Page 27 of Unhinged

“Is it uncomfortable working together?”

“Not really.” Audrey shook her head. “We’ve scheduled our appointments so we work opposite days. That way we don’t have to run into each other.”

“So there’s no chance of reconciliation?” Audrey and Scott had been together for years. Hannah couldn’t imagine just walking away from someone she’d once loved.

Audrey shook her head. “We both know where we stand. Of course, it helps that the bimbo is knocked up.”

Hannah whipped toward her. “You never told me that!”

Audrey lifted one shoulder. “I just found out about it myself. He’s planning to marry her as soon as the divorce is finalized.”

Audrey hid the hurt well, but Hannah could see the pain in the depths of her clear blue eyes. It was obvious that Scott’s infidelity had done a number on her. Hannah prayed she never had to go through anything like that.

With that thought in mind, Hannah turned back toward the mirror in the dressing room. Was this whole endeavor even worth it? Was dating worth all the effort if she might one day end up like Audrey and Scott?

Audrey met her gaze in the mirror and shot her a reassuring smile. “Thank God we’re older and smarter now. You won’t make the same mistake I did.”

Hannah forced a tight smile as she examined her reflection. The beige pencil skirt clung to her curves and ended just above her knees, and the white blouse accentuated her waist while still looking professional.

“Trust me, this is perfect,” Audrey continued. “We need to get you out of drab, dark colors. You need something neutral to show off your natural beauty.”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “What natural beauty?”

Audrey lightly smacked her arm, and Hannah let out a little sound of protest as Audrey jerked her shoulders back. “Hey!”

“Look in the mirror,” Audrey ordered, ignoring her. Reluctantly, Hannah did as she was told. “Your hair is gorgeous. It’s never been dyed, and it contrasts beautifully with the cream top. The gray of your eyes really pops when you’re not in all black.”

Audrey stepped in front of her. “We’re not here to change who you are, only to enhance what you’ve been hiding for years. You have amazing features, Hannah. You just need to believe it.”

Hannah glanced in the mirror again. “You really think so?”

“Oh, honey.” Audrey’s eyes softened. “I wish you could see yourself the way the rest of us do.”

Hannah bit her lip as she studied the reflection in front of her. It was so easy to pick apart her own features, to see only the bad instead of the good. Now that Audrey mentioned it, her eyes did seem brighter, and her hair looked glossier and more radiant. She nodded a little and made a silent promise to herself. From now on, she would focus only on the positive things.

The next three hours were a whirlwind of activity as they picked out several dozen outfits and pairs of shoes. A trip to the beauty store yielded a mass number of cosmetics that Hannah wasn’t sure she’d ever master. She’d played with eyeshadows and lipsticks as a teen, but over the last decade she’d forgone most beauty products in lieu of keeping her face natural. She didn’t see the point in getting all dolled up for no one.

Hannah stared at the mirror, examining the flawless finish the makeup artist had wrought. Her skin glowed, and her cheeks looked flushed with the barest hint of pink. The trace of eyeliner blended with the shimmering neutral shadow on her eyelids, giving them a sultry look. She felt like a new and improved version of herself. The thought of Luke seeing her like this made her heart race.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Hannah blushed at the compliment as Audrey looked her over. “I love it.”

A grin spread over Audrey’s face. “And so will he.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get home and let Peanut out. Would you mind if I took off?”

Hannah glanced at the bags surrounding her feet with a smile. “I think I have plenty to do this evening.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

Hannah waved her off. “No, really. I’ll be fine. I might go back to the department store anyway. I think I changed my mind about those shoes.”

Hannah had no idea where she’d ever wear them, but she hadn’t worn high heels in years. Maybe she’d get dressed up just for herself and head to the art gallery for something to do, try out her new look.

Audrey lifted her brows appraisingly. “It’s always good to have a pair of sexy heels when you need them.”

Hannah shook her head with a smile. Not that she was considering using them in that manner. Maybe. “You’re a bad influence.”

“One of us has to be.”