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6/17/17
"STOP FUSSING MAXINE you look amazing," Hayley yells me from her bedroom as I mess with the loose curls in my hair for the millionth time. We all got ready in her room for the night since she's staying in the master suite and has the biggest bathroom.
Nerves are balled up tightly in my stomach as I curl the same strand of hair over and over again. I don't know why I'm so nervous. It's not even a real date.
No, that's not true. I do know exactly why my body feels so tense, and why my emotions feel like a live wire as I stand in front of the mirror to see anxiety shine brightly in my dark blue eyes.
And the reason is simple. Colt Hasting.
He wasn't supposed to come along with his brother Cale tonight. In fact he wasn't even invited, but of course he just happened to be hanging around when we spoke of tonight and decided to invite himself. I can still see the humour sparkling in his dark eyes as he turned his gaze to me and winked. My blood boiled and my jaw locked, but I didn't say a word because I didn't want anyone to question the why behind my heated annoyance.
So instead I bit my tongue and now here I'm buzzing with nervous energy at the idea of being around him, and him being around Finn, and me being around Finn. And of course at the idea of talking to Finn. I wasn't lying to my friends when I said I wasn't good at dates.
But a calming breath slips between my freshly painted lips because I know my friends will be by my side the entire time. They won't leave me stranded and grasping for straws. And with them and Cale around I know Colt won't try anything.
At least I hope he won't.
I finally set down the iron and unplug it as I give myself another look over. My fingers itch to reach out and fix something, but I stop myself and take another deep breath knowing it won't help.
My eyes trail down the dress I bought with Hayley's help. It's nothing I would've ever chosen for myself, but she told me if I didn't buy it she would buy it for me. So I swiped my card before she could, and as I look at myself now a confidence that usually reserves itself for when the sky is dark and I'm on stage begins to spill into my veins. Only a little, but it's there, and it's warm and sends a faint flush onto my neck.
The dress is short and fitted with this delicate fabric that I'm scared will rip if I move too quickly. The top reminds me of a corset with it's sheer fabric and boning, but the cups are lined offering me some semblance of coverage. The skirt starts at my waist and thankfully is lined as well, but the three quarter length sleeves are sheer with a small gather along arm that mimics the gather along my hips.
It's simple yet intricate all at once, and paired with a pair of black strappy heels and a thin gold chain I feel sexy. It's weird to feel that way when I'm not on stage, or hiding behind layers of makeup and expensive lingerie, but a smile tugs at my lips because it doesn't feel wrong.
