“It’s time to celebrate,” my other best friend, Denise, says as she slaps her hand on the counter. “Guess who just booked a big wedding for this weekend?” She points to herself. “This girl. The makeup artist booked for the Coopertart wedding got the flu, and they called me to fill in. Me! I mean, I hope the flu girl is okay, but oh my God, the luck. I’m telling you, this is going to be a game changer for me, and I plan on doing all the social media. We’re talking Brie Coopertart. BRIE!” she shouts. Silence falls between us, because this is really bad timing on Denise’s part, not that she’d know though. “What’s going on? Why aren’t you screaming for me? Mika, you love Brie.”

“Yeah, it’s just that Scottie came in here kind of upset.”

“Oh shit, really?” Denise turns toward me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I smile at her and muster all the excitement I can for my friend. “Wow, Brie Coopertart, that’s amazing. Isn’t that wedding the talk of the town right now? It’s being held at the public library, right?”

“Yes.” Denise eyes me for a second. “It’s supposed to be huge, and the media is going to be all over it. I was placed as backup in case something happened to her makeup artist, and lo and behold, she got sick. And once again, not happy that she’s sick, because that sucks, but also, I’m positively thrilled she got sick.” Denise claps the tips of her fingers together in glee.

Being the good friend that I am, I turn toward her and give her a hug. “This is huge. I’m so happy for you.”

Denise has been a makeup artist for several years now. She started doing makeup for fashion designers for their runway shows. She actually started with nails, volunteering to paint the models’ nails. Then she worked her way up to makeup. She now has quite a successful online presence, has really come into herself, her brand, and I can easily see her going places with her determination. It’s fun to watch her grow—even if she’s wishing illness on others.

“Thank you. I met with Brie and the bridesmaids today to do a makeup trial, just to make sure I have everything they might need. I’m grateful it’s just her and two of her friends. Their wedding party is small, but the extravagance. I can’t wait. I’m spending all day tomorrow making a game plan, cleaning all my brushes, and making sure everything is ready for Saturday. Eeep, I’m so excited.”

Mika sets my drink in front of me and whispers, “Drink slowly.” Then he turns to Denise and asks, “Same as usual?”