“Is even more of a negative.”
“Whatever. It’s not my fault math makes no sense.” Jean draped the caftan over the back of the lounge chair. “You need food.”
“I think my problems go beyond low blood sugar.”
“Stop by the kitchen and ask Keoki for a sandwich, then we’ll talk.” She was using the soothing tone that meant she was “managing” Libby, the way you’d placate a small child.
“I’m capable of making my own sandwich.”
“Not like Keoki. And when someone has a talent, you shouldhonor the gift.” She poked Libby in the shoulder for emphasis.
“I hate it when you talk Lillibet to me.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong. Eat something, then go get some freaking shells.”
“Why do you need shells?”
“Because we have a bunch of crap to decorate.”
“But I can’t do the artsy part.”
“Duh. I’ll handle it, but I’m going to be too busy with the Me Tree to go beachcombing.” Jean glanced at her phone. “We have three hours. Plenty of time for you to cool your jets and then come back here and get gussied up.”
“Why didn’t we invent someone who dresses like a cave troll and forgets to wash her hair?” Libby shoved her messy bun back to the middle of her head. “That’s relatable.”
“Nobody wants relatable. They’re looking for the fantasy, so they can pretend they have a snowball’s chance in hell of living that life, once they win the lottery and magically turn beautiful from all the great sex they’re having with their perfect lover while someone else washes their dishes.”
“That’s the most depressing inspirational speech I’ve ever heard.”
“You’re welcome.” Jean tipped her head at the door. “Now go, so we can get this show on the road.”
“Yes, mistress.” Hunching her shoulders, Libby gave the full Igor shuffle-drag as she lurched off in search of her last supper.
Chapter 6
lovelillibetWhenever I’m about to meet someone new, I take a few minutes to center my soul. Who am I? Which parts of me do I want to share? Before I can be known, I have to be intimate with myself.
The ritual of exfoliation and lavishing my skin with a quality essential oil (right now I’m loving cold-pressed jojoba with a hint of gardenia) puts me in the right frame of mind. It’s as if I’m smoothing away the layers that stand between the deepest me and the hope of true connection.
Love, Lillibet
Image: A gardenia bush in bloom.
#naturalperfume #bespokescents #onlyoneme #lavishlife
The town car slowed before turning off onto a narrow lane studded with warning signs.PRIVATE PROPERTY. KEEP OUT. NO PUBLIC ACCESS. YOU ARE TOO POOR TO LIVE HERE.The kind of person who created a holiday devoted to herself obviously wasn’t going to share a strip of asphalt with commoners.
They stopped in front of a tall metal fence. Hildy bounced in place as their driver entered the code she’d given him and the gate swung open.
It looked like a museum of architectural styles, the choose-your-own-mansion approach to designing a neighborhood: modern glass box, faux-Mediterranean, a Victorian cottage onsteroids. A sandy path threaded the gap between two houses, offering a glimpse of blue. Jefferson rolled down his window. He wanted to follow that trail to the end.
Hildy leaned forward to address their driver. “Can you stop for a second, please?” When he obliged, she turned to face Jefferson. “I think it’s best if Lillibet’s first impression of me is as a strong, independent businesswoman. Someone she wants to partner with for the next phase of her career. You know what I’m saying?”
For once, he did. “Why don’t I get out and stretch my legs, let the two of you get acquainted?”
“Great idea.”
He grabbed his camera bag with one hand, reaching for the door with the other. “I hope she’s everything you want her to be.”
