Begin Again

chapter fifteen

I AM IN the middle of putting lip gloss on as the final touches to my makeup when my door suddenly flies open, jolting me in shock as I watch through my vanity mirror as Veronica comes barreling in, her dress hanging off her shoulders as she looks at me with pleading eyes.

"Can you please zip me up?" she asks, turning around and gesturing to the back of her dress. I stand up, ensuring I don't trip over the hem of my dress as I walk over to her. Zipping it up, I tap her back to let her know I'm done.

Satisfied, Veronica hums, turning around to look at me. "Oh my gosh, you look beautiful, Eves." I smile, admiring how Veronica's dress looks on her. It's black, clinging to her curves and cascading onto the floor. Her sleeves are off the shoulder, accentuating her fantastic bone structure and décolletage area.

"You're talking about me?" I point out, and Veronica blushes. Her hair is pinned into a sleek bun; her makeup looks as smoky and dark as her dress. All in all, it's a look that compliments Veronica immensely. "You look straight out of the pages of Vogue or something."

She waves away my admiration. "Stop, you're getting me all flustered." I laugh, moving back to sit in front of my mirror to finish my look. We still have a few minutes until Miles, Nick, Wesley, and Monica arrive, and I want to ensure I'm done in time so I don't have to keep everyone waiting.

Veronica sits on the edge of my bed, smoothing the front of her dress. She looks nervous, and I raise my brows at her. "What's wrong?"

"I invited Olivia."

My lips part in shock, eyes widening as Veronica grows paler. "You did?"

"Yeah, and I'm starting to think it was a mistake. I mean—we haven't even clarified if we're back together. And then there's the whole Paris fiasco. I don't want to argue about it in front of Talia. And I know I said I'd tell her, please don't be mad, I've just been so busy and–"

"Ronnie," I say slowly, swiveling around to look at her. "Breathe." She inhales and exhales sharply, shooting me a gracious look. "I'm not mad that you haven't told Talia yet. A little peeved but not mad. When are you going to?"

"Tomorrow, for sure."

"Alright then. So you tell her tomorrow. As for Olivia, try not to be alone with her if Talia is around.

Veronica sighs, wringing her hands together in frustration. "Am I being naive to think she'll change her mind about not wanting to be with me?" Her tone drips in vulnerability, and my gaze softens.

"I think you're just in love."

"It sucks," Veronica deadpans, and I laugh. It does suck. Suddenly, her gaze snaps to meet mine, an earnest look on her face. "I never told you how much I appreciated you keeping my secret. I know how hard it must've been, but I promise you, I'll tell Talia soon."

"You better," I tease, trying to alleviate her nerves. "And you don't have to thank me. I can only imagine how hard it's been coming to terms with the fact that you're leaving." Veronica smiles sadly, and I know she's thinking the same thing I am. It will be tough when she leaves in a few months. Veronica and I were always the closest of the three of us. She's the first one I'd met between her and Talia, and throughout the years, our bond seemed only to grow stronger. She isn't just my best friend; she's also my sister.

"Okay, I think I'm done." I turn to examine myself in the mirror as I blink away the tears. I do not need to be crying right now. My usually curly mane is straightened to perfection, my hair cascading down my back. My makeup has hints of gold in it to compliment the dress and the gold jewelry I have on. My heels are a simple black strappy pair I borrowed from Talia and a black clutch.