Chapter Thirteen

Asheville, North Carolina That Same Day The Makeover

T he minute she returned to the café, Luna phoned her long-time college buddy. "Honey pie!" Luna always referred to Gail that way.

"Sweetcakes!" was always Gail's response. "What is going on?"

"Got a minute?" Luna asked.

"Absolutely. Speak to me."

"Ellie wants me to go to Sedona to check out some of the artists at Tlaquepaque. She's doing an ornament exhibit featuring native and indigenous artists. She wants to display them with a placard explaining the origin of the pieces. I have to find five or six artists who would want to participate."

"Oh, that is fantastic! I don't think anyone would say no," Gail said.

"Well, you know how some artists can be."

"True. True. But I know several that would jump at the opportunity to have their work shown in a prestigious art center in Asheville."

"Oh, good. That will save me a little time. Give us more time to play!" Luna began to immerse herself in the planning of her trip. "So . . . can I stay with you?"

"Do you have to ask?" Gail laughed. "Of course, you can."

"I don't want to impose on you and Robert."

"Our B&B is available the entire month. You and I can stay there together. We'll be out of Robert's hair!" Gail hooted. "I sent you the pics, right?"

"You did. And it's beautiful. I can't believe you laid all that tile yourself."

"Remember? My father made my siblings and me help him lay the paving stones for the rear garden."

"That was a rather impressive undertaking."

"I could probably become a mason, but now that I'm getting regular manicures, that's out of the question." She laughed. "Once I laid that last piece of tile, I decided that tile work, masonry work, or any other kind of construction work was going to be done by professionals. I'll supervise," she declared.

"Isn't it funny how when we get older, there are things we wouldn't dream of doing now?"

"Ooh, baby. You can say that again!" Gail roared.

Luna laughed. "Ha! Yes, there are things we would undo if given the opportunity."

"Ah. Historical revisionism. If only."

"Politicians do it all the time!" Luna pointed out.

"Well, that is true."

"How about historical eraserism?" Another new word for Luna's dictionary.

"I like that. Can I use it?" Gail chuckled.

"Be my guest."

"And you be my guest."

"That's fair." Luna took a breath. "I have to make a few phone calls to clear the decks. How about I get back to you tomorrow or the day after?"

"Perfect. This is going to be . . . So. Much. Fun. How about we plan it around the solstice? We'll get up and watch the sunrise from Bell Rock. Like we did when I first moved here."

"Fantastic! And your other mission will be to book us a spot at that fabulous spa on Oak Creek."

"Where we went in the hot tub? And it was forty degrees outside?"

"That's the place! My treat!" Luna offered.

"You don't have to do that."

"I know I don't have to. But I want to. It'll be an early birthday present."

"Fab! Okay, sweetcakes. I gotta run. Check in when you have a date, and we'll nail everything down. Love you!"

"Love you too!" Luna ended the call. She felt a sudden burst of energy and a total mood shift. She sent Chris a text, asking if he had a minute to talk. She didn't like to interrupt him when he was at work. She included No rush so he wouldn't think it was an emergency. He responded he'd call within the hour.

In the meantime, Luna began to check online for hair salons. Chi-Chi did her own hair and cut Luna's when she needed an inch or two removed to freshen the ends, so there wasn't anyone around who could recommend a salon. Maybe Ellie. She buzzed her via the walkie-talkie. "Hey, Ellie, can you recommend a good salon?"

"Of course, dear—Les Cheveux. Ask for Felipé. And please be sure to pronounce it with an accent over the last E ," Ellie instructed, with a bit of a giggle.

"Thanks, Ellie. I shall call them and ask for Felipé." Luna had been sporting the same hairstyle since college. And her granny dresses needed an update, as well. She went to the Les Cheveux website and checked out their extensive gallery of styles and color. She gravitated to the ombre style again. The one she particularly liked started as a warm brown at the roots and continued for about three inches, then gradually turned to a lighter brown, and then a brownish blond at the end. She would have to cut her hair in order for it to look right. She pulled her long braid around and measured about a foot, maybe more. It was going to be drastic, for sure.

