James xx

An hour later I am as ready as I’ll ever be, and, even if I do say so myself, looking pretty damn good. Because I have no idea what he has planned, I have chosen a dress I feel is midway between casual and dressy. A soft bluey-gray maxi, it is long and ruffled in layers. I feel feminine and do a little twirl in front of the mirror. Over the top I wear a three-quarter-sleeved cropped denim jacket. My hair I let dry naturally. There’s not much I can do with it myself anyway since it grew back after the chemo; it is too wild and strong willed.

I apply my makeup, being more generous with the bronzer than usual. It makes me look like I have just returned from a week in the Caribbean. Tanned. Healthier. Radiant. A flick of eyeliner, two layers of mascara, and I am done. Natural, but subtly enhanced. It isn’t anywhere near as glamorous as I look under Kelly’s skilled hands, but it is me, and it will do. I run some serum through my hair to tame any frizz the humidity might bring and I am good to go.

Walking slowly down the steps outside, I have to resist the urge to wave regally, because I feel rather like Cinderella making her royal way down the grand staircase. Craig is waiting at the bottom. He smiles when he sees me.

“Wow. You look absolutely stunning, Miss Green.”

“Thanks, but please, call me Ava. You’re making me feel old.” I check to make sure Mary isn’t within earshot and lower my voice conspiratorially. “How was the wine?”

“Delicious, thank you.”

“Well, I’m glad it wasn’t wasted and that someone enjoyed it.”

“Oh we did, very much so.”

I hear a crackling voice, distorted, and look around, puzzled. “Who was that?”

He unclips a walkie-talkie from his waist belt. “That was Heath, our caretaker guy. He also does maintenance and other jobs as required.” He holds the walkie-talkie up to his mouth. “Hey, Heath, you ready yet? We’re out front.”

We both watch it expectantly. There’s no answer. Craig pushes the button again. “Heath, are you there?”

Finally, we hear a crackle as the reply comes back. “Roger. Heath here. You didn’t say ‘over and out.’”

Craig rolls his eyes and pushes the button. “If I stop talking just assume I’m finished.”

Crackle. “You have to say ‘over and out.’ It’s proper walkie-talkie protocol.”

“Sorry about this,” Craig apologizes to me. “He can be a bit over the top about some stuff. Too long out here in the wilderness, I think. Can you just excuse me one moment?” He turns his back to me and pushes the button, speaking in a hushed, exasperated voice. “Yeah, in a cop show maybe. Just get around here, will you?”

Silence.

Craig sighs and pushes the button again. “Oh my God, dude. You’re so annoying. Hurry up. The guest is waiting. OVER AND OUT.”

Crackle. Then in a smug voice, “Roger. Be there in two. Over and out.”