Page 25 of Lucky 22

“Look, from everything you’ve told me about him, it won’t bean issue. He knows what you do for a living, and he knows this is just a movie,so stop looking for trouble.”

She’s totally right. I think I’m feeling this way becauseChristian isn’t in the entertainment business. I’ve spent so much of my lifesurrounded by people who are like me. We all had a fairly common goal andshared hobbies and interests. So, I’m completely focusing on what I thinkhe’s thinking, and I shouldn’t be. I know we’ve spent a lot of time getting toknow each other this week, but there’s no way I know everything about him.

Not yet.

But I desperately want to.

“You didn’t act like this when you were dating Jim,” shesays, interrupting my thoughts.

“That’s because I wasn’t really invested in therelationship. He was a nice enough guy, but I didn’t have romantic feelings forhim, and I could never see myself marrying him. I knew he wasn’t the one.”

“That’s fair. And I already know you have them forChristian. I’ve never heard someone describe a brief kiss with quite so muchintensity.”

I can feel my face heat, but she’s not wrong. That onelittle kiss felt more powerful than any other kiss in my life.

And I really hope we can kiss again tonight. He’s picking meup, and we’re driving to the premiere together, so it feels like a traditionaldate scenario, where it would totally be the norm to share a goodnight kisswhen he brings me home.

“Are you almost done with your tea?”

Looking up at her, I nod. “How come?”

“Because I want you to go and brush your teeth so we canstart on your makeup. I don’t want you to sip anything or have to wipe yourface or mouth. By the time I’m done, your beautiful face will look like a workof art.”

I quickly finish my tea and hand her my cup. “A work of art?Really?”

She preens. “I’m that good.”

I stand and stretch before hugging her. “Yes, you are.”

Within minutes, I’m back with minty fresh breath and aclean, spray-tanned face for her to work with. I’ve done this so many times,both on set and here in the apartment with Jen, that I’m completely at ease.

“Did you decide which outfit you’re going with tonight?”

“The green tiered skirt with the black top,” I tell her,careful not to move my lips too much.

“Ooh…interesting choice. I would have thought you’d go withthe pink sundress.”

“Considering I’m a punk rock girl in this movie, and thewhole thing is about the not-so-glamorous side of the rock world, I thought thepink would be a little too light and sunny. The green and black sort of fitsthe mood.”

“No, I totally agree,” Jen says as she applies myfoundation. “You just didn’t seem overly enthused with that combo when wetalked about it.”

“You were right. I was so hyper-focused on finding theperfect dress that I wasn’t finding anything I actually wanted to wear. And theskirt is so cute.”

“It really is. And it looks good on you, too. Christian’sgoing to love it.”

Will he?

“So, it’s the movie and then the after-party tonight,right?”

“Yup. Don’t wait up,” I tease, and she laughs.

“Are you kidding me? I’m going to want all the details. ButI’ve had a really long day already, so maybe I won’t wait up. We’ll see.”

We talk about clothes, makeup, and Christian while shefinishes my makeup. My hair is still curled and sprayed, but she hasn’t brushedit out yet. That comes after I get dressed.

Which is what I’m doing now.

Jen follows me into my room with the rest of her hair toolsand sits on my bed while I get dressed. I grew up with sisters, so it’s not abig deal that she’s hanging out while I change. I slip on the skirt, then thesleeveless top, before stepping into my sandals. No sooner am I done than Jen’son her feet and fussing with my hair.