Page 17 of Finding My Charming

I rolled my eyes and turned toward April who was leaning against my doorframe. It was early morning, and her makeup was already expertly applied, and her bright red hair lay in waves over her shoulders.

“Get out of my room.” I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her taunting. What was so wrong with my jeans and cardigans? They were simple and classic, unlike her trendy style that was constantly changing with the covers of her magazines. I didn’t have the time or energy to keep up with that.

“I’m just offering some sisterly advice.” She batted her eyelashes as if it would help me believe her lies. “You’ll be in college this fall, and I don’t want you walking around looking like a complete loser. You should start looking more put-together now.”

I groaned and squelched the desire to yell for my mom like I had when we were little and April wouldn’t leave me alone. Not much had changed over the years.

“I don’t dress that bad! I’m comfortable, and that’s what matters to me.”

“You dress like a tired mom of four toddlers.”

I scowled. “Not true.”

She held up her hands and began backing away. “Ask Beth, or Ari, or even Mom. I’m sure any of them would jump at the chance to take you shopping for a new wardrobe.”

With that last jab, she turned and walked down the hall.

She’s such a brat. No one cares what I’m wearing. I’m hardworking, studious, and reliable. All things April will never be. That’s how I got into my dream school, not by wearing trendy clothes.

I dropped onto my bed and eyed my closet again. Now that she mentioned it, I did have an excessive amount of cardigan sweaters. More than I needed. Most I wouldn’t even miss.

Dang her! She had a valid point. I was starting a whole new life in a few months, and it was the perfect opportunity to make some changes for the better.

Before I could change my mind, I grabbed an empty laundry basket and marched back to my closet. I allowed myself to keep one of each color and style and tossed the extra sweaters.

Next I looked at my pants. Holy great shrine of jeans. Quickly, I counted the folded stacks. Twenty-three! What human needs that many pairs of jeans? I had every wash and cut imaginable, but only wore a handful of them. Well, time for a late spring-cleaning.

Finally, I worked my way through skirts, dresses, and shirts until I had emptied my closet by more than half. The basket I’d been using to collect was filled about two feet over the rim. That was my comfort-zone staring at me. No more wearing boring clothes, having boring hair, or being a boring person.

Despite it having been April’s idea, I had made a choice and was proud of myself. I collapsed back on my bed and held up my phone to text Ari when another knock came from my door.

I lifted my head and made eye contact with my dad.

“Have a second?”

I sat up. “What’s up?”

His eyes widened as he quickly scanned my room. “Should I ask what happened in here?”

“April suggested that I update my wardrobe, and I actually took her advice.”

His eyebrow cocked up and made a strange noise in his throat. “Never thought I’d hear you say that, but if that’s what you want.”

“It’s time.” I smiled, trying to reassure him.

“Well, if you need some money for new clothes—”

“It’s okay, Dad.”

“No, I’d like to actually. You’re the only one who never asks for cash, and frankly, you deserve it. Plus, you’re working enough to have some spending money.”

“I thought the point of an internship was for experience, not pay.”

He shrugged. “I’m a nice boss.” He looked around as if someone might be listening and leaned forward. “Just don’t tell your mom or April.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

His smile grew. “Just come find me before you leave to go out.”