"Thanks for the drink, but I should get going," I said, already moving toward the door.
"Of course. Take care of her, son," he said after me, his voice earnest.
"Will do," I promised, stepping out into the cool evening air. My feet carried me instinctively toward the inn, toward her. Erin occupied every thought, and the distance between us felt like a chasm I needed to cross. My anticipation grew with each step; I'd missed her more than I realized.
Chapter 16
Erin
Staringat my closet felt like looking into a void. Every piece of clothing blurred into a tapestry of indecision. Ashton had been maddeningly vague about tonight, leaving me to play a guessing game with my wardrobe. Casual jeans and a T-shirt? Or was I supposed to shimmy into a little black dress that hugged every curve? He had an unpredictable streak. I could just as easily end up at a five-star restaurant as on a dirt trail under the stars.
"Maybe he'll appreciate spontaneity." I reached for a dress, then second-guessing and going for hiking boots instead.
Just as frustration crested, and I was ready to throw in the towel or demand a hint from Ashton, a knock came at my door. I opened it to find Aurelia, Skye, and Laurie, their smiles bright enough to outshine any of my wardrobe dilemmas.
Knowing my brother, you have no idea what's going on, and we thought you might like some help getting ready," Aurelia said with a knowing look in her eye. "I hope you don't mind," Aurelia said, her grin widening. "Laurie let us in and we thought the more the merrier."
Laurie, standing a little behind Aurelia, offered a small, sheepish smile, fidgeting with the strap of her purse. Skye waved a makeup case like a flag of truce between me and the evening's uncertainties. "Aurelia is fantastic at hair and makeup," she said, her tone suggesting salvation had arrived in the form of a blush brush and eyeshadow palette.
"Thank heavens you're here," I said, stepping back to welcome them into the chaos of my pre-date battleground. "Come in, quick." I stepped aside to let the ladies invade my room. I could've kissed all of them.
"Let's start with the outfit." Aurelia eyed the contents of my closet like a general surveying the battlefield. "Ashton's all about the outdoors, but he knows better than to drag a girl up a mountain on the first date."
"Really?" I asked, skepticism lacing my tone as I envisioned myself tripping over roots in high heels.
"Trust us," Skye said with a laugh, pulling out a pair of dark jeans and a soft-looking long-sleeve shirt. "This should cover most bases."
I held the clothes against me, noting the way the fabric felt comfortable yet flattering. "So, no dress then?"
"Definitely not," Aurelia said, her voice thick with amusement. "But you'll want to look effortlessly stylish."
"Effortlessly is key," I said, slipping into the jeans. They were my favorites, a soft denim that molded to my shape and fit perfectly.
"Okay, shoes," Skye said, kneeling by my open wardrobe. "Boots could be cute..."
"Are we going hiking?" I said, a twinge of panic in my voice. The idea of pretending to handle the wilderness gracefully on a date was worrying at best.
Both girls burst into laughter. "No Erin, it's not quite a hike. Nature-adjacent, for sure." Aurelia handed me a pair of sneakers that somehow looked both practical and trendy.
"Nature-adjacent." I slid my feet into the sneakers. "That sounds doable."
"Perfect choice." Skye approved with a satisfied nod. "You're going to knock his socks off."
"Or, at least, not get mine dirty," I said, feeling a little more at ease with each passing moment.
Sitting at my vanity, I watched Aurelia's hands move with a precision and confidence that left me in awe. She dabbed and blended, her concentration never wavering as she worked her magic on my face. I tried to keep still, not wanting to disrupt her artistry.
"Keep your eyes closed for just a bit longer," she said gently. I obeyed, feeling the soft bristles of a brush sweep across my eyelids.
"Okay, open."
The woman staring back at me from the mirror, familiar yet transformed, held my gaze. It was me, but with an ethereal quality that made me second-guess if Ashton would even recognize me. My cheeks seemed sculpted, cheekbones pronounced in a way they hadn't been when I woke up this morning. My nose, which I always thought dominated my face, now looked delicate and refined.
Laurie spoke first, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "You look amazing, Erin. Really beautiful."
"Wow, Aurelia... I..." Words failed me.
"Good wow?" Aurelia's voice was hopeful, a slight smile playing on her lips.
