Dreamers (The Dreamers Series) by Brooklin Skye

happily.
    After a hundred wardrobe changes I decide to pick and choose from several different outfits, creating an ensemble that looks like me from a mile away.
    I choose a red and black plaid schoolgirl-style pleated skirt, a men’s style long-sleeved button down shirt, and a red tie. Mia insists I wear the knee socks, claiming if I am dressing like a school girl I have to do it all the way. The one thing I refuse to budge on is my shoes. She hands me a pair of black clunky Mary Jane’s.
    “No.”
    “Yes,” she demands.
    I slip my black low top converse on my feet, over the knee high socks.
    Mia looks at me for a moment, at first disapprovingly, then shakes her head with a smile. “It’s definitely—you. I still prefer the Mary Jane’s.”
    “I refuse to walk around with painful feet all night, thank you. My Chuck Taylor’s look just fine,” I adamantly reply. “Now then, makeup and hair?”
    We spend the better part of an hour in the bathroom working on my face and hair. She ends up creating something similar to a Priscilla Presley style. I actually like it. My makeup is light, aside from around my green eyes. She uses dark eyeliner, creating a smoky ring.
    “Wow, you clean up very nice.” She stands back, admiring her work.
    “Thank you, Mia. I do look pretty good.” I twist for several angles in the mirror.
    A sneaky smile coats her full glossy lips. “No boom-boom on the first date.”
    “Mia! Did you seriously just say boom-boom?”
    “Just sayin’.” She laughs.
    Throughout the glamour process I had completely forgotten that I was supposed to stop with one glass of wine. My one glass was about three glasses ago. My head is feeling slightly buzzed.
    “Shit, Mia! I can’t drive home, I’m gonna miss my date. It’s seven o’ clock. There is no way I can sober up in time.”
    “Taken care of. I texted Heather a half hour ago. She’s on her way to pick you up.”
    Just then the doorbell chimes. Mia greets Heather downstairs while I re-gloss my lips.
    I walk clumsily down the stairs, failing in my attempt to hide my wine consumption.
    “Wow, look at you.” Heather gawks as she catches sight of me.
    My face warms, eliminating any real necessity for the phony blush Mia put on my cheeks.
    I don’t know whether I’m blushing more from the complement, or because Heather looks just as breathtaking as I do. She is wearing dark brown cords, with a red button down shirt. Her hair is a tousled black mess, my favorite way. The entire room circulates that delicious spearmint smell that I’ve only ever smelled on one other person—him. I shift my thoughts, pulling him out and soaking her in.
    “You look amazing,” I comment through a short smile.
    Mia closely watches us both, again using her internal detection meter, trying to read the chemistry. It must be good because she gives a nod of approval as she closes the door behind us. “You kids be good.”
    I shoot her a suspicious wink. Heather responds in her typical gentlemanly nature. “Yes, ma’am.”
    ***
    “You seriously rented the entire roof top patio? This view is amazing!” I squeal as she pulls my chair out for me.
    “It’s our first date. I thought we should make it special.” She smiles warmly.
    Muscato’s is the nicest Italian restaurant in the city, it’s absolutely stunning. Even the roof top is decorated with beautiful soft lighting and a fountain that fills our ears with the sound of slow trickling water. She has managed to completely blow me away.
    “Wine?” The waiter offers a glass of the house specialty.
    “She will have a bottle of Prosecco, it’s her favorite,” she replies. “Sparkling water with lime for me please, sir.”
    “Very nice.” He walks away gracefully.
    I notice how closely she pays attention to her surroundings, zoning into me as I seem to take center stage.
    “Do you know how long I’ve waited to ask you on a date?” she asks.
    “No.” I blush.
    “Let’s just say—forever.” She maintains