Instead of being nervous about cutting her hair, Luna was excited. For some reason, she felt as if she were getting a fresh start. Not that she needed one, but all the change in Chris's life would invariably impact hers. She noted the photo and phoned the salon. She crossed her fingers in the hope they would have an opening before she chickened out. Fortunately, they had a cancellation for later that day, and Luna scooped it up. She began to browse through a few retail websites to see how she could change up her wardrobe. The hippy-dippy bohemian look was so last decade. Several, in fact.

Luna jumped when her phone rang. "Hey!" she greeted Chris.

"Hey, dollface. What's up?"

"Ellie asked me to go to Sedona to scout out Native American art at Tlaquepaque."

"That sounds like fun. Sedona is right up your alley," Chris replied.

"Yes, it is. I'm going to stay with Gail."

"Someone better notify the authorities," Chris chided.

"Very funny," Luna remarked. "I wanted to see what your schedule was like so I can plan accordingly."

"I just got out of a meeting with the director. I have to go to a special training lab for two weeks and am waiting for Evan to get back to me to see if he has any idea how soon we'll get a hearing."

"Right."

"Lucinda is moving very soon, so that may push the needle, but you know how bureaucracy goes. The upside is that she can move, but without Carter. Not until the judge decides who has custody. And then there's school. He'll start here, which will also help my case. The courts don't like disruption."

"True. I remember when I was in social services, the child's best interest was always the most important thing. Not what mommy or daddy wanted."

"Carter needs to have an evaluation, too, but that won't happen until the paperwork is filed."

"Lots of balls in the air," Luna noted.

"Exactly. That being said, I can't plan my orientation lab until I get a handle on what's happening with Carter. I don't want to be out of town when he's with the shrink."

"But when you are out of town, where will he stay? With Lucinda, I presume?"

"That's another thing. There is a baseball camp he wants to go to. That's also a two-week stint, and I'm hoping I can arrange for both things to happen at the same time."

"You certainly have a lot of things going on. I don't want to add to your list of things to juggle."

"I don't mind juggling you at all," Chris teased.

"Gail suggested I go out there for the solstice, June twentieth. We'll climb Bell Rock to watch the sunrise."

"That sounds rather spectacular."

"It is. We did it several years ago when she first moved there. We got up before dawn and put on our hiking boots. The morning light was just bright enough so we could climb. We thought we would be the only people there, but as we ascended, we came across about a dozen people who had the same idea in mind. You're right. It was spectacular."

"I don't want to hold up your travel plans, but I'm in a bit of limbo-land right now. You should probably put your trip together, and we'll wing it until I get a better grasp on things."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Luna? Thanks for checking with me."

"About what?"

"Scheduling." He chuckled.

"Oh. That. You mean the thing couples normally do?" Luna egged him on.

"Yes, dollface. Couples. You. Me." He paused. "And I thought you were the smart one."

"Well, I am. I was simply being considerate." She threw the conversational ball back.

"You always are."

"Please don't tell me I'm too nice. I hate it when people say that to me. It makes me want to be not nice."

Chris laughed. "That will never happen."

"You're probably right, although I do have my limits. Just sayin'."

"You? Limits? Hardly."

"Okay, okay. You got me." Luna chuckled. "I've gotta run. We'll talk later."

"You got it. Enjoy the rest of the day."

Enjoying the rest of her day was exactly what Luna had in mind. She didn't tell Chris about the news of her friend Brendan's death. There was nothing he could do about that. She also didn't mention the planned makeover. She wanted to surprise him. But she was going to tell Chi-Chi and ask if she would go with her. She picked up the walkie-talkie and buzzed her friend.

"Want to go on a mission with me?"

"Oh, my. I am not sure what that means. What kind of mission?" Chi-Chi scrunched up her face, waiting for a Luna-lunatic type of reply.

"Remember I said I was considering a makeover?"

"Yes?" It was more of a question than a statement.

"And that ombre hairstyle I liked?"

"Yes?"

"I made an appointment for two o'clock."

"Today?"

"Yes. Today. I don't want to chicken out."

"I see. What time do you want to leave?"

"Well, I was also thinking about buying a few new items for my wardrobe."

"You are going for many changes, I see."

"Well, an update, if nothing else."

"So you want to do some shopping." That was more of a statement than a question.

"I was looking online, and there's a shop in Asheville called Natural Elements. I'd like to check it out before I go to the salon."

"You mean before we go to the salon." Another statement.

"So you'll go with me?"

