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CHAPTER TWENTY
Emery
I’MSONERVOUSI could puke. I’ve barely eaten a thing all day, and even the two crackers I had for lunch feel like they’re going to come rushing up my esophagus.
“Em, if you don’t stop jittering, I’m going to end up skewering your eyeball with this mascara wand.” Drew is leaning over me, her own makeup perfect in that goth-adjacent way that suits her to a tee. We’re doing something more natural for me. Just a little highlighting and defining here and there.
“Sorry,” I grumble.
The makeup is part of my ensemble. The twins took me shopping last weekend and helped me pick out a cocktail dress, and I’ve borrowed a pair of heels and a matching clutch from Ava. I want to look professional tonight. I want to look polished and legit and like I have every right to be showcasing my team’s work in a gallery.
Oh, and did I mention that I’ll be facing off with the guy I’ve fallen head over heels for even though he’s made it clear that we’re never going to be a thing?
So ya know, just a regular ol’ Saturday night.
“You look amazing.” Ava watches from the couch. She’s already dressed in this striking black gown with a high neck and a slit that shows off her curvy body to perfection. Drew is also in black, of course.
And now I’m wondering if the rich jewel blue I chose to match my hair might be a bit much. “I feel like a chicken masquerading as a peacock,” I reply.
Drew snorts. “Don’t make me laugh while I’m doing your eyes.”
I don’t dare move my head while she works. “Now I know why I don’t bother with this unless I’m cosplaying.”
Drew has done my makeup the last few times I’ve had an event where I needed to dress up. She’s a natural talent. “Well, tonight you’re going to look like you should be hanging on the wall instead of the art, girl. I’m so glad we decided to go with the blue liner. It’s rockin’.”
“Hannah texted to say they’re finishing up drinks now, so they’ll be there a little early. She wants to be first in line.” Ava grins. “Typical Hannah.”
“And typical Presley,” Drew replies. “I knew those two would get on like a house on fire.”
The girls are going to meet us there with the rest of the group—which includes all the partners. I hadn’t wanted everyone around here making me nervous as I got ready, so Presley suggested cocktails and nibbles at a bar close to the gallery.
“Okay.” Drew pulls back and Ava gasps. “We’re done.”
She hands me a mirror and I hold it up, my mouth popping open. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I still look like me only...more glamorous. A navy line crests over my lashes and flicks out at the corners. Drew has pressed some dark blue glitter over the top so that when I blink it sparkles, and the rest of the makeup is simple—a touch of mascara, something natural on my cheeks, a swipe of a neutral lipstick. The contrast is striking.
“You’re a wizard,” I tell her. “Thank you.”
“It’s easy when you have a great canvas.” She quickly packs up her tools and Ava helps me zip up the back of my dress. It’s got a simple shape, short hem and an interesting neckline that cuts straight across my shoulders in a graphic line. “Ready?”
“Ready to puke,” I mutter.
“You’ll be fine. We’ve got the whole gang to support you. Plus, your team will be there and Rowan wants to make this a success.” Ava pats me on the back reassuringly.
None of them know about our little fling. None of them know my turmoilisn’tabout how well the show will be received, but whether or not I’ll be able to face him without every emotion I have flashing across my face like a slideshow.
I know my game is going to do well. Rowan showed me that I need to trust my team and myself, and it’s paying off. The early reviews have blown me away and our preorders have skyrocketed. The show tonight is icing on the cake. I don’t need to worry about it.
But Iamworried about seeing Rowan again. I’ve been avoiding him all week, listening at the door before exiting my apartment and scurrying to the elevator like a mouse. Because he rejected me and I need to accept that it’s over.
But this rejection hurts more than any one before it.
“Let’s go. The star attraction can’t be late.” Drew scoops up her bag and stuffs her feet into a pair of insanely high platforms that make her legs look a million miles long.
“Technically, Eric is the star attraction,” I say. “It’s his art.”
“Uh, you’re listed as thespecial guest curatoron the website, Em. You helped pull this together by giving Rowan the idea and helping with the contacts.” Ava shakes her head. “Take a damn compliment for once.”
We head out, flag down a passing taxi and before I know it, we’re standing outside Galleria D’Arte. There’s already a line forming outside. Kylie, one of Rowan’s employees, is checking names off a list and when she spots me, she waves me over.
