Page 35 of The Story of Us
Eloise shifted closer to the screen and tilted it upwards, blinking furiously when the light hit her eyes. She scrutinised her reflection on her laptop screen. Her braid was neat and tidy, her make-up soft and subtle. The deep green velvet blazer Alice had brought over after receiving Eloise’s frantic fashion SOS texts complemented her tanned skin tone, but something was missing.
“I know what you need.”
More than seven hours to prepare for the biggest interview of my life?
Alice dug through the huge tan leather tote she carried everywhere, grinning when she pulled a tube of red lipstick out of it. “Pucker up, girlfriend.”
“I’m not really a bright lipstick kind of girl.” Eloise picked a piece of lint from her black turtleneck dress.
“It’s going to look amazing. Trust me. I was right about the blazer, wasn’t I?”
Eloise studied her reflection again. She nodded, and Alice carefully applied the lipstick.
“Blot,” she instructed, handing Eloise a tissue from the box on her desk.
A wide grin spread across Alice’s face. “It’s official. You’re a babe-a-saurus. They’d be fools not to pick you.”
Eloise leant around Alice, studying her reflection again. The red lipstick did make her feel more confident.
“Okay. I think I’m ready.” She checked her watch. Fifteen minutes until meeting time. She reached for a piece of paper and started writing.
“What’s happening here?” Alice asked.
“I’m going to put a sign on my door so no one interrupts me. I hate doing it, but this is my only chance to impress them. Hopefully, it’ll only be for half an hour or so.” There was no time to go home, do the interview and then make it back before her afternoon art class started.
Alice plucked the texta out of Eloise’s hand. “I’ll sit outside and take messages for you.”
Eloise’s shoulders relaxed. “Really? Thank you. You’re the best.”
“I really am. So, while we’re talking about how amazing I am, why don’t you tell me all about your hot date with Ryan?” Alice started doodling on the piece of paper Eloise had abandoned.
“It wasn’t a date. We’re dance partners. He suggested we get to know each other better, have a drink together. You know how it is.”
Alice raised her eyebrows. “I do. That’s called a date. Nate was pretty upset about it.”
“Good.”
“Good? Is this all part of a plan to make Nate jealous?” Alice’s eyebrows were in danger of disappearing to the back of her head.
“No plan needed. Nate doesn’t want to date me because it might ruin our friendship. Said so himself.” Eloise was paraphrasing, but reliving the conversation that had dashed all her hopes and dreams was still painful. But so was the thought of losing Nate as a friend. They’d known each other for years, but they’d only reallyknowneach other for the last few.
“Then he’s a goose.” Alice scooted off Eloise’s desk and held up the paper she’d been decorating.
Go, Eloise!was scrawled across it, surrounded by flowers.
“I’m going to give you a few minutes to yourself before you have to log into the meeting, but I’ll be right outside. Go kick ass.”
* * *
An hour and a half later,Eloise threw open the door of her office and tripped over Alice’s legs, landing in a heap on the kitchen floor.
“Oh my God. I forgot you were there. I’m so, so late.”
Alice helped her up, her hands resting on Eloise’s forearm. “Take a deep breath. It’s okay.”
“Art class started forty minutes ago! At first, I lost track of time, but then it seemed like it was going well so I didn’t want to tell them I had to leave. I said I had good time management skills, Alice, knowing my art class was starting without me. I lied to their faces!” Eloise shook herself free and tried to wrestle out of Alice’s blazer.
“Okay, take a breath. Let’s walk and talk.” Alice pushed her gently in the direction of the art room.
