“Thanks, mate.”
Layla
I’m a nervous wreck, and I have no idea what to wear. Normally I’d wear jeans and a nicer sweater, but this feels like a date, even if neither of us confirmed it as such. Thank god my best friend is a part of the production. If anyone will know what I should wear, it will be Norah.
Layla:What’s the dress code for tonight?
Norah:For the play? There’s not really one. Some people dress up, some dress casual. I’ll be in business casual since I’m on the crew. Why?
Layla:I might be meeting Teagan there…
Norah:WHAT?! A date?!
Layla:No. At least I don’t think so? He insisted on buying Charlie’s ticket off of me, and he’s not picking me up.
Norah:Hmmm. Sounds kind of like a date to me. Wear that one black mini dress with the Queen Anne neckline. Play up the smoky eye. And your red peep toes!
Layla:You don’t think that’s too much?
Norah:Nope. You’ll have him drooling. ;)
Layla:That’s NOT what my goal is.
Norah:Added bonus. Do beach waves too.
Huffing out a breath, I pull open my closet door, grabbing the dress in question. If I’m being honest, it’s my favorite. The last time I wore it was to Charlie’s wedding. If I really want to be truthful, I’d admit that I kind of lovethe idea of dressing up for Teagan. I’ve caught his hungry gaze running over my body more than once, and every time, I’ve been in jeans and a casual top.
A lot of women that are my size are self-conscious of their bodies, but Mami instilled in me from a young age that a woman’s curves are one of her best assets that deserve to be accentuated just as much as her hair and eyes. Do these curves make shopping difficult at times? Absolutely, but I’ve learned what styles work on my hourglass figure and have stuck with it.
After curling my hair, I apply my makeup, carefully contouring and highlighting my features. Before beginning my eye makeup, I dust a shimmery bronzing powder over my cheekbones and decolletage. Following Norah’s advice, I blend a few different shades to give my eyelids a smoky look, then add a sexy cat eye lining. I remember spending hours in front of a mirror perfecting this particular technique once I started high school. Finally, I add a couple of coats of extreme-length mascara and a deep red lipstick to match my heels. Stepping back, I admire my reflection with satisfaction. I look and feel confident and sexy. Snapping a selfie, I send it to Norah.
Layla:Thoughts?
Norah:Holy shit, Lay. You’re smoking. Can I date you?
Layla:Ha! I don’t think Eamon wants to share you.
Norah:Good point. I’ll just live vicariously through Teagan. Gotta get back to the dressing room. See you soon! xoxo
Layla:Break a leg! xoxo
Taking a deep breath, I grab my cropped leather jacket and small clutch and head out the door.
* * *
Finding a parking spot proves to be a challenge. The play has been so hyped up that everyone wants to be at the first showing. Eventually, I give up and decide to park near Congdon Hall and walk. It isn’t too long of a walk, and the weather is mild. Locking up, I pull out my phone to see a text from Teagan.
Teagan:I just got here. I’m outside of Kenan Auditorium.
Layla:On my way. Had to park over by Congdon.
Teagan:I’m coming to you.
Layla:It’s really okay. Be there soon.
Teagan:Nope. Not letting you walk in the dark alone.
I roll my eyes out of habit, but inside, I feel all gooey like a toasted marshmallow.
