Page 68 of Proof

“It depends on which clients are coming in. I must confess, Ellie phoned and told us all about you. Both of you, as a matter of fact. You will tell her we took good care of you, won’t you?”

“Of course!” Luna exclaimed with cream-cheesed lips.

“This is quite lovely,” Chi-Chi said. “Perhaps I should cut my hair, too?”

“Don’t you dare,” Luna said.

Felipé looked at Chi-Chi. “Ditto. You have gorgeous hair, and you do it beautifully.” He was referring to her box braids tied in a scarf.

“Thank you. I occasionally take a flat iron to it, but that takes me a very long time.”

“We have a special straightening system. It takes about two hours, but it will last for up to six months.”

“That is very interesting. I may consider it. But not today.” She popped a piece of cake in her mouth.

Several more minutes passed until the timer buzzed, indicating it was time to wash Luna’s hair. Within the hour, she would be leaving with a new hairstyle. When she returned to the chair, she was still facing away from the mirror. Felipé and Patrice began spraying her wet hair with several treatments. One was to protect her hair from the heat, the other was to give her volume, and the third was for gloss and shine. Like two pistol-packing cowboys, the stylists whipped out the blow-dryers and went to work, tousling, finger-waving, and primping. Luna could tell it was looking good by the expression on everyone’s faces. She was itching to see for herself. Within a few minutes, Felipé asked, “Are you ready for the big reveal?”

“Am I ever!” Luna exclaimed, and Felipé spun her around.

“Oh. My. Gosh. I look like a totally different person.” She tossed her head back and forth, her hair brushing against her collarbones. “Is that really me?”

“In the flesh, dearie.” Felipé stood back. “You’re loving it, I can tell.”

“Absolutely!” Luna kept turning her head from side to side. “Why didn’t I think about doing this sooner?”

“Better late than never,” Felipé responded.

“You look beautiful,” Chi-Chi said admiringly. “No one is going to recognize you.”

“I think that might be a good thing.” Luna took the handheld mirror from Patrice, who spun her around to check the back. “It’s fabulous! Thank you so much!”

“A pleasure.” Felipé gave a short bow.

Patrice removed the cape and sent Luna back to the dressing room, where she found one of her shopping bags. She smiled. Chi-Chi wanted Luna to get the full effect of her new look. Luna decided on the chambray capri leggings, a white tank top, and the denim jacket. She stared at herself in the mirror. “Hello. My name is Luna. Nice to meet you.” She was elated. Wired for sound, as some say. She exited the dressing room and was met with applause.

“You look wonderful, my friend.” Chi-Chi embraced her. “Chris and your brother will be dumbfounded.”

“I wonder if either of them will even be able to figure me out.” Luna laughed. It was true. She looked completely different with her new hairstyle and her new clothes. “But first I need new glasses. These whoppers are too big, and my wire-rims are too outdated.”

Felipé crossed his arms and placed his finger against his lips. “I think maybe a cat-eye frame. Something with one of the colors in your hair.”

“So far, you haven’t steered me wrong. I will consider your suggestion.”

The entourage moved back to the reception area, where Luna paid the hefty tab of 500 dollars for her color. It was worth every penny, as far as she was concerned.

Felipé gave her a peck on each cheek. “You look marvelous, darling. Good luck!” He turned to Chi-Chi. “Shall I make an appointment for you?”

Chi-Chi hesitated. Luna jumped in. “Come on, my friend. If I can do it, you can do it.”

“And you say it can last up to six months?” Chi-Chi asked Felipé.

“Yes.”

“And I can still braid it?”

“Absolutely. You will have all the options.”

Chi took a deep breath. “Alright. I shall do it.”