“Can you find someone to take your place? I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t an emergency.”
“Nope. I’m the only decent caller we got. Wish I could help you out, but I don’t want to let down the veterans.”
He rubbed his forehead. “I understand. Have a good time.”
Who else could he call? Then he remembered Anita had asked for the day off. He quickly called her number and prayed she would answer.
***
Anita looked in the mirror, shocked at what she saw. The reflection staring back at her was her, yet not her. How confusing.
Harper moved to stand beside her. “Was I right? You’re a knockout.”
Anita regarded both of their images in the full-length mirror in Harper’s bedroom. Harper was the true knockout, wearing a sleeveless black dress and sparkling gold heels. Anita was also wearing a dress, but hers was white with black spaghetti straps and had a flared skirt that was shorter than she was used to, although still modest. The neckline plunged a little lower than she preferred, but she was nowhere near Heather territory.
Actually, Heather would probably rock this dress.
Ugh. Why did she have to think about Heather now?
Harper clasped her hands together, her long white nails clicking against each other. “What do you think?”
The dress was beautiful, and because it was a gift from Harper, she loved it. “It’s very pretty,” she said, pulling the skirt away from her a little bit to admire the chiffon overlay.
“Youare very pretty.” Harper turned Anita so they were facing each other. With her sky-high heels, Harper stood several inches taller. “That pixie cut is so cute on you, but it needs a little pizazz.” She walked over to her dresser and fished through a small case of sparkly accessories. “Ah, perfect.”
She went back to Anita, smoothed her bangs, and slid a jeweled barrette into her hair. “Now you’re flawless.”
Anita gazed at the mirror again. The barrette was adorable, but Harper was overstating things. She fidgeted with the neckline, then looked at the sheer hose she’d put on a few minutes ago. When was the last time she’d worn hose?
Near the mirror sat a pair of black pumps with heels higher than she usually wore but still more sensible than Harper’s. “This all had to be expensive,” she said, frowning.
“It wasn’t, trust me. I know how to shop. Now turn that frown upside down and relax. You’re supposed to be having fun.” Harper chuckled. “I know I am.”
Anita managed a small smile. The longer she looked at her ensemble in the mirror, the more her apprehension eased. “I do look nice,” she murmured. “I especially like the barrette.”
Harper grinned, then dragged her over to her vanity. “Time for makeup. And before you say anything else, I already know you don’t wear makeup.”
“I wear a little on Sunday mornings,” Anita protested.
“Lip gloss doesn’t count.” She pulled out the chair for Anita, then put both hands on her shoulders and gave her a gentle but firm push onto the seat before picking up a compact that held six shades of foundation.
Anita had no idea how long she sat still while Harper applied foundation, powder, eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow,highlighter, eyeliner, and blush. But when her friend held up a pair of tweezers gripping a spidery-looking row of false eyelashes, Anita knew she’d reached her limit. “No.”
“You only have to wear them for a few hours. They’ll look stunning, I promise.” Harper batted her eyes. “See? You don’t have to worry about them falling off.”
While the lashes were attractive on Harper, Anita was resolute. “I’m not wearing those.”
“How about some mascara, at least?” Harper said, setting the lashes down on the vanity with a pout.
“I can definitely do mascara.”
When Harper was done, Anita opened her eyes and turned to face the mirror. “That’s me?” she asked, amazed.
“Yes, it’s you. Don’t you love it?”
She turned her face from one side to the other. Considering all the makeup Harper had applied, she’d feared looking clownish. Not even close. Her complexion softly glowed, making her a sophisticated version of herself. She touched her cheek with her fingers. “Harper, you’re a genius.”
“I know.” Harper picked up a tube of lipstick, bent down, and looked in the mirror as she applied a fresh coat of matte dark pink to her own lips. “See how fun makeup is?”
