Page 36 of First Impressions of You

I smile at them. “I’m good, but you guys go ahead and have some. I can wait.”

“Nonsense.” Adriana waves the idea off. “We can eat later.”

“Please, I insist.” I feel bad keeping them from their snack. “The cake looks delicious. Go have a bite.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” It’s Bella who says it. “Davis just dropped it here this morning because Adri told him yesterday this was her favorite. I didn’t expect famous people to be so nice, you know?”

Adriana cuts her a firm glare, and Bella closes her mouth quickly. I move behind the screen to change into the gown while they eat, pretending I didn’t see any of that interaction, but the knowledge of Winter going out of his way to bring them cake takes up an unbelievable amount of space in my mind.

Looking at the mirror, I don’t even try to hide my excitement. Being dressed as Melina makes this seem much more real.

The grandiose gown has been opened up, and now it fits me perfectly, both in my torso and my arms. The bodice hugs my curves tight around the waist, pushing my breast up under the lace neckline. The effect is so outstanding I almost wish I could wear something like this all the time. Almost, because despite looking lavish, the dress isn’t the most comfortable.

The next outfit I try on, the one I’ll be wearing in the scene we did for the audition, is a grey wool skirt that cuts around my ankles, paired with an off-white, button-up shirt under a light brown vest. The fabric is worn out, the colors faded as if they’ve seen better days. I look like someone who hasn’t showered in a long time when I’m wearing it. I guess it makes sense, since it’s for Melina escaping her kidnapper.

“They’ll have to work on your hair,” Bella says, and I reflexively bring a hand to smooth down my waves. “It can’t look this pretty after God knows how long Melina is held captive.”

I give her a shy smile.

“That was a very weird way to compliment my hair, but thanks.” I’m not good at receiving compliments. It was so rare growing up, I don’t think I’ve ever learned how. Whenever I was complimented, it was always attached to a criticism on my body and ended up doing more harm than good.

You have such a pretty face.

If you just lost a few kilos, you’d be the most beautiful girl.

This outfit is so slimming.

I wish I had your confidence to wear tight clothes like that.

You don’t look fat in your pictures.

After a while, I began dreading any comments on my appearance at all, even the positive ones.

It was part of the reason I loved acting so much. When I was in character, none of these comments were about me. And in someone else’s skin, I could just make believe that criticism didn’t affect me at all.

When Adriana and Bella finally dismiss me after trying on all my outfits and marking them up for adjustments, it’s almost five in the afternoon.

The elevator stops on the fourth floor, and I’m so tired I barely notice someone walking in. It’s only when my name is called that I look up to find Graham watching me carefully.

“Wherever you were just now,” he jokes, pointing a finger in the general direction of my temple. “that’s where I’d like to go too.”

“If I’m being honest, I’m so tired I had nothing in my mind. It was just blank. Standby mode.”

“That’s a bummer.” He presses the button to the ground floor. I guess I hadn’t even thought of doing that. “I was going to ask you if you were up for a coffee or something sweet. Maybe Sprinkled Dreams, and we can do both.”

I’ve been promising him a date ever since I gave him my number at Olivia’s birthday. He didn’t call this a date exactly, but I guess if I do it now, I’d stop feeling bad about always telling him I’m busy.

And it’s Sprinkled Dreams. My favorite.

“Sprinkle Dreams sounds great,” I say.

He lights up like a kid getting a gift. “Really? Awesome. Now?”

I tap on the screen of my phone to check the time. “You’re off already?”

“It’s no biggie.” He shrugs like leaving work early is something he does all the time.

We make our way to the park through the hidden employee gate that leads right next to my favorite bakery.

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