“You’re awful, Beth.”
But Beth was staring at her again, this time with a touch of awe. “Maybe…. God, you look marvelous,” she said, moments before her face twisted in mock horror. “AndI’mgoing to look positively plain next to you!”
“Fat chance, Beth Lavin.” Lauren hooked her elbow through her friend’s and started them both toward the baggage pickup. She knew that Beth was attractive; she also knew that Beth had worn her dark brown hair in the same long, straight hairstyle for fifteen years and that her clothes—the round-collared blouse, wraparound skirt and flat leather sandals she wore now being a case in point—were as down-country as Lauren’s own had always been. “Neither one of us is going to look plain by the time we’re ready to open that shop. I learned a lot down there, Beth. There were seminars on hairstyling and makeup and dressing for success. I took tons of notes—”
“You would.”
“So would you, so don’t give me that,” Lauren teased gently. “Tell me, what’s the latest with the shop?”
Beth took a deep breath. “I finally got the ad to look the way I wanted it. It’ll appear in the next issue ofBoston.The workmen should be done in another day or two—which is good, because the prints have started arriving. Not to mention the order forms, sales slips and stationery. And the frames and hooks, wire and labels. I’ve got everything stashed in my apartment.”
“Howisthe apartment?”
“I like it. It’s compact and within easy walking distance of the shop. Beacon Hill is exciting.” Beth paused to ogle her friend again. “I can’t believe you!”
“In another minute I’m going to put a bag over my head.”
“Don’t you dare. I’m thoroughly enjoying riding on your coattails. For that matter, I still wish you’d let me take a bigger apartment so we could room together.”
“Rooming togetherandworking together, we’d get on each other’s nerves in no time. Besides, you want the city, while I want the country. Lots of room, wide-open spaces, trees, peace and quiet.”
“You’re thinking of that farmhouse.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You’ll be isolated!”
“In Lincoln?” Lauren crinkled her nose. “Nah. I’ll only have three acres. When the trees are bare, I’ll be able to see neighbors on either side. And the commute will be little more than half an hour.”
“But that farmhouse is a wreck!”
“It’s simply in need of loving.”
“Tell me you’ve already put in an offer.”
Lauren grinned. “I’ve already put in an offer.” At Beth’s moan, Lauren delivered an affectionate nudge to her ribs. “When I couldn’t get the place out of my mind, I called the realtor. The purchase agreement is ready and waiting to be signed.”
“Lauren, Lauren, Lauren, what am I going to do with you?”
Lauren’s eyes twinkled. “You’re going to put me up at your place tonight. Then, tomorrow morning, you’re going to take me on a grand tour of our pride and joy. After that we are both going shopping on Newbury Street.”
“Oh?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Could be expensive.”
“That’s right,” Lauren agreed remorselessly.
Beth hunched up her shoulders and gave a naughty chuckle. “I love it, I love it.” Then she abruptly narrowed her eyes and flattened her voice to a newspaper-headline drone. “Country bumpkins take city by storm. Effect transformation reminiscent of Clark Kent.”
“Clark Kent?” was Lauren’s wincing echo.
“Or Wonder Woman, or whomever. Of course, you know we’re both a little crazy, don’t you?”
“We’re twenty-nine. We deserve it.”
“I’ll tell that to the creditors when they come calling.”
