Page 95 of The Broken Heart Playlist
Sofia arches an eyebrow. “He will be after he sees you in these.”
Kenzie giggles. “Don’t mind her. She’s incorrigible.”
“Sofia—” I begin, but she knows exactly where I’m going and holds up a hand to halt the rest of my sentence.
“You’ll make me so happy if you wear them,” she says simply.
Who can argue with that? I hold my breath as I carefully slide my feet into the shoes. A comfortable fit. It seems almost impossible that both the dress and shoes fit so perfectly, butthere’s a knowing look in Kenzie’s eyes, as if she’s not at all surprised by this magical development.
They lead me to a full-length mirror in the hallway. I stare at the woman in the mirror. She’s me and yet not me. A sexy shimmer highlights my eyes and cheekbones. My hair is soft and silky, curling on my shoulders like an invitation. Silver hoops accentuate my jawline.
A dazed smile takes over my face.
“Now do you see what we see?” Kenzie asks me softly, her eyes sparkling.
“You look lovely,” Tess says, her voice cracking.
Sofia gives a satisfied nod. “Beautiful.”
It’s not only that I look different, I alsofeeldifferent. Softer, more alluring. A blend of sophistication and feminine charm.
And it’s not just due to the clothes and hair and makeup, it’s the kindness and sweetness of these amazing women, who genuinely want me to feel good about myself.
I’m awed and humbled.
Maybe there are more people in the world like this than there are people like Oliver. The Olivers of the world who can only feel good about themselves if they make others feel terrible, who can only feel big by making others feel small.
In contrast, these women want to rise with me. This is what a friendship ought to look like. It would be a privilege to count these incredible women as friends.
A pressure burns behind my eyes. “Thank you, ladies. I feel overwhelmed and grateful. You gave up hours of your time to help me and I know how precious time is.” I swallow. “Thank you.”
“It’s not just that this time was spentonyou,” Kenzie corrects me with a smile. “It was also spentwithyou. We enjoy your company, Kate.”
A teary-eyed Tess nods in agreement.
One of the traits I love about my sister is that she’s not possessive about her friendships. She doesn’t feel threatened by Sofia or Kenzie wanting to spend time with me. She’s generous like that, and I have a sudden, blinding revelation of just how sweet and special she is.
I remember when we were younger Tess used to sneak into my room and lie on the bed with me. We’d talk late into the night about school, boys, and our parents not understanding us.
I miss our time together. Why did we stop talking and sharing? Abruptly, I realize it wasn’t Tess who stopped coming into my room; it was me closing the door on her.
“I think I’m ready for a group hug,” I choke out.
Tess’s whole face lights up and she launches herself at me, ignoring Sofia’s warning shriek, “Don’t ruin the hair and makeup!”
“I thought you would never ask,” my sister whispers into my ear.
I return her hug, savoring her closeness. Sofia and Kenzie move in and wrap their arms around us. I close my eyes and hold this new, precious feeling of budding friendships tightly to my chest.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
The moment I hear Gideon’s Jeep in the driveway, my pulse picks up. I smooth my hands nervously down my dress. “He lives across the street. It feels weird he insists on picking me up.”
Tess looks up from the pot she’s stirring on the stove. “It’s not a real date if you have to walk across the street to his house.”
I sigh. “That’s what Gideon said.”
“I want to say hello to Gideon,” declares Lisset. She’s sitting on a kitchen stool tearing up basil leaves for the spaghetti Napoletana she’s making with Tess.
