“Oh, that one brings out the blue in your eyes.”
“Too baggy.”
“Oh, don’t you love that one?”
They finally ended up with a stack of clothes for school and a specific outfit for the festival. A cute pair of shorts, top, and sandals.
“I can’t thank you enough. And look at all the clothes I have for school, too.” Angela looked at the pile, a stunned expression on her face.
Emily was having so much fun. She grabbed a couple of the bags of clothes. “So… now we’re going to go next door to the beauty shop and look at their makeup section.”
“I don’t really do makeup.” Angela’s eyes widened and a half-frightened look settled on her face.
“I know. We’ll just get a few things. Like some eyeshadow. Maybe a bit of blush. How about mascara?” She rushed to reassure Angela, not wanting to stop the momentum they had going with this transformation.
“I… don’t know.”
“Come on, let’s go see.”
They went in next door and Sally, the owner, came over. “Can I help you girls?”
“We’re going to get some makeup for Angela. Nothing fancy. Just a bit to sparkle her up. She’s got a date with my cousin.”
“I can help with that.”
Sally chose various makeup for Angela to try. When Sally was finished with her, Angela stared into the mirror at the makeup counter. “I can’t believe I look like this. And it doesn’t even look makeup-y.”
“You look great.” Emily smiled with satisfaction.
“I have time to trim your hair if you’d like,” Sally offered.
“Do it, Angela. Sally is a wizard with haircuts.”
Soon Angela’s hair was styled in a cute cut. “Wow, I can’t believe how I look.” Angela’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “It looks so different, but I love it.”
“It’s an easy hairstyle to keep up with. Not much fussing around with it,” Sally said.
Which was exactly the style that Angela needed. “You look great. Really great.”
They thanked Sally and walked outside. Angela’s expression brimmed with gratitude. “How do I thank you for all of this? I feel… different. Good different.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I had a great time. I love doing stuff like this.”
“I feel like Cinderella. Like you’ve transformed me. But not too much. Still, it feels so… well, I don’t feel so ordinary anymore. You’re really good at picking clothes out. I love what we found.”
“You were never ordinary. But you do look great, and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow at the festival. Blake said you’re meeting him at the cafe booth at noon? We’re both working the morning shift there.”
“I’ll be there. I’m kind of nervous, though.”
“Don’t be. Blake’s a great guy. He’s your friend. Don’t let a silly term like date mess that up.”
Angela pursed her lips, then nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
Emily laughed. “Of course I’m right. I’m always right.”
Chapter 11
That weekend the weather outdid itself for the Sandcastle Festival. Evelyn worked the cafe’s booth with Emily and Blake for the morning shift. They did steady business with people grabbing her cinnamon rolls or sandwiches or slices of pie.