"I cannot let Luna Bodman experiment without adult supervision. What time shall we leave?"

"You are the best! How about in an hour? We can grab some lunch."

After saying goodbye to Chi-Chi, Luna dashed into Cullen's workshop. "Can you take Wylie for me?"

"Sure. What's up?" He wiped his hands on a shop towel.

"I have a few errands to run." She wasn't telling him what she had in mind. He'd either try to talk some sense into her or be indifferent. And she wasn't in the mood for anyone to throw another bucket of water on her.

Soon, the two women got into Luna's car and drove twenty minutes to Asheville. During the drive, Luna relayed her unnerving information about Brendan.

"I am so sorry to hear this," Chi-Chi said with deep affection. "I know it must be hard for you to absorb such disturbing news, especially when there is no explanation."

Luna let out a huge sigh. "You got that right. It's all a little spooky, even for me. I tried to talk to Cullen about it. You know, the dresser, the mementos, then this news. He said not everything is connected, that it's just a strange coincidence."

"Perhaps he is right on this particular occasion." After Chi-Chi's attempts at squelching Luna's concern, she changed the subject. "Tell me. What kind of wardrobe are you thinking about?" she asked.

"I saw some cute capri leggings. There's a blue tie-dyed pair and a floral pair, and one chambray."

"The tie-dye suits your existing wardrobe."

"True. I don't want my legs to go into shock with too abrupt a change in clothing." Luna laughed. "My plan is to pair them with tank tops, a short-sleeved cropped jacket, and a kimono. This way, I can have multiple outfits without going completely crazy."

"Oh, girl, you went completely crazy many years ago." Chi-Chi kept a straight face.

"Why does everyone always pick on me?" Luna put on a fake frown.

"Because it is easy." Chi-Chi laughed.

Natural Elements proved to be a boon for Luna. The boutique was having a sale! A perky salesperson greeted them. Luna described the clothing she'd seen online, and the woman was happy to point her in the right direction. "Look!" Luna whispered to Chi-Chi. "It's a BOGO sale."

"I see that. Buy one and get fifty percent off the second pair."

"Exactly. That means I shall buy two pairs, which means I'll actually be getting one for free!"

"And you said you were not good at math." Chi-Chi smiled.

Luna dug through the pile of leggings on the display table and found the blue tie-dyed pair and the floral in her size. Chi-Chi combed the adjacent table and pulled out the chambray. "Oh, they have them in black, too." She handed the leggings to Luna.

"Go try these on."

Luna made her way to the dressing room. The salesperson walked over and asked if they needed help. Chi-Chi rolled her eyes. "My friend is on a mission to update her wardrobe."

The salesperson eyed Luna up and down. "I think we can bring you into the new millennium." She grinned.

It was Luna's turn to roll her eyes. "I thought Boho was in fashion again."

"It is. But . . ."

"Don't you start picking on me, too." Luna made a face.

"My friend is very sensitive." Chi-Chi smirked.

"How about I pull a few things together to go with those leggings." The salesperson raised her eyebrows at Chi-Chi, thinking Luna might not have any fashion sense whatsoever.

"I want a few tank tops, crop jacket, a kimono, and a tunic," Luna called over her shoulder before she shut the louvered door to the dressing room.

The woman worked her way across the shop and quickly pulled items from the rack. "Try these." She hung them on the hook on the outside of the dressing room. A few minutes later, Luna exited wearing the blue tie-dyed leggings with a navy tank top and a cropped denim jacket.

"You look adorable!" the salesperson gushed.

"That's not exactly what I was going for, but I kinda like the way this comes together." Luna went back inside and tried on another outfit. This time, it was the rust-and-yellow paisley tunic over the black leggings and black tank.

"Very smart-looking. Sophisticated," the salesclerk cooed.

"I'll take smart and sophisticated," Luna said. She twirled in front of the mirror. "Next! Should I do the chambray or black leggings with the kimono?" she called through the louvers.

"You can do either. Chambray if it's casual, black if it's a little more formal. Like dinner. You can create several outfits with the pieces you have," the salesperson advised.

Luna swung open the door. "Ta-da! That's exactly what I had in mind. It'll be much easier for me to pack."

"You traveling soon?"

"Yes, I'm going to Sedona."

"Wonderful. I've never been, but I've heard great things."

