Chapter 87

Chapter 87

I blinked in surprise. “A makeover? Why on earth would I need that?”

Aria nodded vigorously. “Because you're going to dazzle everyone! We'll pick out the perfect outfit, glam you up, and make sure

you steal the spotlight.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Aria, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I’m not sure if a makeover is necessary.”

Aria put her hands on her hips, giving me an incredulous look. “Evie, come on! It’s not about necessity, it's about having some

fun and boosting your confidence.”

Thesitated, feeling both excited and uncertain about the idea. “I don’t know, Aria...”

Aria playfully nudged me. “Come on, Evie! It'll be fun, I promise. And who knows, you might even enjoy the change.”

I chuckled softly, giving in to her enthusiasm. “Alright, fine. But let's keep it simple, okay?”

Aria clapped her hands in victory. “Deal! Now, let's raid your closet and see what we’ve got to work with.”

As Aria started digging through my closet, I couldn’t help but laugh at her determination. “You really are something else, Aria.”

She looked up at me, a mischievous grin on her face. “That’s why you love me!”

I decided to get up and help her, pulling out various clothing articles until the closet was practically empty. None of it really spoke

to us. My entire wardrobe was consumed by dull browns and beiges. Looking at it now, I knew I had to step up my game in the

wardrobe department. Aria, my ever- enthusiastic fashion guru, had taken it upon herself to transform my closet into a treasure

trove of chic possibilities. However, her efforts had left me staring at a sea of clothes that felt entirely foreign to me.

“Aria, are you sure about this?” I asked, holding up the one blouse that seemed to have more sequins than fabric.

Aria turned to me, her eyes lighting up at the sight. “That looks fierce! You have set of bottoms to match?”

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I sighed and glared at her. “Aria, if I end up looking like a disco ball, I’m blaming

you.”

Aria chuckled and tossed the sequin—heavy blouse aside. “No worries. How about we hit the mall and find some more options?”

I nodded in agreement. “That sounds like a plan. And maybe we can grab Penny to join us. She might have an eye for these

things from a media standpoint.”

“Good idea!” Aria said, already starting to shove clothes back in my closet. Part of me didn’t want them to return there, especially

after seeing the blandness behind them. Had my color scheme always been this gloomy and flat?

I settled back onto the bed and returned to sipping my tea before my phone chimed on the side table. I flipped over the screen

and nearly spat out my drink at the sight of Timothy’s name. Aria was too preoccupied with fixing my closet to notice my brief

display of shock.

“I'm going to go to the bathroom real quick,” I uttered, speed walking toward the door across the room.

Aria answered with a hum, but I was already locking myself inside by the time she turned around. I leaned against the counter

and unlocked the phone screen to see Timothy's text:

Timothy: Sorry this is late! Had a really great time with you today! By the way, Penny sent these to me and I figured you'd like to

see them before she releases. them!

Beneath his text was a plethora of images, mostly consisting of Timothy and I, along with a few of Aria and Lucas. Many of them

were candid photos of us laughing and playing with the dogs. One photo in particular had Timothy and I in the center, crouched

over a labradoodle as it attempted to pee in the water.

Asmile graced my lips at the memory of Timothy rushing to place the dog in the grass before it could lift its legs any higher. I

took my index and middle finger and zoomed in on Timothy's face, attempting to capture that beautiful smile in my memory. The

imagery of his fit physique beneath those wet clothes drifted back into my mind and I felt a light throb between my legs.

My warm fingers slid up my leg and met the rim of my night shorts. I teased at the material with my thumb and bit my lip as I

pictured those muscular arms

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wrapping around my barren torso while he drove into me with a surprising vigor. That passionate night between us never

escaped me, but in that moment, I was feeling extra needy.

As my core began to ache, I felt my hand dive deeper, fully submerged over the cotton of my underwear.

“Evie, did you fall in the toilet?”

snatched my hand just as quickly as it had made contact and leered over at the door. I had almost forgotten Aria’s presence in

the heat of the moment, and now I was stuck with the painful reminder that she also wouldn't be leaving any time

soon.

I washed my hands at the sink and splashed some water on my face, hoping it would cool my body. I was still feeling tipsy with

angst as I entered the room and threw myself back into bed.

What had my life come to?

During breakfast the next morning, I texted Penny to see if she was available. Soon enough, she replied with an enthusiastic

“Count me in!”

The three of us gathered at the mall, ready to tackle my interview attire crisis. Penny, with her cool and collected demeanor,

quickly took the reins, suggesting hair, makeup, and clothing options that would suit the lighting and atmosphere of the

interviewer's recording studio.

Before I knew it, I found myself sitting in a nail salon, getting a manicure while Aria and Penny discussed the strategy. I couldn’t

help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This makeover was way beyond my comfort zone, and I couldn’t shake the

feeling that I was venturing into uncharted territory.

Next up was the hair and makeup session, and as I sat in the chair, I watched as the stylist worked her magic. When I finally

looked in the mirror, I was taken aback by the transformation. My hair

was styled in loose waves that cascaded over my shoulders, and my makeup was understated yet elegant.

“Wow, I don’t even recognize myself,” I admitted.

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12:25 Fri, 22 Mar J

Aria grinned. “That’s the whole point, Evie. It’s about being fit for TV.”

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With my hair and makeup done, it was time to tackle the most intimidating part of

the process the clothes. Aria and Penny helped me select a range of outfits, each one carefully chosen to flatter my figure and

exude professionalism.

As I slipped into the first outfit, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. The pea green blouse fit perfectly, and the tailored

pants made me feel more put- together than I had in a long time. Penny nodded in approval. “Looking great, Evie. It’s the perfect

balance of style and sophistication.” As I tried on different outfits, I felt a shift in my confidence. Each new ensemble seemed to

bring out a different facet of my personality. By the time we were done, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the process.

Our shopping spree came to an end, and I found myself standing in front of a mirror, gazing at the transformed version of me. I

had to admit, Aria and Penny had worked their magic. The clothes, hair, and makeup combined to create a look that was both

professional and stylish.

I turned to Aria and Penny, gratitude filling my heart. “Thank you, both of you. It never thought I’d say this, but I actually feel

ready for that interview.”

Aria grinned and linked arms with me. “That's the spirit, Evie! You're going to rock. that interview and show the world the

amazing person you are.”

Penny nodded in agreement. “You've got this, Evie. Just be yourself and let your confidence shine.” I took one last look in the

fitting room’s elongated mirror and touched my face. The tired circles under my eyes had gone and my usually thin lips were

plumped up with a flattering wine-red lipstick.

How much of me was the world ready to see?

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