Bared Souls - Ellie Wade Page 0,6

Maybe trade out the baggy T-shirt for a tank top? Then, add some hoop earrings and a little lip gloss, and you’re good to go.”

“I have a black tank top.”

Quinn nods in approval. “Oh, yes. You can’t go wrong with black.” She begins rifling through her closet. “You’re always welcome to borrow anything of mine too. We’re both blessed with short-girl genes.” She grins and looks over her shoulder at me. “And we’re about the same size.”

I agree that we’re around the same height, but Quinn has a much more slender body than I do. I was gifted with my mom’s hips and chest. I’m quite certain that my ass wouldn’t fit into anything of Quinn’s unless it was made of a stretchy material.

“Thanks. I’ll just go with the shorts and black tank top,” I say as Quinn pulls a leopard-print miniskirt from her closet.

“Too bold?” she asks as she holds up the small piece of fabric.

“No, I like it.”

I throw on my top and carry my small makeup bag over to a makeshift vanity area that Quinn has set up. There’s a hot-pink crate sitting in front of a full-length mirror. A variety of curlers, straighteners, and hair wands rest atop the crate and a large bin of makeup.

We’re fortunate that our dorms have in-room bathrooms, but I like that this area is outside of the bathroom. I’ve never had to share a bathroom before, as I had my own at home, but I’m thinking if we used the bathroom for getting ready and everything else it is used for, we’d never leave.

“I really like this area,” I tell Quinn.

“Thanks. I just figured, it frees up the bathroom for showers or whatever. Plus, the bathroom is always so humid. Our curls might have a chance if we get ready out here.” She’s right in that the bathroom is a small space with cement brick walls. There’s not a lot of ventilation, and it still seems muggy from her shower earlier.

“I can tell that you grew up with girls,” I say as I pull a brush through my long brunette hair. “You have everything. I barely know how to apply mascara correctly, let alone what this is used for.” I hold up a metal wand.

Her smile is warm. “I’m going to have so much fun, teaching you how to use everything. You’re like the little sister I never had.”

“You have two little sisters,” I deadpan.

“I know, but they knew the ways of makeup and hair at an early age by watching their older sisters. You, on the other hand, know nothing, and that is why you’re the little sister I never had.”

“Okay,” I say on a laugh.

“I’ll give you some beachy waves for tonight. Sound good?”

“Sure.”

I sit as Quinn works her magic with my hair.

“Your hair is so thick and healthy and holds curl amazingly well.”

“That’s good,” I answer. “I’ve never really done anything with it besides the occasional trim.”

“I have hair envy,” Quinn sighs. “Mine is so dry because of my obsession with being a blonde.”

“Your hair isn’t natural? It looks so good.”

“Aw, you’re sweet,” she says while wrapping another strand of my hair around the heated wand. “No, I have brown hair and not with any of the gorgeous auburn highlights that you have, just plain mousy brown. Or that’s the way I remember it at least. I’ve been dyeing my hair blonde since I was twelve.

“There, perfect.” Quinn steps back, admiring my hair. “A couple touches to your face, and you’re ready.”

I apply a swipe of mascara and lip gloss and throw my feet into some flip-flops before staring at my finished look in the long mirror. I look older and, honestly, really good. I’m so used to seeing my makeup-free face and my hair in a ponytail. One coat of mascara makes my brown eyes seem huge.

“You are so hot,” Quinn tosses me a compliment. She’s really good for one’s ego. “Seriously, you have this sexy, hippy Shakira vibe going on. You sure you don’t want to wear one of my skirts?”

“Uh, I’m good, and thank you, though I hate my hips.”

Quinn just shakes her head. “Figures. Everyone always wants what they don’t have. I would kill for your curves.”

“I think you’re perfect,” I tell her.

“Exactly my point.” She smacks her lips together in front of the mirror. Her plum lipstick makes the green of her eyes stand out. “We’re both perfect the way we are, and yet we both wish our bodies were different. It’s