Page 81 of Love is a Dance Step
Lola
Lola didn’t recognize herself. She stared at the woman in the mirror seeing only a stranger. A sleek sky blue gown hugged curves that were normally hidden behind big t-shirts and sweatpants. It shimmered when she moved, and she couldn’t take her eyes from the way the skirt swayed along her legs as she tilted her hips. The slit reached her mid-thigh, leaving much more skin bare than she was used to.
It was like a prom dress on steroids, and she hadn’t even gone to her senior prom. That night wasn’t one she liked to think about. It was less than two years ago, and Asher had asked her to go with him. Last minute, Henley Perkins dumped her jock boyfriend days before the dance and set her sights on Asher instead.
So, as it always happened when Asher got into a relationship, Lola was left to her own devices. Those devices included bingeing Netflix with her mom and eating tacos.
She ran a hand through her shiny, dark hair, straightened to perfection. Even her makeup looked professionally done.
All thanks to her passive-aggressive roommate, Brooke.
The blonde stood next to Lola in the mirror, surveying her pale pink dress that dipped down low in the front. “Melanie knows me. This is perfect.”
Lola wished she felt as comfortable dressed up as Brooke. Instead, it made her feel like someone else.
Brooke looked sideways at her. “It’s a good idea you let me do your hair and makeup. Couldn’t have you walking in next to me looking like, well,you.”
Lola had only ever had one good female friend close to her age, and she wasn’t even sure if they were friends or just friends adjacent since Nora was Asher’s sister. But one thing was for sure. Nora, with all her fashion tips, never made Lola feel like she had to be anyone else to be beautiful.
Stepping around Brooke, Lola escaped the bathroom, feeling like she could finally breathe again without her roommate sucking up all the oxygen.
She fumbled with her phone on the TV cabinet, unplugging it before dialing a familiar number. Nora picked up on the second ring.
“How is my favorite dancer?” Nora asked.
“I heard that,” Penny yelled from the background. “Your sister is supposed to be your favorite.”
Nora laughed and lowered her voice. “That’s what she thinks.”
“Nora,” Lola choked out, trying her best not to hyperventilate in this dress. Why had she told Piper she’d go to this stupid ball anyway?
“Hey, what’s wrong? I’m going to FaceTime you.”
Before Lola could protest, Nora’s request to FaceTime came through. She answered it, so relieved to see a familiar face she didn’t consider her appearance.
“Lola.” Nora gasped, a hand coming up to cover her mouth.
Lola looked down at the dress she now felt completely ridiculous in. She brought the phone closer so Nora could only see her face with the ridiculous makeup and her ridiculous hair. Why did she think this was a good idea? “I know. I look stupid.”
Nora shook her head and dropped her hand. “You look stunning, Lo. I’m just surprised is all. I expected to find you in one of Asher’s ratty old shirts and leggings. But this… I want to be you when I grow up.”
Lola laughed despite herself. That idea was nuts. Nora had inherited the same good looks as her brothers. She’d never needed anyone else to dress her up to look incredible. “You’re only a year younger than me.”
“So? I can still want to be you. What’s with all the glam? Not that I don’t approve.”
“There’s a ball, a fundraiser put on by some senator your brother knows.”
“And he’s taking you?” A smile slid across her face.
Lola’s cheeks heated as she thought back to their kiss, kisses, and their night of playing games and sharing secrets. “No. Melanie asked me to be Noah’s date.”
Nora’s eyes widened. “Oh, swoon. That boy… Drew wouldn’t let me anywhere near him on my own when they were in town, but what I wouldn’t do…”
“Do what?” Asher appeared behind her, glancing at the phone. “Hey, Lo.” He looked away for only a moment before his gaze jerked back to her. “What? You look… different.”
Her shoulders dropped. Different. She shoved all her old feelings away. Her feelings for him were complicated but based entirely on their friendship. With Drew, it was something else entirely, and she couldn’t put a finger on the exact difference.
All she’d wanted was to know he wouldn’t leave her.
