About an hour later, after a Christmas makeover session that would have fit perfectly in any romantic comedy, Riley, Caylee, Maryanne, and Comet were all ready for the party. Riley barely recognized herself when she looked in the mirror.
Maryanne had helped do Riley’s hair and makeup so it was festive but classy. Still, for Riley, seeing herself with extra coats of shiny black mascara on her already long thick lashes and a soft dusting of gold shimmer on her eyelids and cheekbones, along with a luscious red lip gloss, made her feel like she was staring back at a stranger. Not to mention the form-fitting red sequin dress made her feel like she was going to an awards show.
Caylee joined her in the mirror. “You look amazing. You’re the perfect Miss Christmas.”
“I still don’t know about this dress,” Riley said, feeling nervous. “It’s a lot.”
Caylee modeled her silver sequin top. “A deal’s a deal.”
Caylee had paired the top with a pair of black leather pants she’d also borrowed from Riley. Her usual casual ponytail had been exchanged for a sleek blowout, and she was wearing just a touch of gold shimmer on her cheeks and eyelids, too.
Caylee, thrilled, did a little spin. “I feel like a princess. No one in my unit would ever believe this is me.”
“Wait, we need some pictures of you,” Riley said, grabbing her phone. “Stand over by the bed. The light’s a little better.”
Caylee practically skipped over to the bed. “Right here?” she asked, striking a pose.
Riley framed up her shot. “A little to right.”
Caylee took a few steps as instructed.
“A little more. Stop. Perfect,” Riley said and started snapping pictures of Caylee. “You are literally sparkling.”
They all laughed.
“Wait, now get some pictures of Maryanne,” Caylee said, going over and grabbing Maryanne’s hand. “Talk about rockin’ the sequins. Maryanne is killing it.”
“Agreed,” Riley said and started snapping more pictures, this time of Maryanne.
Maryanne looked phenomenal. She was wearing one of the other tops Mike had sent like she owned the world of glitter and glam.
In awe, Maryanne, gently touched the fabulous red top that was a sensational mix of satin and sequins. She looked over at Riley. “I’ve never worn anything this beautiful. “This pretty much blows my usual red Christmas sweater out of the water. Thank you, Riley. Thank you so much for sharing all this with us.”
“Of course,” Riley said. “I feel like you’re both doing me the favor. If I have to wear this stuff, at least I’m not alone. Check out the pictures. You guys look great.”
When she showed Caylee and Maryanne the photos, they both loved them.
“But wait,” Caylee said, taking Riley’s phone from her. “We need one of the three of us.” Caylee held her arm out. “Selfie time! Say Christmas Camp!”
They all said “Christmas Camp” at the same time and then started laughing. Even Comet got in on the action by barking and wagging his tail.
Riley got her phone back from Caylee and kneeled down in front of Comet. “Okay, it’s your turn, Comet. Smile.” Riley snapped several adorable pictures.
“He looks so cute,” Caylee said. “Great idea with the red bow.”
“Right?” Riley said. “Thanks. I felt like he needed to get dressed up, too.”
“Absolutely,” Maryanne agreed.
“You’re the best,” Caylee said, giving Riley a spontaneous hug. “The guys downstairs are going to flip when they see you.”
Riley laughed. “What guys?”
Caylee snapped her mouth shut as if she’d just said something she wasn’t supposed to say. “The guys, you know. Any guy who might be here.”
Caylee was saved from saying anything else when there was a knock on the door. “Riley, it’s me, Paul. Are you ready for some quick pictures before the party?”
Caylee’s eyes flew open wide. She touched her hair, her face. She ran to the window. “He can’t see me like this. I have to get out of here.”
Maryanne laughed. “What are you going to do? Jump out the window?”
Caylee looked at the window. “I would if I could.” She ran back over to Riley and whispered, “Please, just tell him to go away. Say you need more time, say anything, just let me get out of here first.”
“What is it with you two?” Riley whispered back to her.
“Riley?” Paul called out again.
Caylee gave Riley a pleading look and put her hands together like she was praying.
Riley laughed. “Paul, can you come back in five minutes? I’m just finishing up.”
“Sure,” Paul said.
They all waited in silence until they heard him walk away.
Caylee fell back onto the bed and grabbed a Santa pillow and covered her face.
Riley wasn’t letting her get off the hook that easy. “Caylee, you need to tell me what’s going on.” She took the pillow away from Caylee’s face.
“Oh, boy,” Maryanne said. “We could be here all night.”
As Caylee sat up, she snagged another Santa pillow and threw it at Maryanne.
Riley crossed her arms. “I’m waiting.”
Caylee jumped up from the bed, ran over to the door, and cracked it open just enough so she could peer out. “And I promise to tell you,” she said. “We just don’t have time tonight, and I need to get out of here before he comes back.”
“You do know he’s going to be here for the party,” Riley said. “So Paul is going to see you.”
Caylee took a deep breath. “I know. I just freaked out for second. I’ll be fine. I just need to be prepared and ready when he does see me. I wasn’t ready.”
“I’m so confused,” Riley said.
“I’ll explain later, but tonight is your night,” Caylee said as she headed for the door. “I’ll see you guys downstairs.” She turned around and smiled. “Riley, you really do look beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have you. Whatever guy that might be.”
Riley laughed. “Thanks, but right now, I don’t need a guy. I just need to be the best host I can be for this Christmas Camp. My entire future is riding on this.”
Caylee gave her a knowing look.
