“Thanks.I wish you’d let me do yours.”
Savannah reached up instinctively to touch her hair.She’d hated it as a kid; it was such a light blonde that she just looked wishy-washy – at least, that was what her mom used to say.Her eyelashes and eyebrows were just as fair – to the point that kids used to tease her that she didn’t have any.She used to envy girls whose coloring was dark enough that they didn’t need mascara or brow pencils just to look like regular human beings.
These days, she was grateful that her hair looked good even without coloring it.And since Tiff had come along, she insisted that free brow and lash tints were considered standard roommate perks.
Tiff gave her an inquiring look.“Are you considering it?Because you know what, as much as I tease you about wanting to color your hair, I don’t think we should do it.It’s gorgeous just the way it is — and so are you.”
“Thanks.I wasn’t really considering it.I’m grateful for what you already do, and my hair is what it is.I’m okay with me.”
“And so you should be — you’re gorgeous.Listen, I’m just going to go and finish up, and then what do you think – should we order a pizza from Giuseppe’s tonight?”
“Oh!I … I can’t tonight.”
“You have to go back to work?You’ll need to get your ass into gear.I assumed with you getting back so late, you were done for the day.”
“I am.It’s just …”
Tiff sighed and shook her head.“You can tell me.I know you love me; it’s not like I’m going to get jealous if you have plans with someone else.What are you up to?”
Savannah couldn’t help the big smile that spread across her face.
“Oh my god!You’re seeing Jake?!”
She nodded happily.
“Eeek!Okay, date prep mode activated!I have a million questions, but I can ask them while we get you ready.Where are you going?What are you thinking about wearing?Do you want to borrow anything of mine?And do you want me to do your hair – makeup?”
Savannah went to her and hugged her.“You, Tiffany Blue, are the best friend I’ve ever had, and I love you to pieces, but …”
Tiff hugged her back fiercely.“It’s okay.You don’t need to say it.I get it.I’m sorry – I’m just excited for you.You want to get yourself ready, you want to look like you – and so you should, because you’re awesome and you’re gorgeous.You have your own style, and Jake already loves you for who you are.So, how about …” She stepped back with a grin.“I zip it, and you tell me all about it while you get ready.If you want any help or reassurance, I’ll be right there with you.But I won’t interfere – promise.That sound like a plan?”
“It sounds wonderful.”Savannah didn’t want to tell her that she’d never had the kind of girlfriend she could get ready to go out with.She couldn’t put into words how much Tiff’s friendship meant to her – or how lucky she felt that, for some reason, Tiff seemed to genuinely like her right back.
“Let’s get going, then.Show me what you’re going to wear, tell me as much as you want to share – and tell me to butt out when I push for more!”
As Savannah led her into her bedroom, hoping that she wouldn’t deem her favorite jeans and T-shirt unworthy, Tiff spoke in a low voice, sounding far more serious than usual.
“I have to tell you, babe.You’re the best roommate I’ve ever had, but more than that, you’re an amazing friend.I wouldn’t have thought that someone like you would give me the time of day.I … well, shit, all I’m trying to say is love ya, babe!”
“Aww!”Savannah hugged her again.“I love you, too!But I think you’ve got that the wrong way around – I wouldn’t have thought that you’d want me as a friend.”
“Pft!You’re kidding me?”
“Nope – I’m dead serious.”
“Well, that just goes to show how wrong we both were, doesn’t it?”
“It does, and I’m so glad.”
“Me too.But enough of the sappy shit.We said what we needed to – now let’s get you ready.”
Chapter Three
Jake checked himself over in the mirror.He looked all right; it was obvious that he’d made an effort.He was wearing his best jeans and a smart but comfortable polo shirt.
He frowned when it hit him that, back in San Diego, he would never have gone on a date dressed like this.Did that mean …?No, it didn’t mean that those girls had warranted more effort than Savannah did.That just wasn’t true – even the thought made him mad.
He was still thinking about it when he went to the kitchen for a glass of water – for some reason, his throat was dry.The clothes he was wearing right now were the kind of thing he would have worn on a date back home in Tennessee, or even in North Carolina when he was stationed at Camp Lejeune.So it definitely wasn’t that he was dressing down for Savannah, even on some subconscious level.
