First, she went into the bathroom and put on a little tinted moisturizer, then added some mascara and fixed her brows. She put on earrings, too. Her small diamond studs, a gift from her kids on her last birthday. Probably way more than they should have spent, but she loved them that much more for it.
Her final touch was tinted lip balm in Summer Berry. Just a little color. Not like she was wearing lipstick. Not like she was trying too hard. She squinted at her reflection. Was that what she was worried about? That Lucas might think she was trying to impress him?
She laughed at herself. Lucas didn’t care what she did. She was fooling herself if she thought otherwise.
But it wasn’t a bad idea to look nicer. Especially if she wanted his business. Maybe that was justifying her extra efforts, but whatever. She was a grown woman who could do what she wanted. Without having to explain herself to anyone.
She stuck her phone and one of her business cards into the pocket of the leggings before going back to the living room. “What do you think?”
Harper hit Pause and looked over. She nodded. “That’s a big improvement.”
“Really?” Frankie didn’t feel like she’d done that much.
“You look more like you.”
Frankie smiled and went to sit next to Harper until it was time to go. “Thanks.” She gestured to the tiny blonde on the screen. “Is that your boss?”
“My bos—right. That’s the woman I work for. Mimi Atwell. She’s got a new movie coming out,The Big Silence.”
“Wasn’t she in that silly horror movie,Kill, Bunny, Kill?”
“Um, yeah, but that was ages ago and we don’t talk about that.”
“Hey, even Jennifer Aniston did thatLeprechaunflick. Every actor has a stinker or two, right?”
“I suppose.” Harper pushed Play.
They watched Mimi’s segment. When it was over, and the musical act was announced, Harper turned it off. “She did really well. I hope she’s happy with it.”
“She looked fantastic,” Frankie said. “That dress was really cool. I give her props for having a figure like that and not coming out in something totally revealing. What she had on was so much more interesting.”
Harper smiled. “I helped with that. Actually, pretend you didn’t hear that.”
Frankie tipped her head. “You helped pick out her outfit?”
Harper nodded. “I…do that sometimes. She likes a second opinion.”
“I always thought stars had stylists who did that.”
“She does have one, she just doesn’t always trust her.” Harper looked at the time. “Lucas will be here soon.”
Frankie knew her sister was changing the subject on purpose, she just didn’t know why. Did she not like talking about her job? “I should get Archie’s leash.”
“Just remember there are plastic bags in the little container on the handle if you need to pick up after him.” Harper grinned. “Nice not to be the one doing that.”
“I’m sure. And I remember, because you just told me on the beach. Hard getting old, isn’t it?” Frankie laughed.
“Ha-ha,” Harper said.
Frankie got up and retrieved the leash. “Where is Archie?”
Harper looked around. “Probably went back to bed.” She leaned forward. “Archie, come here, boy.”
He came trotting out of the bedroom.
“Aunt Frankie is going to take you for a walk. With Scout!”
He wagged his tail.