"It's magical." Luna sighed. She handed over the leggings, tanks, jacket, kimono, and tunic. "It's still pretty Boho-ish." Luna smiled. "I'll take all of it."

The salesperson's head snapped up. She couldn't remember the last time when a customer came in, knew what she wanted, and purchased almost a dozen pieces in less than a half hour. "Perfect," she gushed, while calculating her commission in her head.

Luna squeezed Chi-Chi's arm. "This is so exciting."

"I am very happy to see you are more like yourself today. Last week, you were in a state. You seem more relaxed now," Chi-Chi replied.

"I am. I have a mission to complete." Luna chuckled.

"Yes. We know that you are not happy unless you are on a mission," Chi-Chi needled her.

They walked to the counter while the salesperson carefully wrapped each item in tissue and placed everything into two rigid burlap shopping totes. Luna handed over her credit card.

"But you do not know how much it is going to cost." Chi-Chi looked at her with concern.

"It doesn't matter. I checked the prices when I was online and knew what I could afford. The sale was a bonus!" Luna's eyes grew wide.

"Do you need new shoes?" Chi-Chi didn't want to encourage her friend to spend more money, but it was a valid question. If you're going to do something, go all the way.

"Probably a pair of booties."

The salesperson added her two cents. "They'll look great with the outfits you chose."

"Can you recommend a store?" Luna asked as she returned the plastic to her wallet.

"There's a boutique around the corner. Cute, trendy, but the prices are reasonable."

"Great! Thanks!" Luna grabbed her bounty of fashion goodies. "And thanks for your help."

"My pleasure. Have a nice trip!"

"Thank you!"

"Goodbye." Chi-Chi nodded and smiled.

They meandered over to the shoe store, and Luna checked the time. "We have about an hour for the next phase of my transformation. Coffee?"

"I am not sure if caffeine is what I need to watch your transformation. Perhaps decaf."

Luna chuckled. "Let's check out the shoes first."

"You are the leader in this adventure."

Luna spotted a pair of Doc Martens in the window. Chi-Chi guided Luna's attention to the Sofft slouch boots. "Those are much more feminine. You do not want to look like a lumberjack, do you?"

"You're right. Besides, I have a similar pair, and they're just a little beat-up."

"Then I suggest you try those." Chi-Chi pointed to the Sofft boots again. "You can take your mechanic boots to a shoemaker and have them refurbished."

"Good thinkin'. See, that's why I needed you here."

"I have come to realize that you truly do need adult supervision most of the time."

Luna poked Chi-Chi with her elbow. "Hey. You're starting to sound like my brother."

"I have learned a lot of things from your brother."

Luna gave her a sideways glance. "Am I going to have to kill him now?"

"You had better not." Chi-Chi wagged a finger at Luna in jest.

Luna approached a young man behind the counter. "Hi. Do you have the Sofft slouch waterproof in a seven?"

He looked over his wire-rimmed glasses. "Let me check." He then disappeared into the back of the store.

Luna mumbled to Chi-Chi, "And let's not forget new glasses, too. He reminded me how dated they look," she chortled.

"We should wait until after your salon appointment."

"Again! Good thinkin'."

The man returned with a seven and a seven and a half. "Just in case."

Luna slipped off her everyday walking shoes and stepped into the soft leather bootie. "Mmmm . . . comfy."

"Yes, they are known for their comfort." He sounded a bit snide.

Luna nodded a few times. "Yes, I am aware. Thank you." She rolled her eyes at Chi-Chi, who bit her lip to keep from laughing.

Luna stomped around in the boots and decided they were exactly what she needed. "I'll take them. Thank you," she said, and handed him her credit card.

Chi-Chi took the shopping bag from the clerk, and they ventured back to the car.

"Not bad for an hour's work!" Luna exclaimed, as she tucked her shopping treasures into the back of her SUV. They hopped into the vehicle, and Luna punched the salon's address into her GPS. "I'm a little nervous," she squealed.

"Yes. I understand. I do not know what I would do without all of my hair."

Luna jerked her head. "I'll be getting rid of my hair!"

"This just occurred to you?" Chi-Chi looked at her suspiciously.

"Well, yes, and no. I mean, I was more focused on the look, rather than the process."

"Yes. It means you will have to cut your hair if you want it to look good. Your hair is much too long for that coloring."

