Chapter Six
I t’d been a jam-packed day filled with shopping, glamour, and pampering—three things Emerie Roberts had typically avoided. But she’d enjoyed it more than she’d expected.
When Em admitted that she felt a little self-conscious about the makeover, Sin suggested they make it a spa weekend for the girls. Dexter had been generous enough to provide a deluxe suite at the Holly Grove Island Resort for the weekend and discounts at the spa. He’d also offered to take care of Olivia while Dakota spent time with the girls.
Em stood in front of the mirror of the suite and sifted her fingers through her hair, still unaccustomed to her new look. She honestly couldn’t believe how different a haircut and a little makeup made her look and feel.
Emerie had played a variety of sports since middle school: volleyball, basketball, tennis, even rugby. She’d pulled her shoulder-length hair into a sleek ponytail for most of her life. But now, her hair had been cut into a layered, angled, chin-length bob that complemented her bone structure and made her feel like a movie star. She’d barely recognized herself once the stylist and makeup artist were done.
Emerie, Sinclair, Dakota, Kassie, and Izzy spent the afternoon getting pampered and having their hair and nails done, too. Afterward, a photographer Dakota often referred her marketing consultant clients to took professional headshots of each of them and Rett—since Sin wanted new photos for her and Rett’s real estate website.
Em had always been content with who she was. Her style was basic—functional and comfortable rather than fashionable and elegant. But Sinclair showed her that she could have both comfort and elegance; functionality and fashion.
She’d traded her worn, comfortable leggings for dress pants that had the fit of yoga pants. She’d traded her tried-and-true Chucks for simple, elegant, foldable ballet flats. And she’d let the girls talk her into purchasing two pairs of platform heels that were comfortable and provided more stability than the stilettos Sin had tried to talk her into.
To replace her favorite, comfy men’s T-shirts, she’d purchased an array of scoop neck, V-neck, and off-the-shoulder T-shirts that were just as soft and comfortable while also being flirty, sexy, or a little edgy.
“See? It’s still you. Just with some added drama and glamour.” Sin stood behind Em in the mirror, her hands on her shoulders. “I think you look stunning. What do you think?”
Em smiled, pleased with her reflection. “I love the new look. But I don’t know if I’ll be able to maintain all this…” She indicated the hair and makeup.
The makeup artist had called it a no-makeup look , but it had taken at least ten products to achieve the look the woman kept calling “simple.”
“Isn’t Step Four of your plan self-improvement and self-care?” Sin asked.
Kassie had posted all seven steps of the plan on a large sheet of paper currently stuck to the wall. The question was rhetorical, but she nodded anyway.
“And that’s why you have all those products for your new hair and skin routines. Plus, I recorded the entire thing while Anntonia walked you through the steps. I’ll send you the video. And after you’ve done it a few times, it’ll feel as natural as brushing your teeth.”
Em hoped so. Because the instructions for applying foundation, highlighter, blush, and at least five other products had sounded a lot like algebra. Her eyes had glazed over the moment the woman started talking about contour. But Sin’s confidence in Em boosted her belief that she could replicate the look.
“Thank you, Sin and Dakota, for arranging all of this.” Em smiled at the two women she loved like sisters, then turned to Kassie and Izzy. “I know how busy you both are, so thank you for doing this with me.”
“Anything for you… and discounted salon services.” Isabel burst into laughter, and so did everyone else. “You know I’m kidding, Em. You’ve always been there when I’ve needed you. Spending the weekend shopping with you and being pampered is the least I can do.” Izzy hugged her, then stood in front of the list of steps for the Soulmate Project.
“Maybe there’s something else I can do to help.” Izzy flashed a mischievous smile.
Em knew that look. It usually meant trouble.
“We’ve covered every element of personal care except for sexual health.” Izzy didn’t blink when every woman in the room stared at her. Poor Kassie’s cheeks were the shade of pomegranates.
“If you’re talking about condoms…” Em started.
“Condoms are a given.” Izzy waved a hand dismissively. “I’m talking about a top-of-the-line vibrator.”
“Isn’t the point of this for Em to find an actual human being who’ll replace her current battery-operated boyfriend?” Sinclair cocked a hip, the twang of her accent intensifying.
“But she’s single now, and self-pleasure is an important part of sexual health,” Izzy said. “Besides, the better we know our own bodies, the more easily we can guide a partner to ensure that we both leave the experience satisfied. And even in a long-term, committed relationship, toys and role-playing can add a little spice to the equation. Keep things from getting stale.”
“And just when did you become the Afro-Latina Dr. Ruth?” Sin looked equal parts surprised and impressed.
“Who’s Dr. Ruth?” Izzy asked.
Sin and Dakota laughed.
“Dr. Ruth Westheimer. A badass sex therapist who talked openly about sex when everyone else still considered it taboo,” Dakota said finally.
