Claire stared at her reflection in the mirror, wondering who the stranger looking back at her was.
Ruby was standing over her and dabbing something on Claire’s cheeks with full, intense concentration.
“Hold still,” Ruby commanded with her tongue poking out between her teeth as she blended the foundation.
“I’m creating art here.
If I’d chosen cosmetology instead of teaching, I’d be doing makeup for celebrities by now.
A-listers would be begging me to make them beautiful for movie premieres.”
Claire rolled her eyes which earned her a small slap on the arm.
“Ow!
What was that for?”
“Don’t roll your eyes when I’m trying to make you look less like a hermit who hasn’t seen sunlight in six months,” Ruby scolded.
“This is delicate work.
You’re lucky I’m using my special technique on you.”
As Ruby continued her assault on Claire’s face, Claire’s mind drifted back to yesterday.
* * *
She’d been going through some papers in the living room when Ruby burst through the door, waving her phone around like a flag.
“You will not believe what Ryan just told me,” she had announced, dropping into the chair opposite Claire.
Claire didn’t look up from her work.
“Let me guess, another one of his coworkers got a promotion and now you have to go celebrate with them?”
“Better!” Ruby said while bouncing in her seat.
“We’re invited to a dinner party tomorrow night.
One of his company’s big clients is hosting it.”
Claire had finally looked up with an unimpressed expression.
“And?”
“And what?
This is huge, Claire!
These parties have amazing food and lots of hot, rich guys.
Last time, if Ryan hadn’t been there, I might have gone home with at least three different men.” Ruby leaned forward and lowered her voice.
“One of them was a lawyer, another was a General, and the third owned some kind of tech company.
I was doing the math in my head.
The combined income would have been insane.”
Claire had gone back to her papers.
“Good luck with that.”
Ruby’s smile had vanished in that instant.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means have fun at your party.”
“You’re coming with me.”
Claire had finally looked up again.
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.
I’m not letting you waste another weekend in this apartment going through papers and watching documentaries about ancient civilizations.”
“I have papers to grade and I have to prepare for next week’s lessons.”
“Those will still be there on Sunday,” Ruby had said, standing up and putting her hands on her hips.
“You’re coming, Claire.
End of discussion.”
“I’m not going to some stuffy dinner party with a bunch of rich people showing off their money,” Claire had argued.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.
Rich people throw the best parties.
They have the best food, the best drinks, and the most interesting people.
Plus, you need to get out.
You’re turning into a nun.”
“I’m not.
I’m just focused on my career.”
“You’re hiding,” Ruby had said, her voice finally softening a little.
“Ever since…
you know…
you’ve been hiding.
It’s time to stop.”
Claire had sighed, knowing Ruby was right but not wanting to admit it.
“Fine.
But if I’m bored after an hour, I’m leaving.”
“Deal!” Ruby grinned while already planning their outfits in her head.
“This is going to be great.
You’ll see.”
***
{Present}
***
“Earth to Claire,” Ruby said, snapping her fingers in front of Claire’s face.
“Stop daydreaming and let me finish this masterpiece.”
Claire blinked as she came back to herself.
“I was just remembering how you blackmailed me into this.”
“It’s not blackmail when it’s for your own good,” Ruby said and stepped back to admire her work.
“There.
Perfect.
Now for the dress.”
She disappeared into Claire’s closet and emerged moments later with a red dress that made Claire’s eyes widen.
“Oh no.
Absolutely not.”
She remembered that dress.
Ruby had gotten it for her months ago, back when they were still teaching at their old school.
Claire had needed something decent to wear to the funeral of one of their fellow teachers so she had sent Ruby to buy something simple and moderate.
Somehow, Ruby had come back with this red dress instead.
Claire had never even worn it.
In fact, there were several other dresses in her closet that Ruby had convinced her to buy for one reason or another, and most of them were still sitting there untouched.
“Oh yes,” Ruby said and held it up.
“This is the one.
It’s classy but sexy.
Conservative but daring.
Perfect for making an impression.”
“It’s barely more than a handkerchief with straps,” Claire protested.
“I’ll look like a…”
“Like a woman who knows how to have fun?” Ruby corrected.
“Try it on.”
Claire reluctantly took the dress and went into the bathroom to change.
When she came out, Ruby’s jaw dropped.
“Wow,” she exclaimed.
“Just…
wow.”
Claire looked down at herself uncomfortably.
“It’s too much.
The neckline is too low, the back is too open and it’s way too short.”
“It’s perfect,” Ruby insisted while circling Claire like an art critic inspecting a sculpture.
“The color brings out the warmth in your skin tone, the cut shows your figure without being trashy and the length shows off your legs which… by the way, why have you been hiding these?
They’re amazing!”
“I’m a teacher, Ruby.
I can’t go around dressed like this.”
“You’re not a teacher tonight.
Tonight, you’re a mysterious woman who might just steal the heart of some unsuspecting billionaire,” Ruby said dramatically.
“Now sit down so I can do your hair.”
As Ruby worked on Claire’s hair, she continued her mission.
“You know, Ryan wasn’t entirely sure what this party is for.
Something about celebrating some company milestone?
Whatever, all I know is there will be good food and hot men.”
Claire snorted.
“You and your hot men.”
“Hey, a girl can look,” Ruby said defensively.
“It’s not like I’d actually do anything.
Ryan is amazing but that doesn’t mean I’m blind.
Plus, I’m helping you look.”
“I don’t need you looking for me,” Claire said.
“I’m perfectly happy on my own.”
“Happy doesn’t have to mean alone.
You deserve to be happy with someone.”
Claire scoffed, not trusting herself to speak.
Ruby finished Claire’s hair in silence, then she stood back to admire her handiwork.
“There.
Perfect.
Now stand up and let me see the whole package.”
Claire obeyed, feeling awkward and exposed.
Ruby circled her again with wide opened eyes.
“You look like a goddess,” Ruby declared.
“Seriously, Claire.
Why do you hide this body under those shapeless sweaters and conservative pants?
You have curves that women pay thousands for.
You have skin that glows.
You have eyes that could make a man forget his own name.
And you’re wasting it all hiding in this apartment like some medieval hermit.”
“I’m not hiding,” Claire protested, trying to control the heat creeping up her neck.
“Yes, you are,” Ruby said in a serious tone.
“You’re hiding from life, from love, from happiness.
And I’m not going to let you do it anymore.
Tonight you’re going to go out there and you’re going to live a little.
If you don’t find someone tonight, I’m personally taking out an ad in the newspaper saying ‘Beautiful woman seeks life’ because you’re wasting yourself hiding in this apartment!”
Claire couldn’t help but laugh at that.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I would,” Ruby said with a grin.
“Now let’s get dressed.
Ryan will be here soon.”
Ruby disappeared into her room and came out moments later in a dress that made Claire’s look conservative by comparison.
It was black, strapless and so short Claire wondered how Ruby would sit down in it without revealing everything to the world.
“Isn’t that a bit much?” Claire asked.
“This is my ‘I’m here to make an impression’ dress,” Ruby said proudly and did a little twirl.
“Ryan loves it.”
Just then, they heard the sound of a car engine outside.
Ruby’s eyes widened.
“Ryan’s here!” she shrieked and grabbed her purse.
“Ready to go find your future husband?”
Claire sighed, picking up her own small clutch.
“Ready to go find you a drink, more like.”
“Details, details,” Ruby waved dismissively, linking her arm through Claire’s.
“Let’s go make some memories.”