Page 41 of Champagne Nights

“Chanel is fine.”

I took her over to the counter, and a young saleswoman named Vanessa asked if she could help us.

“She would like to get her makeup done.”

“Do you have an appointment?” she asked as she looked at Aubrey.

“No, she doesn’t. We’re heading out for the day, and she needs her makeup done.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but we do makeup by appointment only.”

I sighed as I pulled my wallet from my pocket and took out three one-hundred-dollar bills.

“This should cover the makeup session. Plus, we’ll be buying whatever makeup you use. I do believe you work on commission, correct?”

“Yes, sir.” She smiled. “Please have a seat?—”

“Aubrey. Her name is Aubrey, and she is visually impaired.”

“Oh. Okay. Do you usually wear makeup?” she asked her.

“Yes. I wear it every day.”

“Great. I’ll go pick a foundation to match your skin tone, and we’ll get started.”

While Aubrey was getting her makeup done, I pulled my phone out, stepped away, and called my mother.

“Hello.”

“Hey, Mom.”

“Ethan, you better not be calling to say you’re not coming.”

“I’m not. I’m calling to let you know that I’ll be bringing someone with me.”

“Oh. Who?”

“Her name is Aubrey.”

“Ethan! That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her. How long have you been dating her?”

“We’re not dating, Mom. We’re friends. Her apartment building had a fire last night, and she will be staying at my place for a couple of days. I thought she should come instead of staying home alone since she was there.”

“Perfect. I can’t wait to tell your sister.”

“Mom, she’s not my girlfriend, so don’t go saying that she is. She’s just a friend of mine. You need to know something about her before we come over.”

“What?”

“She’s blind.”

“Oh dear. Thanks for letting me know.”

“We’ll see you soon, Mom.”

“Bye, darling.”

Placing my phone back in my pocket, I walked over to where Aubrey was sitting and smiled as I looked at her made-up face.

---