My unruly hair is sleek and smooth for the very first time.I look like a completely different person—someone confident, coordinated, alluring.There's no way that Viktor will recognize me as his attacker from the library.For the very first time I believe that I can pull this off.
Wow.I smile at Mia.Thank you so much.
Des looms behind me.What about her make-up?
That’s a bit disconcerting since I did my full routine before I came over.
I’ll do her party make-up next,Mia says.
Everyone leaves to get ready for their own Friday nights, and Mia starts on my make-up.She leans in close to apply mascara and speaks in a low voice.I'm not the same as everyone else.I don't hate Viktor.Of course I was unhappy when we broke up, but it's partly my responsibility.He was always honest about only wanting a situationship.
Why does everyone blame him, then?It's something I've wondered, why all these women harbour resentment about relationships that haven't lasted more than five or six weeks.
The mascara wand stops mid-air, and her face turns dreamy.It's because he's so good at making you feel special.Like he really sees you.The places you go, the way he listens, and his physical side...Her voice trails off, then she shoves the mascara wand back into the tube.Her eyes snap back into focus.I'll tell you what I really believe: he wants to fall in love too.There's a vulnerability about Vik.But something is holding him back—his own rules or his past.If he was just another fake player who schmoozes women to increase his count, none of us would spend five minutes with him.But we can perceive what Vik really wants, even if he doesn't realize it himself.That's what makes him different.
Her words weave a spell, and for the first time Viktor is an actual person to me.I don't really want to hurt anyone, even if they deserve it,I confess.
Mia smiles at me.Honestly, I don't think Des's plan will work.She hasn’t thought this through.Don’t tell anyone, but one of the reasons I came on board was to make sure things don’t get out of hand.Especially now that you’re involved.
Because I’m this clueless bunker girl?
She giggles.Well, you’re very smart, but you are naïve when it comes to men.This whole scheme is going one of two ways: he's not going to be interested, or you're going to fall hard for him.
I swallow.I hope it's not the latter.
Mia nods.Because that's going to hurt.Are you sure you want to do this, Evelyn?
I can't back out now, can I?You guys have all done so much work.Yet this moment feels like a turning point.
I guess.It would be fine with me, but Des and Angie are very determined.She shrugs.Okay, I’m going to share my secret beauty weapon with you.
Mia pulls out a tiny plastic case.It’s a paint palette from the dollar store.I take out the paint discs and put in cosmetics instead.She uses a tiny spatula to fill it with the makeup I’m wearing: cream eyeshadow, lipstick, concealer.I’ll use setting spray, but check your make-up every couple of hours.There’s a little remover here in case your eye makeup slides.Seriously, if you’re dancing and sweating, things are going to shift.This way you make sure you look as fresh as when you walked in.
Des breezes in.Is she all done?
Mia nods.She's a natural beauty, so I didn't overdo it.
I should feel warmed by her words, but my insides are churning.
Des pulls the towel off her hair and starts combing it out.She actually looks prettier, less scary without all her make-up.One big thing I forgot: your name.Evelyn sounds like a ninety-year-old woman.
It's my paternal grandmother's name,I admit.
You need something new and sexier,she snaps.
I like my name,I protest weakly, but Des talks over me.
Raven?Gloria?Ames?She throws out names randomly, and I wonder if I should be taking advice from someone named Destiny.My maternal grandmother would call that a stripper name.
My middle name is Muriel,I offer.
Worse and worse,Des says.
How about Evie?Mia pipes up.That's a cute name.
Des cocks her head as she looks at me.It's not sexy, but it suits you.More than Muriel anyway.
I nod.Might as well add a new name to the new me.
