Chapter 5

ELYSIA

The drive to Rhonda’s restaurant was peaceful, the city passing by in a blur of familiar sights and sounds. My mind buzzed with everything that had happened over lunch with Rhysand. A makeover. I wasn’t sure what I’d signed myself up for, but part of me was starting to feel excited—or maybe just nervous. Either way, I knew Rhonda would have plenty to say about it.

Pulling into the parking lot, I stepped out of my car and headed into the restaurant. The warm scent of spices and freshly baked bread greeted me, a reminder of why Rhonda’s place was always packed at lunch hour. A few of her staff nodded in greeting as I made my way through, stopping briefly to chat with Fred, the head chef and one of the oldest employees there. His smile was as wide and warm as ever.

“She’s in her office,” he said, pointing toward the stairs.

“Thanks, Fred,” I replied, giving him a small wave as I walked past.

Rhonda’s office was upstairs, tucked away from the bustle of the restaurant. I climbed the familiar staircase and opened the door without knocking. Inside, my best friend was draped upside down on the couch, her legs hanging over the backrest, her head nearly touching the floor.

“What are you up to?” I asked, closing the door behind me.

She tilted her head to look at me—well, upside down, anyway—and grinned. “Nothing much. Just waiting for my best friend to come back from her date with her boyfriend.”

“Fake boyfriend,” I corrected, crossing my arms.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said with a dismissive wave. “But no one at the party is going to know that.” She swung her legs down and sat up properly, patting the spot beside her. “Come on, spill. Tell me everything!”

I chuckled and sat down, placing my bag on the floor. “Well, we had lunch at Alora Café, and it went... surprisingly well.”

Rhonda’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Go on. Don’t leave out the juicy details.”

I took a deep breath, trying to find the best way to explain. “So, we went over some basics—birthdays, allergies, stuff like that—so we can be convincing at the wedding. Then, out of nowhere, he said I need a makeover.”

Rhonda gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “A makeover? Girl, I already love him.”

I laughed. “You love him just because he suggested a makeover?”

“Of course!” she said, bouncing slightly on the couch. “Any man who knows the importance of a good makeover is a man worth keeping around. It’s like he gets us. What exactly did he say?”

“He said I need to look like the ‘radiant, taken Elysia’—someone who would turn heads and leave my ex speechless.”

Rhonda let out a low whistle. “Wow. He’s bold. I like that.”

“Yeah, well, I told him I was fine the way I am, but he insisted it’s part of the strategy,” I said, rolling my eyes. “He knows a stylist and wants to take me for a full transformation tomorrow.”

Rhonda clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh my God, this is going to be amazing! You have to let me come with you.”

I arched an eyebrow. “You want to come to my makeover?”

“Uh, duh. I wouldn’t miss this for the world! Besides, you’ll need someone to keep an eye on this stylist and make sure they don’t go overboard.” She paused, grinning mischievously. “And I want to see Mr. Fake Boyfriend in action. He sounds... intriguing.”

I shook my head, laughing. “Fine, you can come. But promise me you won’t embarrass me.”

“Me? Embarrass you? Never!” she said, placing a hand over her heart.

I gave her a pointed look. “Rhonda.”

“Okay, okay, I promise,” she said, raising her hands in surrender. “I’ll behave. Mostly.”

Leaning back on the couch, I smiled. “I knew you’d be excited about this.”

“Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it,” she said, practically vibrating with energy. “This is like something straight out of a rom-com. The fake relationship, the makeover, the hot guy—girl, your life is turning into a movie.”

I groaned. “Don’t remind me. It’s already feeling way too complicated.”

“Complicated can be fun,” Rhonda said, winking. “Besides, what’s the worst that could happen? You look amazing, turn a few heads, and make that ex of yours regret every life decision he’s ever made.”

I laughed. “When you put it that way, it doesn’t sound so bad.”

Rhonda leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Exactly. So, what time is the makeover? I need to mentally prepare myself for the transformation of Elysia.”

“Tomorrow at ten,” I said. “Rhysand’s meeting me at the café, and he will take me to his friend who is a stylist.”

“Perfect,” Rhonda said, clapping her hands together again. “This is going to be so much fun. I’ll meet you there.”

“Thanks, Ro,” I said, giving her a quick hug. “I’m really glad you’re coming.”

“Always,” she said, squeezing me back. “I’ve got your back, Elysia. And trust me, by the time we’re done, no one at that wedding will be able to take their eyes off you.”

As I sat back, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. With Rhonda by my side and Rhysand’s unexpected support, maybe this crazy plan wouldn’t be so bad after all.