Page 10 of Lucky 22

“I’m so lucky you’re my friend,” I say.

Her head tilts, and her expression softens. “Aww. What madeyou say that?”

“Because I’m spiraling, and you’re always there to help me.And it’s real help, not just empty encouragement.” I shrug. “I reallyappreciate it and wanted you to know.”

Stepping away from the closet, she sits down beside me onthe bed. My head immediately falls to her shoulder, and her arm comes aroundme. When her head rests against mine, I’m overcome with gratitude.

“I feel the same way,” she says after a moment. “And youknow there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”

“I know.”

“And you also know that I will always be honest with you.”

I nod. “It’s another one of your amazing perks.”

“Okay, then.” She lets out a soft sigh. “You need to get outof your head and pick something to wear. It doesn’t have to be about thepremiere or even the date. It has to be about you. What do you want to wearthat’s going to make you feel good? Pretty. Special.”

Lifting her head, she pulls back a bit, making me look up.“You’re right. I’m overthinking this, and I need to stop.”

Easier said than done.

I’ve been waiting for this birthday for so many years, Ithink I’m trying to manifest something great. I don’t want anything to gowrong. But maybe I’m getting in my own way. Even though the movie premiereisn’t on my birthday, it’s my birthday week, and anything close to thedate is going to weigh heavily on my mind. Can I leave something thisspecial to chance?

Jen slowly stands, watching me with an almost comical levelof caution. “I’m going to go through your closet, and we are going to discussthe pros and cons of all the possibilities. And if we can’t find anything…”

“We’ll go to the thrift shop,” I finish for her. With asigh, I wave to the open closet door. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Thirty minutes later, we’ve discussed every pro andcon of pretty much every article of clothing I own, but nothing has inspiredeither of us.

“Before we go anywhere,” Jen announces, “I’m going to callPenny. You know she has some amazing vintage clothes, and the two of you arearound the same size. I want to see if maybe she has something that could work.Hang tight.”

She practically skips out of my room as I flop back onto mybed, mentally exhausted. I’m contemplating a quick nap to deal with phase twoof the perfect dress search when my phone rings.

I’m practically giddy when I see my mom’s name on thescreen.

“Hey, Mom!”

“Hey, sunshine. How’s my girl doing?”

“I’m good. How’s everything at home? How’s Dad?”

“Oh, everyone’s fine,” she assures me. “Your sister was justcomplaining that she wishes we were still in Florida so she could go and spendthe day at Wonder Land like we used to.”

“I get that.”

“It’s been almost two years, and we all miss it. But…it iswhat it is. So, what’s new with you? Any exciting auditions?” she asks.

“No, but I’m filminga guest spot on a sitcom next week. And today, Jen and I are trying to figureout what I’m going to wear to the movie premiere in two weeks.”

“That’s right. I remember you telling me it was coming up.What are you thinking of wearing? Have you found anything yet? Jen has suchgreat taste and style, I’m sure she’ll find the perfect dress for you.”

Sighing, I tell her all about how our afternoon has gone sofar, but I leave out the whole Christian angle. I don’t know why. Usually, Itell my mom everything, but for some reason, I’m being vague. “I don’t know,I’m being really indecisive.”

“Hmm…that doesn’t sound like you. What do you think theproblem is?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Ella…” And yeah, her tone tells me she’s not buying it.