“No wonder you stay so skinny,” Dana grumbles as she makes it up to the top of the stairs.

“I usually make it in one trip.”

“Shut it. I brought my whole vanity because I didn’t want to regret leaving anything behind. It’s not often a girl gets her chance to be a stylist.”

My eyes dart to the white garment bag she has wrapped over her forearm. She wouldn’t give me much detail on the dress, and it’s been killing me.

“Do I get to see it now?” I ask, clapping my hands together.

She stops just far enough away that I can’t reach her, or the dress. “Hair and make-up first. Then the dress.”

“Ugh, I’m sorry but I can’t be your friend anymore.”

“This isn’t the third grade, Lila,” she remarks as she walks past me into the apartment. It’s impossible to even see the color of the dress through the bag.

“Oh, come on. It better not be pink, especially hot pink, because that looks hideous against my red hair.” I close the door and follow behind her into my bedroom. I’ve already showered, shaved, and moisturized per my stylist’s instructions, but all of this is making my stomach hurt. The closer we get to seven, the harder it is to keep my nerves in check. It all weighs too heavy—talking to people I don’t know, being the girl next to Pierce, wondering where Blake is.

“If you sit still long enough for me to turn you into a glam queen, I promise to show you.”

“Let’s get this over with,” I say, leading the way to the bathroom. It’s not very big, but there is a vanity chair slid under the sink, giving her free reign on her blank canvas.

“This is going to be so fun!”

I can’t match her enthusiasm. No matter what I’m saying or what I’m trying to concentrate on, Blake’s there. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I’ve been waiting for him to come through the door and tell me not to go. That maybe time would put things into perspective for him.

With only a few hours until Pierce picks me up, it hasn’t happened yet. I’m tired of fighting for something that doesn’t want to be fought over.

Dana sprays sections of my hair, letting it all fall over my eyes. “I’m going to curl your hair first, then we’ll do your make-up so it’s fresh.”

Closing my eyes, I attempt to fall back into better times. I try to imagine what the venue looks like. I’ve been to big weddings, but I have a feeling this will top all of them.

“Are you okay? You’re kind of quiet.” I didn’t think it would take her long to notice. I’m not the definition of a social butterfly, but I usually have something to say when it’s just the two of us.

“It’s been a rough day,” I reply simply. I want to keep what happened at the studio between Blake and me. I definitely can’t explain what happened between us at breakfast without letting her in on my growing feelings for him.

“Where’s Blake?” She can’t be that perceptive.

“He left earlier.”

“Oh,” she says, “I take it the plan to make him jealous didn’t really work?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Sorry.” She picks up yet another section, wrapping it around the iron. “Maybe, you’re just not meant to be.”

Maybe we’re not.

WHEN PREPARATIONS ARE DONE, I spin in front of the full-length mirror. The long, dark green dress Dana loaned me contrasts beautifully with my red locks. The form-fitting skirt and open back give it a sexy touch—not too much but just enough.

“Do you feel okay?” Dana asks¸ smoothing the edges of the sleeveless top.

“I’m just nervous. It feels like prom all over again, but even then, I was with someone I knew. What am I supposed to talk about all night?”

She pulls some of my curled locks over my shoulder. “He’s successful in the design industry. Maybe you can talk about that. Have him give you some tips for your career.”

“I’m sure he didn’t invite me with him just to talk about work.” I pause, deciding just how much I should tell her about Pierce Stanley. If I let her stay until he arrives, he won’t need any explaining. “Most women find him charming. If I don’t keep him occupied, someone else will.”

“Does it matter?” she asks, taking one last look at me.

I shrug. “I honestly don’t know what matters anymore.”

“Are you going to tell me what happened with Blake?”

I shake my head. If I don’t say it out loud, maybe it will just go away like it never even happened at all. I want to think he’ll be here waiting when I get home tonight. He’ll be leaning against the counter, just like always. He’ll take me to his bed, making sure he’s all I think about. He won’t hold me afterward . . . he never does, but I’ll leave knowing it will happen again.

I want the certainty that’s missing right now.

“It’s almost seven so I should probably get out of here before your date arrives.” Through the mirror, I see her wince. “I mean, boss. Are you all set? Need more lipstick?”

“I think I’m good on the lipstick.” I wasn’t sure about the red at first; I thought I’d look like a glorified human Christmas tree with my green dress and red hair, but it pulls it all together.

She brings me in for a hug, careful not to flatten my curled hair. “If you need anything, just call. I have to work, but that doesn’t mean I won’t bail you out if you need it.”

“I’ll be okay. Thanks for pulling double duty tonight.”

She steps back, surveying me one more time. “No big deal. Double tips for me.” She winks, and then picks her stuff up from my bed. “Call me tomorrow. I want to hear all about it.”

“I hope I want to talk about it.”

“You’ll be fine.” As she walks toward the apartment door, I follow. I need all the practice I can get in these stupid heels. “Oh, that reminds me,” she says as she turns the knob. “Did you run a background check on him?”

The door opens, and before I can respond, Pierce’s grinning form is standing in front of me. He’s a vision in a black tux, that’s for sure.

“Google should cover the background check if you’d like me to wait out here.” His dark eyes dance between Dana and me.

I sneak a quick look at Dana whose mouth hangs wide open, her eyes drinking in Pierce’s perfect physique. I should snap her lips closed and push her out the door, but I don’t blame her one bit.

His tux is complete with a black tie and crisp white shirt. His hair is styled, spiked up toward the front. Not only could he walk a red carpet, he’d own it. All sets of eyes, male or female, would be on him.

“Dana, this is Pierce. Pierce, this is Dana.” I introduce them, hoping to break through the awkward silence we’ve all fallen into.

Pierce holds his hand out to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Dana.”

I wonder if she’s screaming internally at the sound of her name coming from his lips. I know I did the first time.

She places her hand in his. He practically swallows her small hand up. “Nice to, umm, meet you, too.” I guess she stutters now.

“You’re early,” I announce, pulling Pierce’s attention back to me.

“Far better than late,” he quips, tucking his hands into his pants pockets. I don’t miss how they strain across his hips. He’s pretty, there’s no arguing that.

“I’m actually running late for work,” Dana says, squeezing my arm before pushing through the doorway. “You guys have fun tonight.”

“Thanks for everything, Dana!” I shout behind her. I watch her walk away until she disappears down the stairs. It gives me an excuse not to look at Pierce.

“I think she’s gone now,” he remarks, forcing my eyes back to him. He’s obviously amused—head cocked, lower lip pulled between his teeth.

“Sorry,” I say, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I quickly pull it back out, not wanting to ruin my beach-like waves.

He raises his eyebrows as he glances down the vacant hallway, then back to me. “Ready? My car’s waiting downstairs.”