Chapter 1
The front door burst open, laughter spilling in before I could see her.
“Anna! Get dressed. Now.”
“I am dressed,” I called from the couch, lowering my book slowly, already knowing this wasn’t going to end well.
Lara appeared in the doorway, eyes lighting up the moment she saw me.
“No, you’re just existing. There’s a difference.”
Before I could protest, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me up, her energy a sharp contrast to the quiet comfort of my house.
“Lara wait”
My mom looked up from the kitchen table, smiling softly as she adjusted her glasses. “You two heading out?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Lara said smoothly, flashing her most innocent smile. She tightened her grip on my arm as if daring me to contradict her. “We won’t be out late.”
“We’re going to a book club downtown,” I added automatically, the lie slipping out easier than I expected.
Mom’s smile widened. “That sounds lovely. Take care of each other alright ladies.”
“We will,” Lara said cheerfully.
I turned back once, guilt tugging at me as I waved. My mom waved back, completely unaware she’d just been lied to, and for a moment I considered pulling free and staying home.
But Lara was already dragging me down the steps.
The car door slammed shut, the engine roaring to life, and the house disappeared behind us.
The moment we pulled away from the curb, Lara burst out laughing.
“A book club?” she said between giggles. “Anna, you almost sounded convincing.”
I laughed despite myself, covering my face. “My mom would freak out if she knew i lied to her like that.”
We lied, my conscience corrected.
“She won’t,” Lara said, waving it off. “Because she thinks you’re still the same quiet little house rat you are.”
I gasped “Ugh that's rude.”
“True,” she shot back, glancing at me. “When was the last time you went anywhere that wasn’t college your living room or the grocery store?”
I didn’t answer.
She took my silence as confirmation and looked me up and down.
“And can we talk about this?”
I followed her gaze to my outfit. A long skirt that brushed my ankles and a knitted sweater I loved more than I’d ever admit out loud.
“You dress like a grandma,” Lara declared. “A very sweet grandma. But still.”
I rolled my eyes and adjusted my skirt defensively. “It’s cute though.”
“Oh it's not darling,” she corrected. “And those old dusty shoes.”
I crossed my arms. “I like it though.”
“I know,” she said, softer now. “That’s the problem.”
I sighed and stared out the window, streetlights flashing by.
“Where exactly are you taking me?”
She smiled, her usual playful grin.
“The newly opened club across town.”
My head snapped toward her. “No.”
“No,” I repeated, covering my mouth. “Lara, I am not going to a club.”
“You are,” she said calmly, like the decision had already been made.
“You know I don’t belong in places like that.”
“You belong wherever you stand,” she replied. “And you need to loosen up a bit.”
“I don’t need to loosen up. I’m fine just the way I am.”
“Hot guys will probably be there,” she added casually.
“I don’t need a boyfriend.”
She laughed. “At this rate, you’ll be a virgin forever.”
My cheeks burned. “That’s not funny.”
“It kind of is,” she said gently. “You’re afraid of the world, Anna. And hiding in that house won’t keep it from finding you.”
The car slowed, pulling up to her apartment.
She turned off the engine and looked at me again.
“Nope,” she said, opening her door. “Absolutely not.”
“What now?” I asked warily.
She stepped out, walked around, and opened my door. “You’re getting a makeover.”
