Saying yes to things feels dangerous now. It feels like stepping onto thin ice and pretending I don’t hear the cracks underneath me. But Zane had looked so hopeful when he mentioned the Grizzlies party. Especially when he mentioned that Gwen is going. A small part of me wants to prove I can still do normal things. That I can put on mascara and a purple dress and heels and show up somewhere crowded without feeling like I’m about to come apart.
I smooth my hands down the sides of my dress and stare at myself in the mirror.
Purple was a bold choice.
Which is exactly why I picked it.
The dress is simple but flattering. It hugs my body just enough without making me feel exposed. I paired it with silver hoops, a little gloss, and heels. In the bedroom mirror, the heels look cute, but I have a feeling they are probably going to ruin my life in about an hour.
I step back and tilt my head.
“You look good,” I tell my reflection softly.
The words feel unfamiliar in my mouth, but not impossible. My phone lights up on the bed.
ZANE: Meet me downstairs. I’m talking to Josh.
My stomach flips. Which is ridiculous. I’m not going on a date. I’m going to a party with my brother, his almost-girlfriend, and their friends. Totally normal. Totally harmless.
I grab my clutch, do one last check to make sure I have my phone, lip gloss, and keys, and head out.
The elevator ride down is quiet enough for me to hear my own heartbeat.
When the doors open, I spot Zane, Josh, and the car at the curb.
“Hey, Lisa,” Josh says excitedly. Zane looks a little confused, but lets it go.
“Let’s go meet Gwen,” Zane sighs nervously.
He gets in the driver’s seat, and we arrive at Gwen’s place in only a couple of minutes.
Gwen is standing outside beside the passenger door. She looks incredible in a purple top and dark jeans. Her hair falls smoothly over one shoulder.
And suddenly I’m less nervous because Gwen has that kind of face. The kind that makes you feel like she’d laugh with you, not at you. The kind that softens a room.
“Where’s your sister?” I can hear her ask in the distance as I take the seatbelt off.
“Here!” I shout as I open the door and get out.“It’s so nice to meet you.”
I walk up to Gwen and immediately pull her in for a hug. I can tell she wasn’t expecting it, and she giggles.
“It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Are you excited to go to the party?” Zane asks, and I let out a loud sigh.
“I don’t think anyone is looking forward to a bunch of jocks getting drunk. Do we really have to go? We can also go to a bar,” I suggest one final time.
“It’s going to be nice meeting new people. You need new friends in the city,” Zane responds.
“I already have friends. I have you, and now I have Gwen,” I tell him as I hook my arm through Gwen’s.
“Another friend of mine will be at the party if you want to have more than one female friend,” Gwen shrugs. Somehow, this makes me feel less tense.
“You seem nice. Is your friend as nice as you are?” I ask, and Gwen giggles again.
“Tess is nicer than I’ll ever be,” Gwen replies.
“Those are some big words. Zane has told me a lot about you, and you sure are something,” I tell Gwen, and she blushes.
