Page 51 of The Wedding

The first time I came here, it was on Etta’s dime. She had asked Jamie to pick out some new work outfits and a dress to wear for their first Valentine’s Day together.She made me buy two because she tore apart the first one.It was hot then, and it was hot to think about now.I wonder if she’s going to tear me out of my clothes tonight…Jamie realized she was spacing out in the middle of the city’s most expensive boutique and shook her head.

“…Ms. Coleman has authorized the use of her card today…” Gladys the assistant reassured Monique. “No spending limit.”

“Excellent. Then I’m sure you’re looking forward to the commission you’re about to get thanks to Ms. Coleman’s generosity.”

Gladys said nothing, but her smile was telling.

Jamie’s natural inclination was to purchase a dress. There was a multitude to pick out, each one silkier, more colorful, and classier than the last, but Monique waved her away from the displays and gestured to something Gladys held in her hands.

A card.

Another damned card.

Had Etta gone spreading them all over the city?

I don’t doubt that my flower is waiting to spend my money

But what if I told you that whatever you pick

You won’t be wearing tonight?

Nevertheless, enjoy yourself.

“Here.” Monique shoved a pair of blue pumps in Jamie’s hands. “Try these on.”

Jamie didn’t have to think about a single thing that afternoon.Everywhere she turned, she was pampered with kindness and extravagance. She didn’t even have to peruse the wares at the boutique on her own. She sat on a plush couch, drinking expensive Champagne and having both Gladys and Monique pick things out for her. Cashmere. Exquisite silks. Fine, handstitched lace and beadwork. Wherever Jamie turned, her favorite colors appeared, draping across her arm or gracing her feet. Monique insisted that a pair of white gloves was just what Jamie needed, even though she had never owned a pair in her life. The woman walked around so much, grabbing this and that, mulling them over to herself, and then tossing them at Jamie that the special woman of the day worried that her friend would overextend her delicate disposition. Yet Monique didn’t sit down to rest until it was time for Jamie to try on and model some clothes.

They left the boutique with four new outfits, gloves, shoes, and enough accessories to decorate a bridal party. The driver helped Gladys pack them into the back of the car. Jamie thought this was the end of her time with Monique, but she was informed that there was still the salon to contend with.

“What are we doing?” Raul asked, playing with Jamie’s hair. Monique sat in a chair by the workstation and stared at Jamie’s reflection. Both the stylist and friend seemed to be looking at her from another dimension.Do I get an opinion?Apparently not.

“Give her a wave. A few curls.” Monique nodded at her own suggestion. “Nothing too elaborate. Should look effortless.”

“With this beautiful hair? Easy.”

While Jamie was pampered in the stylist’s chair, a woman she sometimes saw stopped by with a makeup kit and a selection of nail polishes. Jamie had never sprung for the full stylist’s special at this salon because… well, she wasn’t sure why. Because she never had a reason to?I do today, even though I don’t know what for.By now, Jamie was going with it. It couldn’t be that bad if Monique was in on it.Maybe.

Her nails were painted faint lavender. It wasn’t a color Jamie would ever choose for herself, but it melded flawlessly with her light skin. So did the makeup palette chosen, a glorious assortment of purples and light blues that lined her lips, her eyes, and touched up her cheeks. By the time the makeup artist was done with her, Raul was also finished, showing off Jamie’s locks of wavy hair that looked as fresh as they always did whenever she stepped out of this salon.

I barely recognize myself.It didn’t help that she wore this fancy makeup with her plain black sweater and otherwise drab jeans. They were a far cry from the dress Monique wore or even the half-suit bedecking the stylist’s body.

“This is where we part,” Monique said outside of the salon. “Your driver will take you to the penthouse. Everything will make sense after that.”

Jamie took Monique by the hand before she could wander away to her own car. “Thank you. I don’t know what’s going on, but thank you.”

Monique smiled. “Do let me know how it goes. You showed up today, so it must finally be happening.”

“I’ll take your word on it.”

“Do so.” Monique kissed her cheek before insisting she had to get going if she wanted to make it up to her Manoir by peak business time that night.

Jamie hopped in the back of the car, asking the driver if he liked her new makeup. He told her it was beautiful as he pulled away from the curb and toward the penthouse.

The doorman greeted her more loudly than usual. The elevator was waiting for her. Jamie knew better than to expect Etta up in the penthouse, but she expected some sort of presence. Instead, she found one of the cream-colored cards on the kitchen counter, probably placed there that morning before Etta stepped out for the day.

If you’ve made itthis far

Then you’ve come so close