Page 27 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

We both laugh as we go back to our dressing rooms.

Minutes later, we’re done.

“How did it fit?”

“It could be a nice little gift for Dexter,” she says naughtily.

It’s late when we leave the store. We’re hungry. My cramps are back, and I need to contain them before they become unbearable.

As we look over the menu at the restaurant, I notice several men looking at us, and I grin. They mouth the word “sabrosa,” and Graciela and I laugh.

If Eric were here, he’d give them one of his death-ray looks, and they would all shrink away.

But he’s not, so I just enjoy the admiration. I notice a beauty shop after we finish lunch and suggest we get our hair done. Graciela agrees. I decide to have my hair straightened. I know Eric likes it that way. After consulting with the stylists, Graciela decides on a cut that makes her look more youthful. The result is amazing.

Every time Graciela makes a change, I’m more perplexed. This young woman is terribly attractive and should be doing more with her assets.

When we leave the beauty shop, we’re immediately complimented by two men on the street.

“What are two stars doing flying so low to the ground?” says one of them.

What a hoot!

We both laugh.

“It’s the first time in years a man has had anything to say to me,” says Graciela.

“Mamacita...que sabrosas!” says another passerby.

We both laugh again. “These guys can’t keep their mouths shut,” says Graciela.

“Listen, Graciela,” I say as I pull her over to a window so she can see her reflection, “have you taken a good look at yourself?”

She can’t believe what she sees.

“Thank you, Judith. Thank you so much for spending the day with me like this.”

I give her a big kiss on the cheek and take her arm.

“You’re welcome, beautiful. With this new look, you’re going to get all kinds of comments. And get ready, because when we get back, Dexter is going to be left speechless.”

“You think?”

“Uh-huh.” I’m grinning. “I promise he’s going to be stunned. But you also have to play your part so he’ll notice you. You go on and act the way you always have with him, very proper, and let others compliment you. You’re young, gorgeous, single, and this trip you’re going to make with us may help clear many things up for you. I think Dexter is like Eric in many ways, and, if he’s interested, he’ll make his move very quickly.”

We laugh together again.

“Now are you sure you want to hook up with him?”

“Totally sure, Judith.”

“Very well then. Do you have dinner with Dexter every night?”

“Yes, when he doesn’t go out, we have dinner together.”

“Well, tonight you’re not going to have dinner with him or us.”

“No?” she says disconcerted. I shake my head.

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