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“Brow waxing should only be done by a professional,” Erica said. “It’s easy to mess up. You want the right shape for your face.”
Avery leaned toward her. “Is it true that if you keep waxing or plucking, eventually the hairs don’t grow back?”
Erica nodded. “You can damage the follicle, so you want to be careful. You’re not going to be sixteen forever and when you’re in your fifties, you’ll want eyebrows.” She looked at Varina. “We do consultations. Make an appointment and bring your mom. She can ask all her questions. Once she’s comfortable, she might be more likely to say yes.”
Varina sighed. “She would never agree to that.”
“Offer a compromise. If she really listens to the consultation, you’ll respect her answer. If it’s no, you won’t bring up waxing for at least six months.” Erica grinned. “Moms will do a lot to not be bugged.”
“That might work.”
“I’d love some makeup tips,” Avery said eagerly.
Erica glanced at Summer, then back at her friend. “You probably want to get back to your game.”
“No! Don’t say that.”
“This is fun.”
Summer groaned. “I knew this would happen. You can’t help it, Mom. What you do is interesting to my friends. I’m okay with it if you are.”
Allison had no idea what they were talking about. Erica had been doing great with Summer’s friends. The conversation had been fun and organic. Did Summer really hate the whole beauty thing that much?
Summer scrambled to her feet. “Everyone grab a chair from the kitchen table. We’re going upstairs.”
“Are you sure?” Erica asked.
“Yes, but give me your phone to monitor the front door. Everyone will be so mesmerized by ‘the room,’ they won’t notice the pizza guy is at the door.”
Erica handed over her phone. The teens all grabbed a chair. Allison followed along, into Erica’s huge bedroom.
Allison had never been in it before. There was a large bed with what she would guess was custom bedding that coordinated with beautiful floor-to-ceiling draperies. She wanted to pause and admire all of it, but everyone else was walking into the bathroom, so she went with them, only to come to a stop and stare in amazement.
The bathroom was at least triple the size she’d expected. There was a big walk-in shower and a stand-alone tub, along with the obligatory double vanity. But the showpiece was a wall of mirrors with a makeup station. Erica flipped a switch and lights went on around the table, providing what Allison would guess was professional lighting for any occasion.
Summer had her friends sit in a semicircle. Erica insisted Allison take the padded chair by the vanity.
“You’ll be my model.”
Allison started to protest. “Do one of the girls. They’re all so young and beautiful.”
“You’re hardly old. I’ll do you first, then each of them. We can bring the pizza up here and have a makeup party.” Erica looked at her daughter. “If that’s all right.”
“I’m always up for a party. Plus, I can figure out what look I like best for prom.”
Erica pushed one of the mirrors. It swung open, revealing shelves filled with foundations, eye shadows, mascaras, blushes, all unopened. One shelf was filled with brushes, sponges and a few things Allison didn’t recognize.
“It’s like a fancy department store,” she said.
“I get a lot of samples. I used to bring them home for Summer and me to play with, but she outgrew the game. But the sales reps still drop off products for me to try.”
By the truckload, Allison thought, even as she tried to remember the last time she’d bothered with makeup. Around her, Summer’s friends looked equally amazed and delighted.
Varina looked at Summer. “You’re so lucky. You have all this at home and your mom knows exactly what to do. She can teach you everything.”
Summer smiled at Erica. “I guess I am kind of lucky.”
“As am I,” Erica said with a laugh. “All right. Allison first. I’m thinking something sultry.”
