Page 69 of Not For Keeps
Analyse
I’m in. I’ll text Hilda to see if Maya can sleep over.
Mari
Yessssssssss! We never go out anymore. This is the post-christmas detox we deserve.
Seb
No offense, but my detox includes rum.
Andres
God help us all.
I grin, already texting Hilda to confirm the sleepover. Within seconds, she responds.
Hilda
Of course, mi amor. Tell Maya to bring her pajamas with the little cats, I love those. I’ll have hot chocolate waiting.
My heart softens at the message, and I type a quick thank you before dropping into the chat again.
Analyse
Maya’s set. What time are we meeting?
Anna
7:30 at my place. Drinks here first, then bar. LET’S GOOOOOOO.
Mari
I’m bringing lashes. Analyse, wear something HOT.
Andres
You’re going to break Mateo.
Analyse
He’ll be fine.
Mateo
Will I, though?
Anna’s room looks like a tornado of glitter, makeup brushes, and lashes passed through it…twice.
Mari is leaning into the mirror, applying a wing so sharp it could cut glass, while Anna blasts a Bad Bunny playlist and digs through a mountain of tiny purses. I’m sitting at her vanity, hair curled, makeup flawless, staring at theblack dress draped across the chair. It’s short. Like, short short. And tight. And maybe a little see-through in the right light.
“Okay,” I say, fidgeting with the zipper. “I can’t wear that.”
“Yes. You can.” Mari doesn’t even look up.
“She absolutely can,” Anna chimes in. “Mateo is not ready. And that’s exactly why you should wear it.”
“He’s going to short-circuit,” Mari adds, brushing highlighter across her cheekbones. “And it’ll be so hot to witness.”
