"Your turn," I tell him as I squirt shampoo in my hand.He bows his head, and I lather him up, massaging his scalp and temples, taking my time.When I rinse the water out, I continue the massage, letting the water flow create waves of relaxation.
"There.All done."I kiss his forehead when I'm finished.
He reaches for his shaving cream and his razor.
"Do you have to shave your beard?"
"No, I don't have to, but I typically shave for a formal event."He lathers his face, and I lean against the tile wall to watch as he whisks his whiskers away.
"Why is this dinner formal?I would have thought the Celebration dinner would have been, and this would have been casual."
He just winks as he drags the razor down his cheek, taking care around his mouth and chin.When he starts on his throat, he says, "I have a hairdresser coming to do your hair."
I'm stunned."Why?I can do it myself."
He gives me that look I've come to know as his 'Don't argue with me look.I will have it my way.'Then he says, "Your robe will be in the closet hanging from the hook on the right side."He gives me his winning smile."He should be here any minute."
I throw my hand up and tell him."Fine."I laugh to myself when I enter the closet.The robe is exactly where he told me.I put it on and walk back out to the dressing room.
12
There is a soft ringtone that sounds in the walls, and Aurei tells me."Biagio is here.Not a word.You are not in charge."
I follow him to the front door, where he greets a tall, skinny man carrying a large suitcase.Aurei introduces us, and after the pleasantries are said, we go into the dressing room.
Biagio goes right to work.He guides me into the chair in front of the makeup mirror, leans down, and whispers in my ear."I know exactly how to make you a princess."Then he opens his suitcase and waves Aurei off."Come back in 30 minutes."When we are alone, Biagio pushes my robe off my shoulders, then he takes the tools of his trade out and begins to work.I've had my hair done thousands of times by others, so I sit erect and quiet, letting him concentrate on his craft.When he is finished, he says."You look like royalty, Signorina."He beams at me and his handy work.
As I turn to see myself in the mirror, Aurei opens the door and comes in.He is sporting a fresh haircut.The sides are buzzed short, and the top has been clipped and shaped.He looks very handsome, but the expression on his face is priceless.It tells me Biagio's assessment is correct.He lets out a long low whistle, and I remember his whistle as I strutted my stuff in my Black and Blue Baby for him.I smile at him, knowing I look like a million-dollar Diva as I turn to see for myself.
"Wow!"My hair has been pulled up into multiple clips that form a line from my crown down to the nape of my neck, and off those clips, alternating sides, my hair has been given big and small curls.Throughout, Biagio has woven small strands of rubies and gold threads.There are wisps of long hair curled loosely that have escaped by design onto my shoulders and down my back."Biagio!It's absolutely gorgeous!"I tell him.
"I'm glad you like it."He turns to Aurei."Does it meet with your approval?"
"It sure as hell does," Aurei tells him.
We all beam at each other, then Biagio asks me."May I do your makeup too?"
"Yes.Please."I tell him, and we both look to Aurei for his approval and input.
"Light.Nothing heavy."
"She should never wear heavy makeup," Biagio tells us as he applies a feathering of foundation."Close your eyes.I'm going to add some green tones to accentuate your eyes and extra eyelashes instead of eyeliner.You will look natural and completely captivate your audience."When he begins to pack his bag, he thanks us "for allowing him the honor of creating such a splendid masterpiece."
"The honor has been mine, Biagio," I tell him."If you are ever in Vegas, please look me up.I will let you have the honor any time."
He grins, bows, and holds his hand out to shake Aurei's."I will see myself out."
As soon as the Bear door clicks closed, Aurei whistles again, "Siri, you are simply stunning!"
I smile at him."The rubies and gold are a nice touch.They are beautiful, but ...."
He smirks."There's that word."
I giggle."But it's too much."I give him an 'eek' look.
He bursts out laughing and asks, "Why?"
"Because," I pause, not wanting to say it now.
