Luna finished her coffee and shuffled her way to the bathroom, where she gave herself a discerning check. Except for a few wayward wisps of hair, the braid was still intact. She studied her face closely in the all-too-powerful magnifying mirror. “Why did I buy this thing?” She moaned, eyeing the pores that appeared as craters. Then she reminded herself that it was better if she caught the flaws before anyone else did. Why she cared so much was because she was in her midthirties and still single. Not that she had any intention of letting herself go, but why not be at the top of your game for as long as possible, looks included?

She splashed cold water on her face, then applied a daily moisturizer and eye balm. That was followed by a light foundation, blush, a dusting of shimmery eye shadow, a sweep of mascara, and pale lipstick. Pretty, without looking like she was going to a gala. The next challenge was deciding what to wear. She was standing in front of her open closet for what seemed like an eternity when her phone rang. It was Cullen. “We’ll be there in about ten minutes.” Luna was caught off guard. She had been staring at her closet for an eternity. Now she had to hustle. What hadn’t she worn in front of Gaines before? She racked her brain. A blue silk tunic at the far end of the closet caught her eye. She had been saving it for a special occasion and decided every day is a special occasion if you’re healthy. Today was as special as any other. Even more. A pair of slim white pants and a pair of metallic flats finished off her outfit. She grabbed her collection of bangle bracelets and hoop earrings just as Cullen’s SUV was pulling into her driveway. Wiley was already pacing the floor, his tail wagging a mile a minute.

“Come on, boy!” Luna grabbed her backpack, thinking maybe it was time to retire the hippie-dippie thing. She flung the coat closet door open and pulled out a decent-looking tote bag and quickly transferred her stuff. She let out a big breath of air as she unlocked the front door and stepped outside. “OK. Here we go,” she muttered under her breath. Wiley was already at the rear passenger door, barking his “hellos” to the men in the vehicle.

Gaines jumped out and opened the door for her and her pooch. “Your chariot awaits.”

Playing along, Luna put out her hand so he could assist her into the cab. “Why, thank you, kind sir.” He made an exaggerated bow.

“Please be sure to buckle up,” he instructed her. “And Lord Wiley as well.”

“But of course.” Luna enjoyed the little play they were performing for each other. Wiley sat next to her in anticipation of getting himself buckled in as well.

Gaines returned to his seat. “Tallyho, old man.” He quipped at Cullen.