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“Hi.” I gave a shy wave, a little overwhelmed by the additional people in our small place.
Misty gestured to the girls. “This is Ashly and Becca. They’re seniors in the Beautician department.”
My brows pulled together as they started opening their cases. I stood and whispered into Misty’s ear so only she could hear me. “What’s happening?”
She grimaced. “I was kinda hoping you’d just go along with it and not ask questions.”
“Questions about what?” I gripped the strap of my purse, worried I already knew the answer.
“They’re here to help us get ready for the gala.”
“I’m not going.” I gave the girls an apologetic smile, but my voice stayed firm. “Listen to me, Misty. When I say I’d rather cut off my own arm than sit through that auction, I’m not lying.”
One of the girls stepped forward, Ashly, I think. “Unfortunately, with the late cancelation, we won’t be able to provide a refund.”
Misty smiled at her. “We aren’t canceling.” Then to me, she said, “You aren’t going to make me waste money, are you?”
She wasn’t playing fair; she knew how I felt about that. Misty raised her brow and placed both her hands on her hips. I was quickly realizingthe concept of choice was an illusion in this conversation. In one last desperate attempt, I said, “I can’t afford this. I won’t be able to pay you back.”
She grinned at me and sat on one of the folding chairs the girls must have brought with them. “I guess it’s a good thing it’s already covered.”
I shot her a glare and collapsed on the chair beside her. “You’re buying drinks tonight. I’ll warn you in advance I’ll be needing lots of them.”
“We’ll see.” There was a glint in her eye, but she turned toward the girl in front of her.
I didn’t have to see. It was fact.
The stunning esthetician stood in front of me and scanned over my features like she was studying for a test. “I think a light smokey eye will bring out your eyes perfectly. Pair it with natural makeup and a nude lip.” She nodded her head like she was agreeing with herself and started pulling items from her bag.
I glanced over at Misty and widened my eyes. She just raised her chin to give her makeup artist a better angle and said, “Just relax, Piper. We’re going to have fun. Promise.”
Relax…
She wasn’t the one who was about to see her boyfriend be auctioned off to another woman. My thoughts stalled on the wordboyfriend, and tingles spread through my chest. There wasn’t any doubt in my heart that Lucas loved me, and I trusted him. Before the night was out, I would make that perfectly clear.
I settled in my chair and closed my eyes, ready to face whatever happened at the gala because Lucas was coming home with me.
* * *
The girls were fast, and within an hour, Becca handed me a mirror. I sucked in a breath as I took in the old-Hollywood waves of golden hair that framed my eyes. She was right—the makeup made the blue in my eyes shine.
“Thank you.” They were already packing up by the time I stopped staring at my reflection. I stood, and she grabbed my chair.
“Have fun tonight, ladies, and make sure you tag us in any posts!” Becca called over her shoulder before walking out.
Misty grinned at me. “Lucas is going to lose his freaking mind.”
“Lucas is going to be busy,” I reminded her.
She huffed and shook her head, and I swore I heard her mumble, “Delusional,” under her breath.
She pulled out an emerald-green dress that matched perfectly with her hair and slipped it over her head. She did a little spin. “What do you think?”
“I think you’re gorgeous, but Misty, I don’t have anything like that.” I ran through all the clothes I’d brought, but the closest I had was a simple calf-length black dress. My shoulders slumped.
She choked on a laugh and shook her head at me. “Have you not been taken care of so far?”
“Yes, but—”