"True. But I'm ready for it. Honest. I feel like I'm letting go of my past. Consciously and subconsciously. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually."

"I did not realize your past had such a hold on you," Chi-Chi mused.

"Neither did I. Not until I opened the drawers of my old dresser. Strange, isn't it? We hold on to things, not just in physical form, but in our head." She took a breath. "I mean, I know all of this intellectually, but I think it's the symbolism we cling to without being fully aware of what we are doing."

Chi-Chi thought for a moment. "I believe I understand what you are saying. It's like the women who still wear the same hairstyle they had in high school." Then she burst out laughing. It suddenly dawned on her she was referring to her friend.

"Thanks, pal."

"I did not mean you. The ones with the big bangs."

"And the massive amounts of blue eyeshadow!" Luna barked.

"That is exactly what I am talking about."

"And you are correct, my friend. I've had the same hairstyle since high school. The only exception is that I never had bangs. Or blue eyeshadow!" Luna smirked. "I had no idea I was one of those people."

"You are not."

"Well, if I am, that's about to change."

"As long as you do not change." Chi-Chi patted Luna's hand.

"I'm shedding my past. I think it's a very symbolic gesture."

"I could not agree more."

"Do me a favor, please? Look up Locks of Love?"

"Yes, the donation site. I used them several years ago. Ah, here. There is a form you can fill out. I will send you the link."

"Thank you. I'll be happy to know my hair went to a kid who lost their hair because of cancer treatments. Boy, that must be horrible. Your body is subjected to intense treatments that kick you in the tush, and you lose your hair as a thank-you. It's terrible."

"But they are making progress every day."

"True. And so is cancer. When I was a kid, you rarely heard of anyone getting cancer. Now, they say one out of every three people will be diagnosed with one form or another. It's scary."

"It is. And that is why we count our blessings every day."

"So true, girlfriend. So true." Luna pulled into the parking area for the salon. "Here goes!"

They walked into Les Cheveux and were greeted by a bald man. Luna attempted to stifle a chuckle. Not a good endorsement. Chi-Chi was thinking the same thing and could not suppress her big smile.

The man in the black shirt, black pants, diamond stud earring, and the shiny chrome dome brushed his cue ball with his hand. "Is this what you have in mind, dearie?" Everyone burst out laughing. "Puh-lease. I get that reaction with every new client." He became animated. " Do I really want a Baldilocks working on my hair!" He spun on his heel. "Of course, you do, darling."

"Of course I do?" Luna sounded dubious.

"You must be Luna. I'm Felipé." He accentuated the é . "Not Phil or Fel-eep. It's Fel-eep-é. Now that we have that straight, follow me, darling." He looked at Chi-Chi. "My, you are one delicious thing. You can come, too."

They followed him past a row of minimalistic white chairs that ran along the black walls of the sleek reception area. A large white vase with palm fronds sat on an oblong glass table.

Next was another room in reverse color with a row of eight black salon chairs that faced individual mirrored stations hung on white walls. Three of the stations were occupied with customers, and the stylists were wearing black smocks with the salon's logo. One stylist had an ear-hugging asymmetrical cut with the short side colored in bright fuchsia. The second stylist had a chin-length cut with black bangs and blond hair. Luna was getting nervous. Felipé could tell by the look of horror on her face. "Don't panic, lovie. They are victims of a hair show." He called out to them, "I told you not to go. You both need to do something. You're scaring the customers."

He showed Luna to a chair and gestured for Chi-Chi to take the next seat. He leaned against the station and folded his arms. "Let me guess. You want to lop off those locks."

"I need a change. Oh, and now that you mentioned locks, I want to donate my hair to the charity."

"That's wonderful, darling. And because you are being so kind, we will not charge you for the haircut. You can fill out the paperwork here, and we'll ship it to them."

"Terrific," Luna replied. "I was looking through your gallery." She pulled up the style she liked on her phone and showed it to him.

"Darling, you are in luck. That particular 'do is one of my creations." He tilted his head this way and that, looking at Luna from various angles. "I think that would do well for you."

He looked at Chi-Chi.

She shrugged.

"Today I am her chaperone, but she makes the decisions."

Felipé chuckled. "Okay. Patrice is going to get you set up."

