Page 77 of Lucky Mother Pucker

Istand in the bathroom of Anna’s apartment while she, Anna, and Poppy style my hair and makeup.

“Thanks again for helping me get ready for the gala, you guys,” I say.

“We’re happy to,” Briar says as she finishes curling my hair with her curling iron.

“Yeah, this is a blast,” Poppy says. She dabs a Q-tip under my eye after finishing my eyeshadow.

“Way more fun than finishing my lab report,” Anna says. She spritzes perfume on the pulse points of my wrists.

“Oh wow, that smells so good. What scent is that?” I ask.

“Coach floral. It was a gift from my sister-in-law for babysitting my niece so she and my brother Ryker could go out for dinner last weekend.” Anna smooths a lock of my curled hair over my shoulder. “She has red hair like you. So pretty.”

I beam. “When Leo told me that the gala was black tie, I got so nervous. Thanks for saving me by doing my hair and makeup. And letting me borrow a dress to wear.”

I texted Anna, Poppy, and Briar a few days ago, asking if they could help me style my look for the gala. When they offered to do my hair and makeup for the event, I was relieved. I know how to do my own makeup, but for a fancy event like this, I was nervous. And when Anna offered to let me wear one of her dresses, I was so grateful that I didn’t have to spend money on new clothes.

Warmth settles in my chest when I think about how they gave up their Saturday evening to help me. They barely know me, and they’re treating me like an old friend.

It’s been so long since I’ve been able to hang out with a group of girls like this—a group of friends. Not since high school.

Poppy gives my shoulder a soft squeeze. “Anytime you need anything, we’re here for you.”

“Yeah. We’re friends,” Briar says with a sweet smile.

“You guys are the best. Seriously.” I turn to Poppy. “Thank you for helping me when I know you still have to get ready to go to the gala tonight too.”

She just smiles. “It’s no problem. My sister-in-law and I are getting ready together, and I’m not meeting up with her for another hour, so I’ve got plenty of time.”

She turns to Anna. “I’m so bummed you’re not coming with us.”

Poppy is attending the gala tonight since she’s dating Nick, and Nick and Anna’s older brother is attending. He’s a retired pro hockey player who’s involved in the charity event.

Anna turns away to toss some dirty tissues in the trash. “I wish I could go. Instead, I’ll be studying for my biochemistry exam on Monday.” She groans. “Getting all dressed up and going to a gala sounds way more fun than memorizing all the amino acids and their molecular structures. The joys of premed.”

She brushes some highlighter on my cheekbones while Briar touches up my hair.

“Okay, look at yourself in the mirror now,” Anna says.

When I turn around, I gasp. “Oh wow! You guys made me look so pretty!”

I take in the soft glam look they did with my eye makeup. My blue eyes pop against the dark liner and mascara.

“Do you like the lip color?” Poppy says. “It’s my favorite shade of red.”

“I love it. I wouldn’t normally go that bold, but this looks really good. I love my hair too.”

They styled my long hair in big, soft waves swept over my shoulder.

“I can’t thank you guys enough. You’ve been so generous.” I’m quiet for a second. “Ever since my parents passed away, I’ve been on my own. I got so busy working and trying to support myself that I fell out of touch with all my friends.”

Earlier when we were hanging out and eating snacks, before I started getting ready for the gala, I told them about my parents and stepdad and how I’ve been on my own for the past couple of years. They were so kind and supportive while they listened.

I look at all of them in the mirror and sniffle. “I feel really lucky to count you all as my new friends.”

They all look at me with wobbly smiles.

Anna grabs a tissue and holds it under my eyes. “No, no, no! No crying!” she scolds in a good-natured tone.