Page 60 of Free to Believe
Soon, Dani, Jenna, and Lynne are going to descend on the apartment so I can do their hair and makeup. I need to have mine complete before I get started. Sighing, I reach for my foundation brush. “Yes. It’s Jenna’s seventeenth birthday. We’re going to a restaurant by the wharf.”
“And Jenna’s Dani’s niece? One of the two girls now on the corporate policy?”
I roll my eyes. For all she’s a smooth interrogator in the courtroom, Ali sucks when she’s trying to pull information out of one of us. “Yes, Ali.”
There’s silence on the other end of the line. “That’s great, Em. I think you’re giving her some really special memories.” When nothing else follows, I become immediately suspicious.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I’m not digging for information on her hot dad. If I want that kind of news, I’ll just ask Corinna.” When I growl, she starts to laugh.
“Aren’t you married?” I challenge.
“Yeah, but I’m not dead, sister dear. And don’t tell me you’re marrying Holly. Jesus, the legal and PR nightmare that would cause is enough to give me hives.”
Remembering the night Holly, Corinna, and I drunkenly vowed we were going to have a triad ceremony and become sister wives, I say innocently, “Listen, now that Cori’s engaged, at least you’re not dealing with the triad part.”
“Gee, such a heart, Em.” Ali snickers. “Other than that, how’s the leg?”
I look down at my only slightly mottled leg. The cuts healed up quite nicely. “Not bad,” I tell her. “I finally got to shave.”
“Always a plus,” she responds dryly. “And since Keene just walked in and you’ve managed to traumatize him since you’re on speaker, I’ll let you go now. Love you.”
“Kiss Kalie. Hug your man,” I tell her.
“Always do. Bye, babe.”
“Bye!” I call out right before she disconnects.
I grin into the mirror as I apply blush and quickly apply smoky eye makeup to draw out my eyes. Setting the whole thing with finishing powder, I debate whether or not to slide into my dress. Nah, better not risk it. Leaving my hair down, I walk into the family room just in time to see everyone arrive. “Good, you’re all here.”
“Em! Look what Daddy bought us.” Jenna and Lynne each hold out their wrists. Jake did good, I admit grudgingly. He bought the girls each rose-covered wrist corsages to make the night even more special. Score one for Jake. That was very, very, sweet. “Listen,ladies”—I emphasize the word—“my job is to finish getting you ready for your date. Apparently, he’s being charming this evening bringing you flowers. If my brother was here, he could tell you what those meant. Did you know every flower has a meaning?”
“No. Do they?” Lynne asks.
“Absolutely. Phil could tell you stories about flowers and never stop talking—well, he has a problem with that some days anyway.” Everyone laughs.
“Em, while you’re starting with them, do you want me to go apply my foundation?” Dani asks as she strolls in the door. She’s holding a white box in her hand. On her wrist is a beautiful orchid corsage. “Here.” She holds out the box.
“What the hell is that?” I demand, shoving my hands behind my back.
The girls giggle while Dani just smirks at me. “All I have to say is I hope what he bought matches your dress since you haven’t let me see it.” Shoving the box in my hands, she makes her way into the bathroom.
Damn you, Jake,I think to myself.You were doing what most men do. You were backing away.Carefully taking it from her, I open the lid like it’s about to bite me. Inside is a perfect calla lily corsage. It’s beautiful.
And it gives me an idea.
“You know,” I say slowly. “I was wondering how to wear my hair. Think I could use this”—I hold up the corsage—“to tie it to the side?”
“I think,” Dani says as she walks out of my bathroom with her foundation on, “having seen your dress that it should be renamed to a little black vest.”
Giving her a beatific smile, I innocently respond, “Why do you think I wanted the belt so badly?”
We both start to smirk. Then we laugh. And soon our laughter becomes contagious to two confused teenagers who I hope never understand the nuances of our conversation.
* * *
A few hours later,I’ve finished transforming three already exquisite women into something pretty damn special. “You know, each of you could be walking the runway tonight.” Just as Lynne’s about to roll her eyes, I capture her chin in my hands. “Including you, missy, so stop making those eyes spin in your head.”
