“Ginger ale sounds wonderful.” She tried to stand but felt a wave of dizziness wash over her.

“Stay right there. I’ll bring it to you.”

“Thanks,” she said, feeling like a baby. This morning, she’d been on top of the world; now she didn’t know if she could sink much lower. Sandra Marie returned with a glass of ice and a bottle of ginger ale. She filled the glass and handed it to her.

“Sip it slowly,” she instructed.

Lauren took a few sips, grateful for the woman’s care. “I have to confess, I don’t think I’ve ever been this embarrassed.”

“It’s fine, truly. As I said, you’re not the first to get sick after a ride with Derek.”

“Why is he still a driver?” she asked, even though it was none of her business.

“Because he’s Mr. G’s best friend. He was a stock-car driver in his day.”

Lauren laughed. “That explains it then.”

“He’s testing these new electric cars now. I think Mr. G will ride his ass over this trip.”

“No, please, I don’t want to get the guy into trouble; he could lose his job. I would feel terrible.”

Sandra Marie chuckled. “No, his job is secure. Let’s just make sure you have another driver while you’re here.”

The thought of getting into another vehicle right now almost made her sick again. “That’s probably a good idea.” She took a few more sips of her ginger ale and felt much better. “I’ll get dressed, see what I can do with this mess.” She touched the towel on top of her head.

“I’ll step out, let you dress.”

Lauren slipped into a pair of yellow panties and a matching lace bra. Not her style, but who cared at this point. She pulled the silky stockings over her pale legs, then stepped into the dress. It fit her perfectly. Sandra Marie had a good eye for sizing. The shoes were half a size too small, but she managed. When she stepped into the main area of the ladies’ room—locker room, spa, she wasn’t sure what to call it—Sandra Marie was there waiting for her, along with another woman, who was much younger.

“Lauren, this is Olivia: she’s going to do your hair for you. If that’s all right.”

Relief washed over here. “Hey, Olivia. I can’t thank you two enough.”

“No worries,” Olivia said. “If you’ll sit here, I’ll get to work on your hair.”

She sat on a small stool while Olivia combed out her long hair, then used a powerful blow-dryer to style it. “I think this is perfect, don’t you?” she said to Lauren.

“It is,” she agreed, though she thought she looked more sophisticated with her hair up. But after what these two women had done for her, she didn’t care if her hair was in pigtails.