“Good nervous or bad nervous?”
“Both?” I met her eyes in the mirror. “I really like him. That’s the scary part.”
“I know.” Her expression softened. “But that’s also the good part. Liking someone is supposed to be scary.”
“When did you get so wise about romance?” Calliope raised an eyebrow. “Last week you were pining over ghost girl.”
“Still am.” Sierra shrugged. “But I can give good advice even if I can’t take it.”
Raven stepped back. “There. Perfect. Now the ears.”
“What about them?”
She held up two small silver hoops. Simpler than my usual ones. More elegant. “Switch them out. These are better for a nice dinner.”
I swapped the earrings, and she was right again. Everything came together: the outfit, the hair, the subtle jewelry. I looked like someone going on a date. A real one.
“One more thing.” Calliope tapped her chin. “Cologne. The amber one, right?”
“Yeah.” I grabbed it from my dresser, the expensive stuff I saved for nights that mattered. Amber, vanilla, cardamom. Warm and sweet-spicy, a scent that made people lean closer.
I applied it to my wrists and neck, and Calliope gave a single nod.
“Okay.” She faced me. “Real talk time. You ready?”
“For what?”
“For us to tell you that you’re going to be amazing tonight, and even if you’re awkward or nervous or say something weird, Ellis already likes you. He wouldn’t have asked you out if he didn’t.”
“She’s right.” Sierra nodded. “He’s choosing to spend his Saturday night with you. That means something.”
“And if he doesn’t appreciate how incredible you are?” Raven cracked her knuckles. “He’s an idiot and we’ll key his car.”
“He doesn’t have a car.”
“We’ll figure something out.”
I laughed, stomach still in knots. “Thanks. For this. For showing up.”
“That’s what we do.” Calliope pulled me into a hug, and then Sierra and Raven joined until we were a pile of limbs and laughter in my tiny apartment. “Now go. You’re going to be late if you don’t leave soon.”
I grabbed my keys and my wallet, checked my reflection one more time: green shirt, black jeans, brown boots, hair perfect, smelling like amber and vanilla. I looked good. I was ready to be looked at.
I was ready.
“Text us updates!” Calliope called as I headed for the door.
“I’m not texting you during the date, you menaces.”
“Text us after then! We need details!”
“I’ll think about it!”
“We’re not leaving until you promise!”
“Fine! I promise!”
I heard their laughter as the door closed behind me, and I couldn’t help smiling as I headed down the stairs.
