I smile. “Nope.”
Another beat of silence.
“Okay,” she says, excitedly. “Yes, definitely yes. I haven’t had my hair done in years.”
Relief floods me. I never want to upset her or overstep. I just want to include her. “Okay. I’ll bring snacks and coffee.”
“I’ll make us sandwiches,” she says cheerfully.
“Okay, let me get it all set up. See you soon!” I say as I disconnect.
I fire off a text to Wilby, letting him know our new plans. He’d already arranged a team to help me get ready.
He had texted me very nicely, in the best way he could, that I needed to be “cleaned up” before we go back to New York.
I laughed because he’s not wrong. But I like how I feel and how I look here on Coconut Beach. When I’m here, I can just be me.
I pack an overnight bag and take a quick shower. I go to Birdie’s, peek under the bush, and find Iggy. “Hey, buddy,” I call to him.
Birdie’s gone and not home. Wilby’s at her kitchen table, headphones on, when I knock and open the door. He looks up and waves. “Almost done,” he mouths.
I nod and sit across from him.
He finishes up his call and slides his headphones off. “The stylist and makeup team will be at Carly’s in an hour.”
“Thanks. Are you coming?” I ask.
He looks at me as if I’m crazy. “No. I have things to do before we go.”
Then I realize he looks sad.
“Do you like it here, Wilby?” I ask, tilting my head.
He shrugs and looks down. “Yeah. I’m going to miss it.”
“Do you want to come back with me?” I ask.
He brightens. “Kinda. Is that crazy?”
I snort and shake my head. “No. This place grows on you, doesn’t it?”
“If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it,” he says, deadpan.
“I’d never tell,” I say as I stand. “I’m going to get coffee, snacks, and head to Carly’s.”
“I got you a new power suit. You’re going to love it,” he calls.
“Can’t wait!”
Carly’s house turns into a glorious disaster within twenty minutes. Make-up brushes and make-up are on the counter. I had no idea Carly loved makeup, hair products, and styles as much as she does. She was nervous at first when they arrived, and I saw her glance at the door and back at me a few times. I made sure the door was shut and sat by her.
Curling irons are heating up, and makeup is being applied to both of us. Someone has a playlist going that belts out nostalgic throwbacks. Carly and I laugh and sing along.
We end up ordering more coffee and snacks for everyone, and we burn through it all quickly. Carly tries to make food, and I wave her off, instead ordering takeout from Chaos & Cocktails. The delivery driver leaves it at the back door. We all eat and talk about music, make-up, and anything else that comes up.
I’m getting a manicure at the kitchen counter while my hair is in gigantic rollers.
“We’re like that scene from Steel Magnolias.” Carly sighs. “I love that movie.”
