Page 158 of Be My First

I take a deep breath. “Thanks.”

She starts to work on my eyes. Her touch is so light – it’s honestly relaxing. If I wasn’t so nervous I might throw up, I might even fall asleep.

Taylor seemingly reads my mind and says, “People fall asleep in my chair all the time. I take it as a compliment.”

I whisper. “I’m too nervous today, but I imagine I’ll have some good naps in here in the future.”

“Damn straight.” She adds some false eye lashes and then says, “Take a look. I’m going to call Cleo in here to do your hair, but my work is done.”

I open my eyes. “Woah.”

I look amazing, but somehow still like myself. I know I’m wearing a huge amount of makeup, but it doesn’t look like it. “You do have magic powers.”

She gives me a knowing look. “You don’t know the half of it.”

While I’m waiting for Cleo, I pull out my phone. My family is texting me like crazy with all kinds of silly and encouraging messages and memes. I chuckle at a few of them. While I’m scrolling through them, I get a new text.

Bode: Heard it was your first day today. You’re going to crush it.

Juno: Thanks. I’m nervous.

Bode: Oh, I didn’t think you’d see this until tonight.

Juno: I’m in hair and makeup right now trying not to let my stomach escape out of my throat.

Bode: Oh, no, we can’t have that.

Juno: I know. It’s a problem. (barfing emoji)

Bode: You’re going to do great, but if you don’t, that’s okay too. It’s your first day.

Juno: That’s what Taylor said.

Bode: I have no idea who Taylor is, but he/she is right. Just do your best. Everything else will fall into place.

Juno: Thanks.

Bode: I was wondering if you’d get dinner with me soon. I know you said you don’t want to hook up with me, but just a friendly dinner. I’d like to see you.

Juno: Are you wanting to fill me in on your blind date?

Bode: If that would make you happy. You can ask me anything. What do you think?

Juno: I don’t know.

Bode: Please. I have some things I’d like to talk about with you.

Juno: Okay. Fine. I can’t think about it right now. I’ll text you later and we’ll figure out a time and place.

Bode: Thanks.

Things he needs to talk about?What the hell could that be? He’s probably tired of how crazy I’ve been. I can’t believe I went all the way to London to see him and then just bailed. I was feeling so lonely, and I missed him so much, but once I was there, I panicked. He’s dating other people. I guess I just can’t do the casual sex thing. The truth is - he’s not interested in me other than to hook up. It’s pathetic to beg him to be with me.

I don’t know what he could possibly want. I certainly can’t think about that right now.

Once I’m all prepped and dressed, I walk into the studio. It feels like everyone turns and stares at me. No, it doesn’t feel that way. They do turn and stare at me. I give a little wave.

Marianne rushes over. “Juno, you look perfect.”

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