Page 27 of Out of the Shadows

They were all gorgeous, but I picked the black one.

Esme

It was the shoes, wasn’t it?

Yup. Her friend knew her well.

Bean

Uh, you paired the dress with red Ferragamo T-strap pumps. You bet your ass it was the shoes!

Esme

Technically they’re “flame red” and you’re welcome. Actually, you can thank Frazier since he’s footing the bill.

Chuckling, Bean’s thumbs flew over her phone.

Bean

Even better. But seriously, thank you for arranging this.

Esme

Of course. Now, if my schedule is being correctly followed, the resort’s staff should be moving you to the next part of the itinerary soon.

A quiet knock sounded, and the door opened. Two women who looked a little bit younger than her stepped into the room. Giving them a warm smile, she shot off another text.

Bean

They just walked in. You’re kinda scary, you know that?

Esme

Ha! Enjoy.

Bean

Thanks again!

“Come on in,” Bean said, silencing her ringer and tucking the phone into her robe’s pocket.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Ventura. I’m Freya,” the woman with shiny black hair said. “I’ll be styling your hair.” She gestured to the woman next to her. “This is Brynn.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Ventura. I’ll be doing your makeup for the evening.” Brynn had the most spectacular eyemakeup—a shimmering shadow in an ombre of pale purple to dark plum with a perfectly winged liner.

Looking between the two, Bean nodded. She was in good hands. “It’s nice to meet you both, and please just call me Bean.” She wrinkled her nose. “Ms. Ventura is a bit too formal when I’m dressed in a robe.”

“You got it, Bean,” Freya said with a laugh as she approached. “Esme just texted us a photo of the dress you’ll be wearing this evening. I have a few hair options for you to consider. Whenever you’re ready, we can take a look at the different hairstyles and Brynn’s makeup options to see what kind of vibe you’re going for tonight. While we do our thing, the mani-pedi girls will take care of you as well.”

Bean’s eyes widened as she processed everything Freya had said. Esme really had thought of everything. After the last few hours at the spa, Bean had been impressed with Esme’s planning. But this? This was next-level.

As nervous as she was about the event tonight, she had to admit she was excited to see what kind of glow-up Freya and Brynn could do. Taking a breath for courage, Bean stood. “Great. Let’s do this.”

Three hours later, her nails were done, and her hair had been trimmed, washed, dried, and styled. Makeup had been artfully applied and set. She’d even been given a small clutch of products so she could touch up her makeup throughout the evening.

Bean stared slack-jawed at herself in the mirror. Letting out an astonished exhale, she turned to the left and then to the right, studying her face and hair from every angle.

Yes, she dressed professionally pretty much every day. She knew she could rock a pencil skirt and heels with the best of them. But this? This was one thousand percent ridiculous. Her hair fell around her in loose, soft waves, and her makeup was immaculate. There were no traces of thelingering bruises on her face. Her eyes had a subtle smoky look that wasn’t too overdone but also had just the right amount of oomph. If she were being honest... she looked fantastic.

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