“Brad’s brother, Ben?”
“Uh-huh.”
“No, I don’t mind him being there. He’s fun.”
“Maybe he’ll cheer you up a little.”
“Maybe. I mean... Not that I need cheering up. I’m fine—really.”
“Okay, we’ll see you tomorrow night. But call me if you want to talk,” said Emily.
A voice behind Grace caused her to jump as she ended her phone call. “You look to me like you could use cheering up,” said Olivia. “Who was that on the phone? I’m guessing it wasn’t Brad, and you two haven’t patched things up.”
“It was Emily calling about tomorrow night. I’m going to watch the baseball game with her and Spencer. And Ben is going to be there—Brad’s brother. You could come if you want.”
Olivia scrunched up her nose. “No thanks. I’ll pass on a night of watching guys scratch and spit while occasionally throwing a ball.”
“I can’t believe you don’t like baseball. It’s very un-American of you.”
“Please don’t tell anyone I’m a communist because I hate watching baseball. It’s just so boring. On the other hand, seeing Ben might almost make up for it. He’s pretty cute, although he is a bit arrogant.”
“I don’t really feel like going,” said Grace.
“So you do need cheering up. Do you want ice cream again?”
“Ughh! No, my stomach is too upset.”
“Shopping therapy?”
“No, I’m kind of short on funds right now.”
“Beauty therapy?”
Grace chuckled, “I could certainly use some of that. I know I look a mess right now.”
“We could do manicures and pedicures.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” said Grace as her spirits lifted. “Let’s color my hair.”
“Really? What’s wrong with your hair color?”
“I just think a change would lift my spirits. The other day I saw a really pretty girl with blond hair. I think I’d look good with blond hair instead of brown.”
“You shouldn’t try to look like someone else.”
“I could never look like her—she was even taller than you are. Come on, I need this. It’ll be a fresh start.”
Olivia groaned. “Fine, I’ll help. But I’m doing it under duress.” She stood and offered Grace a hand up. “Come on, Sister—let’s get some hair color and turn you into a blond bombshell.”
Laughter exploded from the front door as it opened. “Hey Grace. Hey Olivia,” said Hannah as she bounced into the room. “Claire and I just rented Holiday. Want to watch with us?”
“Olivia’s going to color my hair,” said Grace.
“I can help,” said Claire. “I helped Jessica put highlights in her hair last month. I know all about hair color.”
“We can do your hair while we watch the movie upstairs,” said Hannah. “And you can tell us about breaking up with Brad.”
“How do you know about it?” asked Grace, with an accusing glance toward Olivia.