“Turn around again,” Sarah demanded. I could see her squint from five steps away. “Show me what you’re workin’ with, Momma.”
“Stop,” I scolded her. “It’s not like that.”
Although it sort of was. I pivoted so she could get the full 360 degrees. The dress was tight, with two small cut-outs at the hips and a slit up the back.
“Damn, you look downright juicy in that thing,” Sarah said.
I tilted my head and stared at my reflection. “You don’t think the color is too much?”
“No, I love you in orange. You never wear bright colors.” Not entirely true—but she was right that a bright dress wasn’t typical for me. My secret love of bright colors usually stayed restricted to stuff no one would see but me: underwear, pedicures, and a few discreet accessories. It was my job to blend into the background, and my wardrobe reflected that. Usually. But…maybe not tonight. For tonight, maybe I could let myself go just a little. Have a good time. Live out loud, bright colors and all.
“And it’s a fun tribute to Scarlet’s new album art,” Sarah added.
The photo featured Scarlet beneath an orange tree, laying back with her eyes shut and surrounded by fallen fruit. I hadn’t had a chance to dive into the symbolism of it yet.
“And I have a feeling that Scarlet isn’t the only person you want to impress tonight,” Sarah added with a wink.
I walked over and picked up my phone. “Come on. Would you stop?”
“Why? Maybe you two connecting is a good thing? Fate is showing you that you’re meant to try again.”
“Excuse me? A scientist talking about fate?” I shook my head in disbelief. “Nope. I’ve mixed business with pleasure twice, and both times it blew up in my face. You know my rule about getting emotionally involved when I’m on a job.” I paused. “It’s simple;don’t.”
Sarah frowned at me. “But you’re different now. You’re more established. You know the difference between a real connection and one that’s only there because you’re around each other all the time. From what you’ve told me, you and bossman are really vibing.”
My cheeks went hot. “It’s sort of hard not to.”
“Right?” Sarah laughed. “I watched him on the show last night, and the man ismagnetic. Even Ryan seemed to have a crush on him. And you might need to watch out for Scarlet; she was a little flirty!”
“Eh,” I tipped my head back and forth. “I think she’s exploring other possibilities, to be honest. Branching out. Have you heard the rumors about her and her bestie Lulu?”
“That model?” Sarah asked. “No way!”
I nodded. “There’s a song on the album that has vague pronouns. I think it’s about her.”
“Okay, so you don’t have to worry about an international pop star coming for your man. Good.”
“He’s not my man,” I insisted.
“But he could be,” she sang back. “Why don’t you open yourself up to the possibility? How long has it been since you’ve had…fun?”
“Way, way, way too long,” I chuckled. “I don’t think I remember how to do it.”
“Oh, I bet Mr. Ashford would behappyto school you.”
“Would you quit it?” I scolded her. “What’s gotten into you?”
“You really want to know?” Sarah locked onto me through the screen, laughter giving way to something more serious. “I see something happening with you. You’re happier. Lighter, despite all of the drama around your new position. I think it has to do with him.”
“Yeah.” I plopped onto the little stool in the dressing room. “Maybe.”
“Why so glum? If you’re feeling it too, go for it! Stop holding yourself back. I think you have the right kind of guardrails in your life now—you’re not going to screw things up. So if you find yourself having a moment at the concert, give into it. Let whatever wants to happen happen when you’re in the dark, listening to your favorite singer cooing love songs.”
“She’s not my favorite singer,” I insisted weakly.
“Damn,” Sarah said. “Deep in denial on two counts. Whatever. All I’m saying is be open to possibility tonight. Okay?”
It was so unlike my rule-abiding sister to push me to make bad decisions. Did that mean maybe thiswasn’ta bad decision after all?
