As I toss my phone down, I can hardly wait. I do my hair first, straightening then running a product through it to leave it shiny while making it stay in place. Now is the scary part. Taking a deep breath, I pull open the small bag Irene, the makeup artist, gave me. She was so sweet when I mentioned I never wore makeup because I was scared of it.

While she was doing my makeup, she went really slow, explaining everything she did. Once she was done, she packed away some small jars and things she had plenty of for me to use. She had mixed some foundation for my skin tone specifically, when she was done, she added a little more and gave it to me.

I use the lotion she gave me first then start with the makeup primer. The sponge is a weird little egg-shaped thingy, okay it is easier to use. Hey, not bad. I pull out the powder and follow her instructions very carefully. A little powder, shake the brush then swipe over my face. It’s not until the third swipe when I’m almost done I get it right. Okay, wow, so little work and I look so much better.

I look at the eyeliner and eyeshadow and shake my head. I’m going to quit while I’m ahead. I pull out the sleek mascara, with a few swipes I’m in awe of how good it looks. My eyes look so big and blue. I’m hemming and hawing over what color of lipstick to use, Irene had given me two. Felix meows loudly, two seconds later there’s a knock.

Opening the door to Leo. “Sorry, I’m almost done.”

I don’t take two steps before his hand is around my arm. “Are you wearing makeup?”

“Does it look bad? I was careful, it took forever. I thought it looked okay.”

Leo lifts his hand to the side of my neck, his hold lose as he turns my head to study my face. “It does not look bad. You are gorgeous.”

Even as I blush, I don’t understand why he’s saying it like it’s a bad thing. “What?

“You don’t need makeup. You are beautiful without it.”

Oh. “Thank you for saying that. Even if I’m not taking it off. It feels very much like war paint of old, faking the confidence I don’t really feel.”

“If it makes you happy then that’s all that matters. Go get dressed.”