Nan peeked her head in the bathroom. “Wow! You are definitely wearing that one.” She picked up a brush and began to braid Mina’s hair into a loose fishtail over one shoulder. Slightly pulling Mina’s hair away from her face, transformed her into a much older looking girl. A quick dab of blush, lip gloss and eye liner turned her into a young woman.

Mina looked at herself in the mirror and couldn’t help but notice the beautiful girl staring back at her. She looked older, rich, and confident. But it was only because of Nan’s clothes, Nan’s makeup, and Nan’s jewelry. For once, Mina was a little jealous of Nan. Yes, Mina had always been in awe of Nan but she was so approachable, humble and giving that there was never any room for jealousy.

But there was something more to it than money, Mina realized. She was jealous of Nan’s ignorance. She didn’t have a family curse hanging over her head threatening to take away her life. She reached over and turned the gold-plated faucet on, letting cold water run over her shaking hands. She got a drink and then splashed some on her face.

“Come on, Mina, snap out of it,” she told herself over and over. Maybe it was just nerves about tonight’s concert and that Brody Carmichael was going to be there any minute.

Nan wore a pair of black skinny jeans, layered lace tank tops, and what couldn’t be less than ten bracelets on one arm. She took less time with her own hair and makeup. When they stood in front of the mirror, Mina was the obvious beauty that stood out, and shined like a star. It wasn’t until later that night that she realized that her best friend had purposefully dressed down.

They walked into the open concept kitchen and raided the stainless-steel fridge looking for snacks to pass the time. The fridge was practically empty. A few bottles of water, ketchup, Greek yogurt and oranges looked lonely on the glass shelves. Normally, something like this would worry Mina. But she knew the Taylors hardly ever ate at home, and usually ordered in all of their food.

Nan handed Mina a yogurt and bottled water as the elevator dinged, and two people stepped out into the living room. A high ringing laugh echoed around the condo as Mrs. Taylor sauntered into the room. Her blonde hair was bleached an unnatural shade of white blonde. Her expensive suit jacket was thrown over her purse; and her usual silk blouse was replaced by a lacey shirt obviously out of her daughter’s closet. All signs that pointed to a woman trying to act younger than she was. The reason was the tall, dark, and handsome man beside her who was adoringly hanging on every word she spoke. They embraced and kissed.

Gagging sounds came from Nan’s direction and Mina turned to find her friend making grotesque faces at her mother and the good looking man, Robert Martin, who was to be her future stepfather. Mina had heard all of the stories.

Apparently Nan’s mom, Veronica, had met him when they both accidentally jumped into the same cab. He was going to get out and let her have the cab, but then he offered to pay for both of their fares, if he were allowed to ride with her and enjoy her company. Of course, any single, hardworking woman, who had been without a beau for a long time, couldn’t refuse the offer. The rest was history. Two weeks later they were officially dating; two months later, engaged.

Now they were planning a wedding so big it was going to blow Veronica’s first wedding to Nan’s father out of the water.

Mina decided to ask Nan what she thought of her new future stepdad.

She shrugged, “He’s fine, I guess. That is if you like them tall, dark and boring,” Nan muttered

“What does he do again?” Mina asked taking a drink of her bottled water while eyeing the love-struck adults whispering to each other in the next room.

“He’s a doctor for the new hospital. You know the one that is completely made of glass.”

Mina did know which hospital Nan was referring to. It was just finished a few months ago and was state of the art in design and facilities.

“That’s cool,” Mina countered, feeling somewhat at a loss. She wasn’t sure how to console her friend. Nan’s only complaint about her mom’s new boyfriend was usually stuff like ‘he is boring’, and ‘too perfect’ and obviously ‘not her dad’.

Robert Martin gave Veronica a quick kiss on her cheek as she went down the hall and he headed toward the kitchen.

“What’s up, Nan?” Robert asked.

“The ceiling!” Nan retorted. Mina started laughing.

Robert completely ignored Nan’s snide comment. “So have you considered what your mom said about Harvard?”

Nan dug her spoon into her yogurt forcefully, stirring it with a vengeance. “Did she consider what I said about Julliard?”

“Don’t worry about the argument with your mom the other night. We have some time. If that is where you would like to go after high school, I’ll make it happen.” He opened a cupboard and found some trail mix. He began popping the peanuts into his mouth, crunching them loudly.

Nan became a little sullen. “Yeah, okay.” She didn’t look up at Robert when he offered her some trail mix. Undeterred, he swung the open bag toward Mina who took a handful.

“So, I was thinking. I have a cabin up on Imperial Lake. Your mom and I can take my new boat up there and you can invite some of your friends for a lake party? How’s that sound?

Nan’s mood immediately brightened. “I can invite whoever I want?”

Robert shrugged his shoulders. “Sure, why not?’

Nan tried, but couldn’t hide the enthusiasm from her face. “That sounds awesome! When?”

“How about in two weeks?” Robert chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. He looked pleased with the sudden turnaround in Nan’s disposition.

She jumped off of the stool she had been perched on, tossed her empty yogurt cup in the garbage, gave a little twirl, and pointed her little finger at Robert. “Pinky swear.”

The tall dark-haired doctor gave in to Nan’s exuberance. He held out his pinky and they shook.

“It’s a date, for me and my friends. No take-backs.” She scrunched up her face and challenged him to say otherwise.

“No take-backs. I promise.” He smiled.

The elevator dinged again and everyone’s head turned toward the doors expectantly. When they opened, Brody stepped out. Mina felt all of the oxygen get sucked from the room. Or that is what it felt like, since she’d forgotten to breathe. He wore simple jeans and a button-down white shirt, but the way he wore them made them seem extremely stylish. He looked around the expansive living room and took in all of the inhabitants in one quick motion. His face lit up when he saw them in the kitchen.

“You ready?” Brody sauntered over to them with his hands in his jean pockets.

Robert scowled at Brody. “Ready for what?”

Brody looked somewhat taken aback by the attack, but he countered easily with a knock ‘em dead grin.

“For the concert tonight. I’ve got backstage passes.” He held out his hand toward Robert and introduced himself.

Robert stared at Brody before finally giving in and shaking his hand. He turned toward Nan, and he began to lose his casual demeanor.

“Concert. You didn’t mention anything about a concert tonight. Or that you would be going with boys.” He tried to sound neutral, but it came off as being overprotective.

“Lay off, Robert,” Nan shot out. “I already cleared it with my MOM.” Her tone left no room for argument; it purposely reminded him that he wasn’t her father, at least not yet. Robert’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. Nan didn’t give anyone time to respond before she grabbed her purse and headed toward the elevator. Mina quickly followed and Brody tipped his head in farewell before trailing them.