Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley Read Free Book Online Page A

about teamwork,” Trent said, slurping up a rice noodle.
    â€œYeah, okay, but today was my first day. I was aiming high, trying to make a good impression. These people just showed up on an ordinary day looking . . . perfect.”
    Blank stares.
    â€œYou mean I have to do this EVERY DAY?”
    â€œIt’s all about maintenance, sweetheart.” Trent reached for a summer roll. “Like, when a chestnut brown comes in waving a picture of Gwyneth Paltrow, I say platinum blond is all about commitment. Either you do it religiously, or you don’t venture there in the first place.”
    I sighed and looked out the window toward the river.
    â€œDid you meet anyone nice?” Jolie asked, looking anxious, like she was afraid I’d say I was shoved into my locker or tripped in the hall.
    I tried to act relaxed. I didn’t want her to be more stressed about my transition than I already was. “I met two girls, Andi and Lindsey,” I said casually. “And I met some guys: Aidan, Ethan and Owen.” I felt myself get a little flustered remembering Owen’s deep green eyes. “It’s so weird, I mean, all the boys’ names start with vowels. It’s like a big vowel cluster,” I blabbered.
    â€œ Your name starts with a vowel,” Jolie said, her forehead crinkled in a look of suspicion.
    â€œYou’re blushing,” Trent said, pointing his fork at me. “Why are you blushing?”
    â€œI’m not blushing; it’s just, um, the food’s a little spicy.” I fanned myself with a napkin.
    â€œYou talk about some boys and suddenly you’re all giddy.” Trent’s eyes narrowed on me. “Spill.”
    â€œWell, there was this one guy . . .” I confessed.
    Trent’s ears perked up. “Do tell,” he said.
    â€œHis name is Owen . . .”
    â€œOwen is a hot-boy name,” Trent interjected.
    I bit my lip.
    â€œKnew it,” Trent said, shaking his head.
    â€œYes, he’s . . .” I sighed.
    â€œStop swooning,” Trent said, “and describe.”
    â€œTall, athletic, blondish hair with really green eyes and this amazing smile . . . But it’s more than just that,” I said. “It’s like, I don’t know, he’s just—I can’t put my finger on it. He has this magnetism. Like he just lights up a room and everyone wants to be near him.”
    Trent held up his hand to stop me. “No, honey, sorry,” he said. “Stay away.”
    â€œAway? Why?” I asked.
    â€œI can smell his charm from here and that charisma means one thing. PLAYER. PLAY-ER. You know what Stevie Nicks says: Thunder only happens when it’s raining. Players only love you when they’re playing. You’re too innocent; he’ll have you swinging from the rafters in a matter of weeks.”
    â€œEmily would not be swinging from the rafters ,” Jolie said.
    â€œTrust me,” Trent continued, “he’s dangerous .”
    â€œReally?” I asked, and wondered if it could be true.
    â€œPLAY-ER. Ask Jolie,” Trent said, pointing to Jolie, who was cracking open a fortune cookie. “She has plenty of experience with PLAYERS, don’t ya?”
    â€œTrent,” Jolie said with exasperation. “This is my niece . We’re not at The Odeon discussing my love life. ” She collected our paper plates and headed into the kitchen.
    â€œCome on,” Trent teased Jolie. “Maybe Emily can learn from all your mistakes. Tell us about Leo. Ooh, or what about, who was that financial guy? Parker! Or how about Honey Buns? Tell us about Honey Buns !”
    â€œTrent!” Jolie stomped around the bar into the main part of the kitchen. I didn’t know if she was upset with Trent for bringing up all her failed relationships or whether she was just uneasy discussing my crush.
    Trent waved his hand through the air. Touchy , he mouthed behind her back.
    I smiled and