Noxious fumes wafted up into the air and invaded Jon's nostrils. The slight chill of the polish rolling lightly against his nails combined with the muffled pounding of the Rihanna tune from the stereo left Jon oddly relaxed. Getting a manicure wasn't something that he ever would've done in his previous life, but, as Paige, it was a prerequisite.
Having Sarah on her knees in front of him wasn't something that would've happened either. He briefly smiled at the thought. Jon would've enjoyed that. But, he definitely wouldn't have been sitting there on the bed in a turquoise halter top, tiny black satin shorts, and a pair of strappy sandals, which is what he found himself in for the current moment. It wasn't all that bad though.
He and Sarah had a full night together, where she gave Jon the works. As he confronted his reflection in the mirror, Jon agreed that his make-up was an improvement, as were his freshly waxed legs, and his cleanly arched eyebrows. He wasn't so sure about the ten bags of clothes piled next to him, though. They had torn through the mall like banshees just three hours earlier. In that whirlwind, it was almost too easy for him to slip into the role of Paige McMillan- especially at the fitting rooms and the checkout. Jon's Paige-esteem was through the roof with Sarah as his personal cheerleader, and the black card meant that everything he tried on was his. Sequined skirts, zebra-striped belts, flouncy dresses, cute sunglasses for the drive to school, and a twelfth bikini just because. Nothing was off-limits. Since when had McMillans ever budgeted?
His plan was going perfectly. He was sure Sarah thought that she had broken him. All it took was a little elbow grease and a whole lot of girly-girl. The squad loved him too. He had heard the whispers from Tiffany Sanders and Melissa Smith that he was a lock for Varsity this year. And with only one open spot, too! They'd have to be stupid to not pick him. Varsity would give him access to Sarah's locker, and possession of the stone again. Misplaced lip gloss, scrunchie, or an extra dash of sparkles, he'd figure out an excuse on how to get in later. He had to concentrate on his next step. Tomorrow was a big day.
