Page 69 of Hibiscus Heights

At the window, Deb braced herself to push up the window. To her surprise, it slid easily. Carmela and Desiree shook their heads. “Guess I have the magic touch.”

Maybe the princess was more used to her.

The door opened, and April stepped inside. “How fancy. I’m so glad you arranged this because the hotel salon is completely booked today.”

Junie and Maileah arrived moments later.

“Let’s get this party started,” Maileah said. She turned on some pop music, snapped her fingers, and swayed to the beat.

Deb joined her, glad to let off some stress, and soon they were all dancing, including Carmela and Desiree.

When the song ended, they all laughed.

“We needed that.” Deb handed out bottled water to everyone. “A chance to decompress before the main event.”

“That was a good way to warm up,” Carmela added.

Soon, the room buzzed with activity as they all freshened up and changed into plush Majestic robes. Each woman took turns for hair and makeup.

While Desiree was giving April a natural makeup style with an understated touch of glam, Maileah snapped behind-the-scenes photos, capturing the preparation ritual that would become part of the evening’s story, including one of Junie with her face slathered with a moisturizing mask.

Grinning, Maileah said, “These will be perfect for the hotel’s social media.”

Junie looked horrified. “Oh, my gosh, not without our approval. Girl, you know better.”

“And you know people love authenticity.” Maileah winked. “Just kidding.”

“You’re still a brat.”

“And you’re still too worried about what people think. Love you, though.”

Deb and April traded smiles as they listened to the sisters’ good-natured bickering.

Within a short time, their transformations began to take shape. Carmela created a soft French twist for Deb and a sleek, sophisticated updo for April. Maileah and Junie wore their hair loose and curled in the latest style.

As they worked, Deb noticed the room warmed to a normal temperature.

April’s ice blue evening gown flattered her figure beautifully. Junie opted for a hydrangea blue dress that brightened her complexion, while Maileah decided on a vibrant shade of sapphire that suited her personality.

The color wave was an accident, but the photos would be lovely.

At last, Deb slipped into the ivory evening dress she’d bought from Babe—simple yet elegant with clean lines that flattered her figure. She reached onto a shelf for her bag containing her shoes and accessories.

As she brought the bag down, a small box tumbled off with it.

She picked up a vintage jewelry case from the floor. “What’s this?”

A delicate, ecru-colored card peeked from the edge. She slid it out. It bore a familiar name in fancy script.

Miss Deborah Rose Whitaker.

Yet, the name mystified her.

She opened the faded red leather case and gasped in surprise.

Inside lay the most exquisite earrings she’d ever seen. The chandelier style was rendered in white gold or platinum, featuring diamonds, tiny pearls, and sapphires in the color of the sea, crafted with magnificent artistry and fit for royalty.

“Those are incredible,” April said, looking over her shoulder. “Where did they come from?”

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