Skye
Thebathroomcounterlookslike a crime scene.
There's makeup everywhere—lipsticks, brushes, a curling wand that's probably a fire hazard, and three different bottles of setting spray because apparently, "dewy versus matte is a life decision," according to Summer.
Gemma lines my eyes with a deep brown pencil while Summer curls the last section of my hair.We're in the main house, tucked into Gemma's bathroom, surrounded by open makeup bags, curling irons, and at least three different outfit options strewn across the bed.
"I still don't understand why you didn't let us do this sooner," Summer says, tongue poking out the side of her mouth as she finishes curing another section.
"Because I never go on dates," I mutter.
Gemma lifts a brow in the mirror."Which is criminal.You're hot, you're smart, and you've got that whole 'don't talk to me' thing going for you that's weirdly irresistible."
"I was busy," I argue.
Summer snorts."You were hiding."
"Okay, maybe a little."
Gemma gently turns my face toward her."You've been through hell and still came out strong.But it's okay to let someone in now.Especially someone who looks at you like Gage does."
I roll my eyes, but my heart squeezes."What do you even do on a first date?"
Summer grins."This isn't a first date, honey.You guys have been dating in your own way for months.This is just taking it public."
Gemma nods."Think of this as more like a soft launch into your 'official' phase."
"I swear, you two sound like influencers."
Gemma hands me a lip gloss."Maybe.But we also know what we're talking about.Trust us.Just breathe.Let yourself enjoy it."
Summer steps back and claps."Okay.Look at you!"She inspects me like she's my stylist."Now twirl."
I turn toward the mirror and blink.
My hair is loose and soft around my shoulders, my makeup subtle but polished, and the dress Gemma insisted I wear hugs me in all the right places.Foronce, I don't look like someone just surviving.I look...luminous.Confident.Like I might actually believe I'm the woman he sees.
Which just makes the nerves even worse.
"You guys are ridiculous," I say, but my voice wobbles.
Gemma wraps her arms around my waist from behind."You've got this.And we've got you.Plus, you look super hot!"
Summer nods."Definitely.If Gage doesn't lose his mind when he sees you, we'll stage an intervention."
I laugh, but it's shaky."I haven't really done the whole dating thing.Not like this."
Gemma raises an eyebrow."What do you mean, not like this?”
I glance down, smoothing my hands over the fabric of the dress."I mean...letting someone in like I have Gage.With school, work, you guys, and helping Mom, it just never felt like I had room for any of this."
Summer softens."That makes sense.But you're not that girl anymore.And this isn't just any date."
"Yeah," Gemma adds."You've already slept with the guy."
I groan, throwing a makeup sponge at her."Not helping."
But they both smile, and I do too, because despite the nerves, this feels good.Being here with them, getting ready, letting myself be excited for something that isn't an exam or an application.