Page 101 of So Close

He smiles at my word choice. “It’s a date.”

“Could you please call the beautician who took care of me before and see if she can fit me in at some point?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

I head to my room, my gaze following my reflection in the mirrored hallway.

The maids have already stripped and remade the bed. I wonder what they think of you now. After years of widowhood broken only by the occasional one-night stand, our sheets now bear the evidence of a man who enjoys his wife multiple times a day. Perhaps it’s not such a surprise, considering the forcefulness of your sex appeal. And household staff see so many intimate things. There are no secrets from them.

Witte’s knock seems to come so quickly.

“Yes, Witte?”

“The beautician – her name is Salma – says a client canceled this morning, and she could head over now. Would that be acceptable, or would you prefer another day?”

I feign delight. “This morning is perfect. A little pick-me-up before I pick up the pieces.”

He smiles and nods.

After that, the next time I see Witte, he’s laden with garment bags and department store totes, walking into my room on the heels of Tovah, who startles me again with her oversized energy packaged in such a petite frame.

“Good morning, Lily! How are you? I love that kimono! So classy yet so sexy.” Her smile is brilliant. She’s arranged her long, chocolate curls in an elaborate updo of braids and twists. Her sleeveless wrap dress has a giraffe print, and her heels are sky-high.

“Thank you. You’re looking very classy and sexy yourself.” I smile at Witte as he heads into my closet with his burdens.

“I’ve been holding on to these for you since you left town,” Tovah says, dropping her purse into the chair where you used to watch me sleep. “Please tell me you lounged around on a beach with aqua waters and drinks with little umbrellas.”

“That sounds lovely,” I agree, “and you must be clairvoyant. We went to a beach but didn’t have the rest. Does it still count?”

“Any beach counts, umbrellas or not.”

Witte steps out and pauses by the door to the hallway. “I’ll be running out now. I’ve notified reception about Salma’s arrival, and Lacy will get the door. I’ve prepared three shredded chicken salads for lunch, and you’ll find them in the fridge if you make a day of it. I expect I’ll be back around three.”

“You think of everything, Witte. Thank you so much.”

As he’s leaving, Tovah sets her hands on her hips. “Where do I get a Witte?”

“You’ll have to ask Kane about that.”

The door latch clicks, signaling privacy, and our smiles drop instantly.

She sighs heavily. “We’ve all been talking about this, and we don’t think it’s the right time.”

“It’s the right time.”

“It feels rushed.”

I move into the closet. “It’s not rushed. We’ve been planning this for years. We could pull this off in our sleep.”

“You were just hit by a car!” Tovah follows me. “Under suspicious circumstances. You were in a coma, for chrissake!”

“I haven’t forgotten.” I open the garment bag and eye the ensemble inside. “This is really good.”

“Of course it is. I’m good at my job.”

Glancing at her, I find her chewing her lower lip. “I’ve got this, Tovah.We’vegot this. It’s normal to be nervous when you’ve planned something forever, and it finally comes together. I had some anxiety this morning, too.”

She throws up both hands. “That’s a sign! You should wait. Let’s get our bearings. Make sure you’re one hundred percent.”

---