Page 72 of Charmed Forces
When we confirmed we hadn’t, she produced two clipboards and guided us to two large chairs at the end of a row of four in a small lobby. Gentle tinkling music played over the sound system and a row of orchids sat on the low windowsill. “Please complete the form while I get you a complimentary drink and then I’ll show you into the manicure suite so your therapist will commence your treatment. Please remove your socks and shoes and we’ll provide you with our slippers.”
“This is nice,” said Lily, hopping into the end chair and removing her shoes. “Very posh. I hope you’re paying for it.”
“I’mexpensingit,” I told her as I glanced at the other two chairs. I had to make sure Angelica sat next to me so I could subtly pump her for information as soon as her nails were underway. No matter what I asked, I was fairly sure she wouldn’t leave in the middle of a treatment. No one left with half done nails.
“Are we filling in real details or fake ones?” asked Lily. “I might want to come back.”
“Real.”
“Okay.” Lily put her pen to the form and started writing her answers.
I followed suit, answering the basic questions until we returned our clipboards to the receptionist and she guided us into the manicure suite. We settled in large leather chairs, Lily sat on the end and I was next to her with the free chairs beside me.
When I heard voices, I looked up. Angelica Randall followed the hostess into the room. I recognized her from several Insta shots but she was much prettier in person. Her makeup was expertly applied and her dress was one I’d seen recently in a magazine. “Please take a seat while I fetch you a complimentary drink,” the receptionist repeated to her, adding, “Your therapist will join you shortly.”
“One for my friend too. She’ll be here any minute,” said Angelica.
I winced inwardly, hoping I hadn’t stolen her friend’s appointment. If so, she might smell a rat.
“She’s on my booking,” Angelica added, and I relaxed.
“I love your purse,” I said to attract her attention.
She smiled widely as she walked past me towards the free chairs. “Thank you! It was a present from my boyfriend. He was going to get me another one but I said to him, I’m a Vuitton girl, babe. I only carrynicepurses. Sometimes you just gotta tell them straight, you know?”
“Hundred percent,” I said. “Don’t ask, don’t get.”
“Right?” She grinned and took the chair next to me. “It’s my birthday and he’s taking me and my cousin to lunch, then throwing me a surprise party. He thinks I don’t know about it but guys are no good at keeping secrets. Totally transferable.”
“Transparent,” I corrected her.
“That too,” she said. “You getting the full works today? You celebrating something?”
“Just our nails,” I said. “Girl’s day out with my best friend.”
“Cute. Love that. My cousin is coming. She’s my bestie too and I wanna treat her before the party. She took the day off work especially for me,” she chattered as the door opened. “This must be her now. Honey, that you?”
Just when I thought the morning couldn’t get any weirder, the door opened wider and in walked the last person I ever expected to see.
Chapter Fifteen
The last time I saw Louise Milton was through a camera lens when her boyfriend proposed to her. Given Lily’s audible gasp, I knew she’d recognized her too.
“Are you okay?” asked Angelica, frowning as she extricated herself from the hug she shared with her cousin.
“That ring,” said Lily quickly. “It’s gorgeous!”
“My boyfriend just proposed to me,” said Louise, holding out her left hand for us to admire. We dutifully cooed over it, and truthfully, it was a pretty ring with a princess-cut diamond on a platinum band.
“That’s so exciting! Congratulations!”
“Wonderful news!”
“I just need the manicure to match it now,” she added, laughing as we all returned to our chairs, waiting for the therapists to join us.
“Is girls’ day a regular thing?” asked Angelica. “I like that. Gotta make room in your life for your girls.”
“Trying to keep up with maintenance,” said Lily, flashing her own hand. One of her nails was chipped. “I run a bar.”