The first compliment hits me like a drug.
"Oh my God, Tina... you look so good."
It's our maid, Christa. I smile big and bright, teeth and everything. I have never smiled so much in my life.
"Really?" I twirl, showing off the black dress. Like I didn't spend two hours perfecting my eyeliner at Veronica's. Like I didn't tear through her shop. It works. Because Christa looks awe-struck.
"You cut your hair," She says as if I don't already know.
I fight the urge to touch it. It's shorter now, barely brushing my shoulders, soft waves replacing the once lifeless strands. For years, I kept it long because people told me I should. That it was pretty and feminine. That I was prettier that way.
But this? This is mine.
"Yeah," I keep my voice light. "Figured it was time for a change."
And bec
