Page 25 of Her Inconvenient Wedding Date

There’s not much I can do at this point but to change intosomething more comfortable. I choose a rust-and-black leopard print dress. The asymmetrical ruffle hem that falls above my knees, along with the three-quarter sleeves, leave me feeling a lot cooler. After slipping on a chunky gold bracelet, I strike a pose in front of the full-length standing mirror in the corner of the bedroom. The lighting in this space is phenomenal, especially the large, flat circular light mounted on the ceiling. Its white LED glow is perfect for filming videos and taking photos.

I have no idea why Hunter has such a nice setup in his guest room, but I’m going to take advantage of it and film a Get Ready with Me video. It’s been a week since I last posted any new content on social media, and my followers have been asking for more. Taking a seat at the small vanity desk by the window, I set up my phone on a mini tripod, attach a ring light to it, and pull out my makeup bag. In a matter of minutes, I’m ready to hit the “live” recording button.

“Hey there, lovelies! It’s your neighborhood curvy girl, Lily Lam, here to say hello while I do my makeup. How have you been? I know it’s been a minute since I last came on here. There’s a lot going on in my life right now, and I’ve missed talking with you guys. Feel free to drop a comment and let me know how you’re doing. Are you enjoying any pumpkin spice foods yet? What products are you loving right now? Do you have any prayer requests or praises to share? Let me know!”

The comments start rolling in while I work on my soft dewy makeup look.

I’ve missed you, Lily! Do you have a favorite crossbody bag that’s comfy for someone plus size and tall?

Hey, Lily! What foundation are you using? I can never get that healthy glow like you. I end up looking like I’ve been trapped in a greenhouse.

Can you pray for my job interview tomorrow, Lily? I love that you pray for us!

My heart fills with joy as I interact with these ladies. Most of them have been with me since my early days when I didn’t know the difference between a sculpting brush and a tapered brush (the former’s for contouring and definition while the latter’s for highlighting and blending). I recognize most of the usernames and know a bit about each of them from what they’ve shared. Having a little community where I can talk about girly things after being surrounded by testosterone all day at work is so much fun. I’ve even met a couple of other female engineers who also enjoy makeup and clothes as much as I do.

One of my regular viewers, @GeekyGirlsRule, pops up in my comments:Speaking of pumpkin spice, do you have any recipes you recommend?

“Hey, @GeekyGirlsRule, it’s good to see you! I actually had this amazing pumpkin brownie that my, uh, friend made for me today. I’ll ask him for the recipe and post it in the comments later tonight.”

Him?! What kind of friend is this, Lily? You’ve never mentioned a guy before.

You’re seeing someone? And he made you brownies? He sounds like a keeper!

When do we get to meet your boyfriend??

I put my stippling brush down, certain that I won’t be needing more blush at the rate these questions are popping up on the screen. Shaking my head, I attempt to put these ladies’ suspicions to rest. “Guys, calm down! He’s not my boyfriend,” I say, knowing full well that the real answer—he’s actually my husband!—would have them begging for more tea. “He’s a friend and a colleague. And really good at baking and cooking and pretty much anything you canthink of.”

He’s cooked for you, too? Are you sure he doesn’t want to be more than friends?

That’s what my hubby did when he pursued me!

He totally likes you, Lily! Denial is not only a river in Egypt!

“You guys! I can promise you he’s not into me. He’s just a good friend.” A flow of emojis, ranging from the skeptical face to the one with a raised eyebrow, clutter my view. It’s getting harder for me to keep my expression neutral when I wonder if there’s any truth to their comments. There’s no better time to end this video than now. I finish applying some lip gloss before using a setting spray all over my face. With a bright smile, I say to the camera, “Thanks for joining me today, lovelies! I’ll list the products I used in the comments later, along with that brownie recipe. Have a great even?—”

Knock knock!

“Hey, Lil, are you ready to go?” Hunter’s voice calls out through the closed door. “It’s five till seven.”

I freeze in place as dozens of comments start flying across the phone screen.

Who’s that? It sounds like a guy!

Did you get a roommate, Lily?

Do you have a hot date?!

Great. It’s just my luck that Hunter’s deep voice has the ability to travel thousands of miles like a whale call to reach the ears of my viewers. How am I supposed to explain his presence? I don’t want to lie. But I don’t want to tell the truth either. So, I do the easiest thing—procrastinate.

“I have to go, but I’ll explain everything later! Bye!”

The screen goes dark as I end the video. My heart’s pounding, but it’s not only because of all the questions I just dodged. I have no idea what to expect on this date. And yes, I’ll admit it, I care what Hunter thinks of me. A lot.

Sigh. I’m in so deep, I might as well travel by submarine from now on.

“Lil?” He knocks softly on the door. “Everything okay?”

“Yes, hold on a sec! I’m coming!”

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