“Oh. Cool.” Izzy scrolled through her phone, apparently looking her up.
“And when did you become so knowledgeable about the subject?” Sinclair prodded her future sister-in-law.
“I’m twenty-one, Sin. You didn’t actually think I was still a virgin, did you?” Izzy flashed a devilish grin. “But to answer your question, there was a point when I considered switching my major to psychology because I was thinking of specializing in sex therapy.”
“Your mom is a nurse, so she probably could’ve handled it. But your dad…” Em whistled, just imagining the man’s reaction to his baby girl becoming a sex therapist. “Uncle Hector would’ve had a heart attack.”
“I know.” Izzy sighed. “Dad cried at my quincea?era, at my high school graduation…” She counted on her fingers.
“Your dad is a sweetheart.” Sin smiled. “Just a big ol’ teddy bear who loves his family and his baby girl something fierce.”
“Count yourself lucky.” Kassie’s voice, filled with sadness, drew their attention. She shifted her gaze from the room of women to her hands folded in her lap. “I mean… my stepdad is great. My mom and I are lucky to have him in our lives. But my dad… He walked out when I was a kid, and I haven’t heard a peep from him since. So you should be grateful that your dad loves you so much. I’d rather have a clingy, emotional father than an absent one who doesn’t care anything about me.”
Izzy sank onto the sofa on one side of Kass and Em sat beside her on the other, both of them giving her a hug.
“I’m fine, really.” Kassie sniffled and offered a shy smile. “Maybe I should’ve minded my own business, but I just thought you should know there are worse things than having a dad who loves you and isn’t afraid to let the world know that.”
“You’re right, Kass. Thank you for the reminder.” Izzy squeezed her arm. “Now we only have the room for one more night. I, for one, plan to enjoy it. Another round of Long Island iced teas?”
Everyone but Dakota—who was still breastfeeding—responded with a resounding yes.
“We should watch a movie tonight,” Em suggested.
“We will. After we complete the mission.” Kassie tapped a few keys on her computer, which she’d connected to the television in the suite’s living room. She cast her screen to the TV so everyone could see it.
Em’s dating profile, complete with photos Sin had taken on her iPhone, popped up on the television screen.
“You look stunning, Emerie.” Dakota smiled, and everyone else in the room agreed.
“Now it’s time to find our gorgeous girl a soulmate.” Sinclair squeezed onto the sofa beside Izzy as Kassie pulled up a search screen.
“As much as I’d love to hang out with you ladies all night, this mama is exhausted.” Dakota stood and slipped on her coat and gloves. “Besides, I miss my baby girl. If I head home now, I’ll be there in time to feed her. But I’ll meet you all in the morning for brunch.”
Dakota said her goodbyes, then Em walked her to the door.
“Has Nick seen your new look?” Dakota lowered her voice so only Em could hear her.
“No.” Em shook her head, tucking her hair behind her ear. She couldn’t explain why her cheeks felt warm at just the mention of Nick’s name. “I figured I’d spring it on him the next time I see him. Not that he would care,” she added quickly. “He probably won’t even notice the difference.”
“Nick will definitely notice.” Dakota gave her a knowing smile. “And he’ll be blown away. Maybe as shocked as he was when you announced your search for the love of your life. There was a moment when I was sure the boy had stopped breathing.”
Em glanced back to make sure the other women weren’t listening. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I told Nick how I feel about him at the bonfire. He doesn’t feel the same.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” Dakota’s pained expression made Em’s heart ache.
It’d been nearly two weeks since Nick’s rejection at the bonfire. Em refused to get emotional again. But whenever she did, she reminded herself that she was over it and moving on.
“Well, his reaction at the dinner makes it hard to believe that he doesn’t have feelings for you, too.” Dakota fitted her knitted beanie firmly on her head and lifted her bag onto her shoulder. “How’ve things been between you two since then?”
There was a hint of concern in her sister-in-law’s voice.
“We’re… good.” Em shrugged. “We grabbed dinner at Blaze’s the other night. Everything was fine.”
Maybe fine was overstating it. But things between them were definitely okay , if a bit weird. Whenever Em brought up her plans with the girls for the weekend, Nick had changed the subject. When he couldn’t, he did the adult equivalent of sticking his fingers in his ears so he couldn’t hear: He picked up his phone and started scrolling.
Something in her sister-in-law’s expression made Em doubt she was buying her everything’s fine, there’s nothing to see here story.
“I need to get home and feed your niece. Love you, babe. See you in the morning.”
“Love you, too.” Em hugged her sister-in-law. “Kiss Olivia for me and thank Dexter again for arranging this weekend.”
Em returned to the room. She sipped her Long Island iced tea and settled onto the chaise near the window, one leg folded beneath her.
But as the other three women debated the pros and cons of the men who popped up in Kassie’s search, Em couldn’t help wondering what Nick would think of her new look.