Leaving The Friendzone

Chapter 22

Elena Sergio.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror before me. My blue eyes looked smoky – hot – sexy. My cheekbones were highlighted. Raised. And my lips, having the color of baby pink lipstick and glossy, were to die for. All thanks to Karen.

"You likey?" Karen beamed at my reflection, standing behind me.

"You kidding me? I look like freaking Cleopatra. I lovey," I said, grinning.

"You're welcome," Karen smiled and tucked hair behind her ears. "Now, for the hair."

"Since it's already been curled," Karen began, reaching down and pulling my hair into a ponytail. "I'm just gonna pack it up."

"But I want my hair flowing, Karen, " I frowned.

"Uh duh, of course, it will be, but that's for KJ to take care of. If he sees you and doesn't think to take off the hairband, then you know you're about to see the wrong guy. Period."

"Oh," I mouthed and chuckled. "Did you ever do that with Gabe?"

"Plenty of times, trust me," she replied, patting her hands on my hair.

Gabe was her ex.

"And he failed?"

"Nope. He always passed. Says he loves my hair free."

She straightened up then and exhaled. "Alright, we are officially done here."

I stared at her reflection in the mirror for the umpteenth time. I never knew she could look this pretty. Emma Watson kind of pretty. Emily Clarke kind of pretty. It gave me mixed feelings. I felt thrilled, thinking of Johan's reaction to seeing me. Nonetheless, I also felt nervous.

Our first real date, and it involved having dinner at a restaurant! Not just the regular take-you-out-to-a-movie kind of date.

"Come on, Elle, stand up. I want to see you. All of you," Karen said, her tone laced with excitement.

"Okay, okay," I giggled.

I stood up, walked around the chair I'd been on, and stood in front of Karen who'd made room for her.

"Oh my gosh," Karen squealed, holding her hands to her chest, her gray eyes assessing me from my shiny brown ponytail to the makeup on my face, to the dark blue, single strapped dress she had given me. It was body fitting, had sequins on it, and made me look like a prom queen, only it was short and stopped above my knees. It was low cut too. Really low cut and I kind of felt uncomfortable the way my cleavage showed. Not that I told Karen. Karen's eyes settled on the dark velvet boot heels that topped off my outfit. "My baby girl looks so pretty. Hailee Steinfield won't stand a chance."

"Thanks," I beamed. "But I kinda feel overdressed."

"That's what happens when you're too beautiful and you know it," Karen said breezily. "How long do we have till he's here?"

I looked at the gold watch in my hand. A birthday gift from my dad last year. "Approximately thirteen minutes."

"Good. Enough time," she said, took my hand, and pulled me to the bed. Together we sat down.

"Now, I need you to listen to me, and listen carefully," she said.

I nodded. " Okay."

"It will be your first time, am I right?"

"Okay!" I exclaimed, shooting up from the bed. "I am not having this conversation."

"Hey, I'm just looking out for you," Karen smiled, standing up from the bed as well. "Just don't let him stick it in without a CD."