Page 22 of Spirit Trials

“Here,” Rita says, handing me matching black satin shoes. I slip them on, surprised that they fit perfectly. They look nice with the dress, but they’re also practical if I need to run or fight.

I turn around and face the girls. “Well, do you think I’ll pass for tonight?”

They both beam smiles at me. “You look like a queen.”

“Let’s not get too carried away,” I say with a laugh. I tense as I turn to the long mirror. I’m almost scared to look, butwhen I finally do, I’m blown away. They worked a miracle on me; that’s the long and short of it. My bright red hair is soft and vibrant, and it actually lies flat down my back. My face looks like somebody else’s face with the powder, eye creams, and stain they put on my lips. And then there’s the dress. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The tailor is pretty much a magician. Somehow, he made me look like I have curves. I turn around, studying my reflection in the glass. “You girls are miracle workers.”

“No, Miss Farrah. You’re just really beautiful.”

I feel uncomfortable with the praise. “First, don’t ever call me Miss again. I’m barely a year or two older than either of you, I bet. How old are you, Rita?”

“Nineteen, Mi--, uh, Farrah.”

“See, we’re the same age. And you, Tess?”

“Eighteen.”

“See, we’re all the same; so, stop. I'm going downstairs to see if the guys have any food; I’m starving.” They both hide smiles, and I walk over to the door. “What are you doing?” I ask when I see them starting to clean the mess we made.

“We’re picking up, and then we’ll be out of your hair,” Rita says.

“No, you’re not. You’re coming with me to get something to eat.” I don’t take no for an answer, and soon, the three of us head into the kitchen area.

“Hector, we’re starving. Is there anything we can eat?” I ask, already smelling something divine coming from his pot.

“I’m working on mutton stew,” he says without turning around.

“Oh, thank goodness. I’m so hungry!” He turns around and stares at me a moment. Without saying a word, he turns back to his stew. Ignoring his obvious shock at my appearance, I add, “I’ve got two extra mouths to feed, too.”

“There’s plenty,” he mumbles.

“Mmm. What smells so divine in here?” Lox asks, striding into the kitchen area. “What is—” he stops midsentence and stares at me before letting out a low whistle and advancing on me. “And who is this stranger?”

I scowl up at him. “Very funny.”

He grins. “Who knew there was a female under all that?”

“I still have my knife,” I warn him.

“Of course, you do. I’m just teasing. You look beautiful, Farrah.”

I duck my head down, unused to the praise. I see the girls out of the corner of my eye, and that snaps me out of it. “Lox, these are my friends Rita and Tess.”

His eyes widen. “You have friends?” I elbow him. Hard. He grunts and raises his hands in surrender. “I’m just kidding...sort of.”

I sigh in exasperation. “You done?”

He grins. “Probably not.”

“Anyway, this is Rita and Tess.” He turns towards them, oozing all his Lox charm. “Nice to meet you, beautiful ladies.” I turn away as he continues to make them blush and walk over to Hector, who’s still at the stove.

“Can I help you?”

“No.” His answer is gruff. “You’re dressed far too nicely to help out in the kitchen. Go sit.” He waves me out of the kitchen, and I walk around the counter to go sit at the large table.

Lox grabs a plum and leans against the counter as he takes a bite. “Has Rysden seen you in that dress yet?”

Uncertainty hits me again, not for the first time. I look down at it and then back at Lox. “No, why?”