“Now let’s free up that gorgeous hair and unbutton your shirt. You look like you’ve come to interview at the library!” Tina set Sherri’s hair loose and puffed it with her fingers. “You’re a regular Bernadette Peters with those ringlets, has anyone told you that?”

“Oh, I hate my hair,” Sherri said.

“We always want what other people have, but trust me, it’s amazing. Look at you, Sherri. You’re beautiful! What on earth made you so sad? Did you and your friend get into an argument?”

“No. My mother died.”

Sherri could tell that Bunny Tina wasn’t prepared for something that bad to have upset her. “Oh, you poor thing.” Instead of brushing her hair, she started to pet it. “I’m sorry to hear that, I really am, but listen, don’t mention it. Gloria won’t even hire a girl if she hears her parents are divorced. Remember, no drama. This is a family resort. You need to ooze sweetness and smiles. Just tell her what she wants to hear, even if you have to lie. Trust me, it doesn’t matter to her if you’re telling the truth—all she cares about is how you look and how you seem.” Bunny Tina led Sherri out of the bathroom and down the stairs and pointed to the door for the locker room. She gave her a big hug. “When you get the job, I’ll look out for you. Remember, Sherri. If you’ve got an edge, don’t let Gloria see it, and don’t let her scare you. She scares the crap out of all of us, but you won’t make it here if you show it. Good luck!”

When Sherri entered the locker room, she was overwhelmed by all the activity. The walls were covered in full-length mirrors except for one wall that had a door and a big window with the shades closed, and there were a few women in hot rollers applying makeup and shimmying into their costumes. The air was thick with perfume and hair spray. The women paid no attention to Sherri. Where had Roberta gone?