CHAPTER 2

Reaching home, she pulled her car into the parking spot and stepped out, grabbing her bags and heading inside. Dropping everything in the living room, she went straight to her bedroom. The moment she entered, she plopped face-first onto the bed, planning to catch a few minutes of rest before her outing with Abby.

But apparently, she was more tired than she thought because the next thing she felt was a pillow slamming into her face.

Startled, she jumped up, still groggy and disoriented from her nap. As her vision cleared, her eyes widened in shock. Standing over her was a very angry Abby, arms crossed and gaze sharp enough to slice.

She instinctively shifted back on the bed. "Abby? What are you doing here? And why do you look like you're about to commit a crime?"

Abby scoffed. "Why am I angry? We agreed to go out, remember? I knew something was fishy when you agreed so easily but I didn't think you'd be this corny and try to dodge it by sleeping!"

"What are you even talking about? What did I " she paused, then realization hit her. "Oh... the club. I totally forgot. But I agreed already, so why would you think I'd back out?"

"Because that's what you always do," Abby snapped.

"I didn't plan to! I just fell asleep. I wasn't trying to skip it... Well, there's always next time."

"Oh, we're still going," Abby replied, shocking her.

"You see," Abby continued, arms still folded, "I knew you'd either back out or come up with one of your classic excuses, so I came an hour earlier to dress you up. But guess what I found? You, knocked out, with no sign of waking up anytime soon."

She groaned. "I knew giving you my home password was a mistake."

"Too bad, bestie. I'm always one step ahead when it comes to dragging you out of this cave," Abby grinned smugly. "Now get your butt in the bathroom and freshen up."

With a heavy sigh, she dragged herself up. She knew better than to argue there was no escaping Abby.

In the bathroom, she filled the tub with warm water and slowly sank into it. The warmth instantly eased her nerves, and before long, drowsiness crept in again. Just as her eyelids were about to fall shut, Abby's voice echoed like a battle cry from the hallway.

"I know you're about to fall asleep again! I'm giving you ten more minutes—TEN!—to be out of that bathroom."

Startled, she sat up and immediately began showering. She wasn't about to face Abby's wrath twice in one evening.

By the time she stepped out of the bathroom, Abby'was already waiting, armed with a full outfit, makeup kit, and styling tools.

"Go into the walk-in closet and put this on," Abby said, tossing her a black dress.

Without arguing, she took the dress and changed into it. When she stepped out, she was wearing a black bodycon dress that ended just above her knees. It was off-shoulder, tight, and very revealing.

"Abby, this dress is suffocating me. Can't we try something else?"

"No, we can not. You promised to let me dress you, and this is my choice so deal with it," Abby said firmly.

"I really need to stop making promises to you."

"You're joking. You know you can never say no to me. Now come here I need to do your makeup and hair."

She was pulled into a chair as Abby got to work. The makeup was soft and elegant light foundation, a brown lip liner paired with baby pink lipstick, and a coat of lip gloss. For her hair, Abby curled the ends and styled it into a messy bun, leaving a few loose strands framing her face.

Her long hair was a challenge, but Abby managed. After a few minutes of struggling, she stepped back.

"I'm done. Go check yourself out in the mirror," she said proudly.

She stood and walked over to the mirror. The reflection staring back left her speechless. The hair, the makeup, the dress it all came together perfectly.

Turning to Abby, she said in mock awe, "I didn't know you were this good at makeup. I thought annoying me was your only talent."

Abby rolled her eyes. "Please. Who do you think does my flawless face all the time?"

Finally taking a proper look at Abby, she noticed her outfit too. The dress was beautiful, and her makeup was stunning.

"You look really good yourself," she admitted.

"Aww, bestie! You noticed! You look amazing too not that I'm surprised. I did dress you, after all," Abby teased, grabbing her hand. "Now let's go!"

Before she could say anything else, she was being dragged out the door.

They climbed into Abby's car and set off toward the club.