her feet, all giddy excitement. “This is gonna be the best night ever. Zoey is away with my parents for the weekend, and Zander looks hotter than the sun in his jeans and leather jacket. And the way you did his hair.” She looks at Nylah with a grateful smile. “I feel like I’m dating Kenickie fromGrease.”
“I knew you’d love that movie. So glad I made you watch it.” Nylah laughs. “He totally looks like Kenickie. And my man looks like James Dean. Mmm.” Her sound of appreciation makes me giggle. “He will definitely begetting some tonight.” She winks at me. “Hopefully I can hold out until the end of the party.”
Sienna laughs. “I’m not sure I can. I might just have to steal away for a quickie with Kenickie.”
Both girls laugh and I can’t help joining them, my cheeks flaming red before nerves start clattering through me.
“Thank you so much.” I reach for their hands, and we stand in a little circle while I struggle not to be overcome with emotion. “This is so kind of you.”
And no one other than my family has ever done anything this sweet and caring for me before.
“Hey.” Nylah squeezes my hand with a tender smile. “It was really our pleasure. Wily’s been so pumped getting this ready for you. And… you deserve this treat.”
“Everyone deserves to be made to feel special on their birthday.” Sienna grins.
I wince. “Mine was last week.”
“This still counts.” She gives me a peck on the cheek, then winks at me, and I’m pretty sure I’m getting my first girl crush.
Sienna and Nylah are amazing, and the thought of becoming friends with them makes my chest buzz, but… I’m not sure they’ll ever like me enough to hang with me. They’re just doing this for Wily, who they adore.
