Diablo:See u soon.
Fallon set her phone on the counter, nervous shivers shooting through her.He’s coming.A couple of women in short dresses waltzed in and sat at the small table for two behind Fallon. She casually spun around on the stool and looked at them: long brown hair, impeccable makeup, and plenty of cleavage. She noticed how many of the men stared at them. Since she’d come into the diner, no one gave her a second look—not even a first look, actually. Normally, she’d be glad not to have any attention on her, but at that moment, it made her sad.
She took out her compact and glanced at her face: no makeup, a pimple on the side of her right temple, and dry lips. Looking down, she groaned—absolutely no cleavage.
“Did you want anything else?” the waitress asked as a frown formed between her eyebrows.
“No, thanks. I was just getting ready to leave.” Fallon took the bill and went to the cashier.
“Did you enjoy your meal?” the young woman asked.
“Yeah. Is there a drugstore around here?” She handed her a ten-dollar bill.
“A block down, across the street.” The cashier placed the change in Fallon’s hand.
After going back to leave a tip, Fallon left the diner and headed to the drugstore. Once inside, she went to the makeup department and glanced over the multitude of products. Her father hadn’t allowed her to wear makeup when she was a teenager, so she used to sneak it in her purse and put it on at school, washing it off before she returned home. After the incident with James, she’d felt so ashamed that she’d stopped going to school. Her dad had been fine with it, so she’d spent the rest of her teenage years around the house, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her dad.
She picked up a tube of mauve lipstick, mascara, a powder foundation, and a pink-hued blush. After purchasing the items, she went into the restroom and took out the makeup. Looking in the mirror, she scraped a hand through her hair. Feeling dizzy, she gripped the edge of the sink to steady herself as her heart pounded. Coughing, she struggled to catch her breath. She sank to the floor, her head down, her short gulps of air bouncing off the tiled walls.
What possessed me to contact him? I can’t see him.
The creak of the bathroom door behind her made her body tense. “Are you all right?” a woman asked, her heels clacking on the tiled floor. A strong floral scent wafted from her as she bent down.
Fallon looked at the woman’s round face. “I’m okay. I was just feeling a bit dizzy.”I’m fucking freaking out, lady. Move on and leave me alone.
“Do you need some help up?” The woman offered her hand.
How fucking more pathetic can I get?“No, but thanks for offering. I’ll be okay.”
“All right… if you’re sure.” The woman straightened up and went into one of the stalls.
The wave of terrifying fear passed and Fallon slowly pulled herself up, then splashed some cool water on her face.I can’t do this.
Her phone pinged and she jumped as if a bomb had exploded next to her. She took it out.
Diablo:I don’t see u. Where u sitting?
Fallon inhaled deeply, letting the breath out slowly. She did five repetitions, then tapped in her response.
Fallon:Sorry. Wasn’t feeling well so left.
Diablo:What the fuck? Where u at?
I don’t know what to do. I want to see him but—
Diablo:Fallon? Don’t shut down on me.
Fallon:Sorry. Just feeling shaky. I’m at the drugstore.
Diablo:The one a block from the diner?
Fallon:Yeah.
Diablo:I’m on my way. Don’t fuckin’ leave.
Fallon:I won’t.
The worst of it was over.He’s coming and it’s going to be all right. She broke the seal of the lipstick, quickly swiping the color over her lips. The shimmer brightened her face, and for a brief second, she wondered if he’d like it. She finger-combed her hair and jumped when she heard the ping.
Diablo:I’m here. R u?
Fallon:Yeah. In the restroom. Will be out in a sec.
Staring at her reflection, she brushed some blush on her cheeks, pleased that it gave her face some color. “You can do this,” she muttered under her breath. “You told Shanna off and it felt fucking good, and now you’re meeting a man who’s gorgeous. You’re on a roll. Don’t fuckin’ freak out. Just. Don’t.”
She thrust her shoulders back, secured her purse on her shoulder, and exited the bathroom.
