Page 133 of Finding Olivia (Trace + Olivia 1)

“Telling me not to freak out, instantly makes me freak out,” I grumbled.

“Just go to your happy place, Livie. Think of rainbows, and butterflies, and unicorns…and,” she grinned wickedly, “fun times with Trace.”

“I hate you so much right now,” I frowned.

“Y

ou won’t hate me when you look so hot that Trace comes in his pants when he sees you,” she chortled.

“Filter yourself, Avery. Filter.”

“Eh,” she shrugged, rummaging through her ginormous makeup bag, “I think not. I prefer to say what I want to say, when I want to say it. Now close your eyes,” she warned.

I whimpered, glaring at the makeup brush in her hand. “What color are you using?”

“It’s plum, chillax. It matches your dress.”

I closed my eyes and kept my mouth shut while she worked.

She finished my eyes and patted a light layer of concealer on my face. I felt her swipe a streak of blush across my cheeks and prayed that I didn’t look like a clown.

“Pucker up,” she warned and I felt lipstick touch my lips. She wiped the excess off and said, “Open your eyes.”

She held a mirror in front of me and I gasped in surprise at my reflection. I looked like an actress ready for her red carpet appearance. My hair and make-up was flawless. All I was missing was the dress.

“Wow,” I gasped. “I look-”

“Drop dead gorgeous,” Avery inserted. “I think I should’ve been a cosmetologist.”

“I-I-” I stuttered.

“I’m still waiting for a, ‘thank you, Avery,’” she smirked, with a hand on her hip.

“Thank you, Avery,” I replied mechanically, fingering my straight hair.

“You’re welcome,” she did a little twirl and began gathering up her stuff. “Oh! I almost forgot. Wanna see your dress?”

I nodded.

Grinning, she unzipped the garment bag. I watched with wide eyes as she pulled out the most beautiful dress I had ever seen.

It was floor-length with cap sleeves and the rich plum color was beautiful. It cinched in at the waist, with jeweled detailing, that surprisingly, didn’t take away from the beauty.

“That’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen,” I gasped. “Is it yours?”

She nodded. “I got it for an event I had to attend with my parents. I only wore it once.”

I fingered the silky fabric. When it moved, it shimmered in the light.

“Are you sure I can wear it?” I asked.

“Of course,” she laughed.

The door to the apartment opened and Trace called out.

“We’re in here!” I hollered.

He appeared in the doorway and his eyes widened when he saw me. “You look beautiful, Olivia.”

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