I head to my room and look at my closet. My clothes are… practical.
Jeans. Leggings. Soft sweaters. T-shirts with various food puns.
The one nice dress I brought to Coyote Glen hangs in the back like it’s hiding. It’s a deep, forest-green wrap dress with flutter sleeves and a V-neck that shows just enough without needing constant adjustment. I bought it on sale for some event on tour that I never ended up attending.
I pull it out and hold it up in front of the mirror.
It’s… pretty.
Intimidatingly pretty.
“Miss Delaney?”
I nearly jump out of my skin.
Sadie is in the doorway, clutching a teddy by its collar.
“Hey,” I say, heart still racing. “What’s up?”
“Daddy said you’re going out with your friends,” she says, eyes wide with excitement. “Are you going to a fancy party?”
“Not quite,” I say, holding the dress in front of me. “Just The Hollow.”
Her jaw drops. “You’re gonna wear that there?”
“You don’t think it’s too much?”
She shakes her head vigorously, braids slapping her cheeks. “No. It’s like a princess dress, but cooler. Like a princess who can also sword fight and bake cookies.”
I laugh. “That might be the best compliment I’ve ever gotten.”
She bounces closer. “Can I pick your earrings?”
“Absolutely.”
I change quickly, the fabric sliding over my skin like water. The dress hits just above my knees, showing a slice of thigh above my boots. I swirl once in front of the mirror. The skirt moves in a soft arc.
Okay.
I look… like someone I remember. Someone who isn’t just flour and worry and old hurt.
Sadie digs through my small jewelry box with laser focus.
“These,” she declares, holding up a pair of gold hoop earrings. “They’re shiny.”
“Excellent reasoning,” I say, taking them. “Approved.”
She flops onto my bed while I do my makeup. Nothing fancy, just a little concealer, mascara, a swipe of bronzer, and a berry-tinted gloss. Enough to make me feel polished, not masked.
I pin my hair up and quickly curl a few pieces around my face for softness.
When I’m done, I take a final look in the mirror.
I look… good.
Healthy, despite the shadows the last year tried to carve into me. Strong. My curves fill the dress, the green making my eyes look more hazel than brown. My collarbones peek where the neckline dips.
I suck in a steadying breath.
