“He’s very okay with pets.”
She sets the bag down, crouches in front of him, and offers her hand. Neptune sniffs once, then immediately flops onto his side, belly exposed, tongue lolling out as if he’s known her forever.
Cassie laughs. “You are a chunky, majestic creature. I cannot believe you’ve been keeping him from me.”
“Sorry,” I smile. “I’m glad you’ve finally met.”
She stands and reaches for the garment bag. “Okay. Let me show you what I brought. These belong to my roommate.”
She unzips it and pulls out the first dress — a deep burgundy halter-style gown, sleek and elegant.
“This one definitely screams cocktail dress, but it’s a size ten, so it might be a little loose on you.”
Then she reveals the second.
The black dress is softer. Sheer tulle, embroidered with delicate florals scattered throughout. Structured at the bodice, flowing gently down, the definition of a romantic dress.
“This one might work better,” Cassie continues. “It’s also a ten, but it laces up the back, so we can adjust it.”
“They’re both beautiful.” I glance back at the black one. “But I think this is the one. I’ve got black ankle-tie sandals that’ll work perfectly with it.”
“Perfect.” She smiles. “Want to try it on?”
I hold it up against myself, already imagining it. “I think it’s going to work. I just need to dry my hair first. Want to come upstairs with me?”
“Absolutely.”
As we head toward my room, she asks, “What are you thinking for your hair?”
“I don’t know. Maybe loose waves?”
She tilts her head. “What if we braid it to the side?”
I laugh. “I can’t do more than a simple braid. My sister April has always been the braider in the family.”
Cassie grins. “Girl. I’ve been braiding hair my entire life. I’ve got you.”
It’s twenty minutes to seven, and my makeup is already done—just a little concealer, mascara, a touch of blush, and a lip tint. Enough to feel like myself without feeling like I’m trying too hard. The dress fits perfectly, thanks to Cassie’s ability to work actual magic with a lace-up back, and now we’ve turned my bathroom into a makeshift hair station.
She dragged a chair upstairs while I changed, and I’m sitting on it while she stands beside me, carefully braiding my hair. Her fingers move with practiced ease, guiding the braid from the right side of my head, across the crown, and toward my left shoulder, leaving a few loose strands around my face.
“So, what’s the deal with O’Donoghue?”
I smile at my reflection. “What do you mean?”
“Are you guys a thing?” she asks, tightening the braid slightly as she continues.
“We’re just friends, nothing more.”
“Interesting,” she hums, clearly unconvinced. “Because the other day, he was not looking at you like you’re just friends.”
I laugh softly. “You sound just like my sisters.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she laughs. “You have two sisters, right?”
“Yeah. April and June.”
Her eyes light up. “Oh my God. Spring-coded names. I love it.”
