Holly grinned. She was doing way better than just okay.
Yeah. Remind me to tell you about the guy I met. You’d be proud of me.
Aliyah texted her back a thumbs up as well as an eggplant emoji. Holly rolled her eyes and put her phone away. She wished Aliyah was feeling up for the party, but was glad she was at least doing better. That sandwich really knocked her for a loop.
“Who is doing your makeup?” Flora asked, pinning a curl to the side of Holly’s head.
“I was just going to do it myself,” Holly admitted. “My friend Aliyah said she would help.”
“I don’t mean to be pushy, but I’d love to do it for you,” Flora said. The curling iron clicked and hissed as she put it in Holly’s hair. “I wouldn’t charge you. I’m taking a class and I’d love the practice. Your bone structure would be so much fun to work with.”
“Um, sure?” Holly shrugged.
“And don’t worry, I plan on a more natural look. But, I think a little bit of smoky eye mixed with a good eyeliner, maybe some red lipstick...well that depends on your dress...” Flora started rambling on, coming up with her plan.
Holly let her ramble. She was having fun. She could see the shape of the up-do Flora was creating and couldn’t wait to see the end result. Her dirty-blonde hair looked shiny and perfect. It almost didn’t look like her real hair, it was so lovely.
“Here’s the dresses,” Merryweather announced, stepping into the salon area and holding up two garment bags. “One’s blue and the other is pink.”
“I like the idea of a pink one,” Flora said, giving one last spray of hairspray. “Is it still snowing out there?”
“Like crazy,” Merryweather replied. She almost sounded proud of the snow outside. “The locals all say they’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I hope it doesn’t go too overboard,” Flora replied, pursing her lips at Merryweather. “We can’t stay here forever.”
“Oh, I know.” Merryweather hung the dresses and pulled open the bags. “Oh, it’s not blue. It’s actually green.”
Flora leaned over from where she was standing and smiled. “I think the green one is actually going to be the winner. Let’s see her try them on.”
Holly stood up and looked at the two dresses. The pink one looked soft and feminine. The pink was pretty without being too girlish. The cut was mermaid with a lace overlay that took away much of the pink color and softened it.
The green dress caught her eye though. It was a dark emerald with a deep v-neck and beautiful silver bead work. It reminded Holly of the 1920’s, but in a modern design. It was elegant, yet sexy.
She could see herself wearing it and dancing with Nathan.
“I’ll try the pink one first,” she said, standing up and taking the dress. Flora directed her to a small room off to the side where she could change. She quickly put on the pink dress and stepped out.
Both Flora and Merryweather frowned. So did Holly when she looked in the mirror.
“It’s not bad,” Flora told her. “It’s just not... you.”
Holly hurried back and put on the green dress. It felt soft on her skin and she loved the weight of the beading.
“Oh my,” Merryweather gasped when Holly stepped out.
“Oh my, indeed,” Flora agreed. “That’s the dress.”
Holly looked in the mirror and thought a princess was looking back at her. She looked radiant. Lovely. Slim and yet curvy at the same time. The green of the dress brought out the green of her eyes.
“Let’s finish that makeup,” Flora said, motioning Holly in the mirror to come back and sit down. “It’s almost time for the party.”
Chapter 12
Merryweather
They were perfect for one another. Merryweather could see the strands of love starting to bind them together. The magic of love mixed with the magic of Christmas, making a heady combo for Merryweather to work with.
She rubbed her hands together once again, excited at the possibilities before her.