A young woman showed Luna to a dressing room and gave her a smock. "You can take off your top if you'd like and hang it on the hooks. We're going to put a cape over this, so you might be more comfortable. You'll be sitting under a heat lamp." Patrice closed the door and waited outside.

Luna followed the instructions, removed her peasant shirt, and pulled the smock on. She wrapped the belt around her waist. She took another look at her long braid. "It's been swell." Then she flung it back over her shoulder.

Chi-Chi was waiting in the chair, reading a cooking magazine. "Are you ready, my friend?"

"As ready as I will ever be," Luna said nervously.

Felipé returned. "Okay, darling, I am going to turn you around so you are facing away from the mirror. Cutting hair this long can be traumatic, and I don't want you to freak out. Okay?"

"Okay!" Luna breathed out the word. "Chi-Chi? Are you going to stay and watch this?"

"I do not know if I should." She was being sincere. "I may have an expression on my face that you will misinterpret."

"Oh great." Luna looked at Felipé. "How long is this going to take?"

"As long as it takes, dear. We do not rush this sort of thing."

"Ballpark?"

"Two hours, at least."

"Ah. Then I think I shall go for a walk in the neighborhood," said Chi-Chi. "There is a brewery Cullen has been talking about. They do some sort of tour he seemed interested in. I shall get some information for him."

"That's very thoughtful," Luna said. "Even if you're leaving me alone here. With this man!" She laughed nervously.

"It is better if we see the final results together," Chi-Chi said calmly. "Good luck."

"Thank you," Luna said.

"I meant to Felipé." Chi-Chi grinned and left.

Felipé pumped the chair up so he could be face to face with Luna. "I'm thinking to here." He touched her collarbone.

She winced.

"It will be alright. Trust me."

"I have no choice, do I?"

"No. You are in my power now," he said in jest.

He loosened her braid and took a wide-tooth comb and pulled it through her soon-to-be-gone, waist-length hair. "You have nice hair, and I have to tell you it is really a good idea to cut it. As we get older, our hair thins." He rolled his eyes and leaned in. "I ought to know," he continued. "Brushing and combing these locks will pull more hair out."

Luna agreed. "Yes, I've noticed more in my brush and comb."

"And let me tell you something, those celebrities who have all that long hair? Fake. Fake. Fake. Nobody has real hair like that, unless you're eighteen years old."

"That's about when I let it grow."

"See?" He pulled his scissors from a leather case, grabbed her hair, and pulled it into a ponytail just below her shoulder blades. From there, he unceremoniously lobbed off over a foot of hair. "For the children," he said. "You are doing a good thing. You truly are."

Luna could feel the difference already. The warmth and weight of her mane was no longer there. She was surprised that it actually felt good. He continued to clip and snip until he was satisfied with the length. "Alright, my pretty. On to the next phase."

Luna reached around her back. It was truly gone. She took a few breaths and muttered, "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay."

"You're gonna be gorgeous."

He next rolled out a cart with several tubs of various shades of hair color. Felipé and his assistant proceeded to part Luna's hair in quarter-inch sections. Starting at the bottom, he began to paint, then foil, another section, paint, then foil, until her head was covered in foil strips. "Now we wait for the magic to happen!" Felipé said with great enthusiasm. "Can we get you anything? Coffee? Water? Tea? Crumpets?"

"You have crumpets?" Luna said with surprise.

"It is teatime, dearie."

"How about smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches? Or cucumber and cream cheese? Perhaps some cheese and chutney?" Luna was teasing, but there was a surprise in store.

"Oh, darling. You have come to the right place." He snapped his fingers, and Patrice rolled in another cart loaded with three tiers of sandwiches, scones, and cakes.

"Whoa! That looks incredible! No wonder Ellie likes to come here. And now I know where she got her penchant for scones. We have them every morning." Luna was delighted at the yummy feast set in front of her.

"Shall I fix you a plate?" Patrice offered.

Luna pointed to a few items. "I'll have one of those and two of these."

Patrice added a few other things. "Just in case."

Several minutes later, Chi-Chi returned. "Are you having a party without me?"

"Please. Join in." Felipé gestured to the cart.

"Do you do this every day?" Chi-Chi asked.

"It depends on which clients are coming in. I must confess, Ellie phoned and told us all about you. Both of you, as a matter of fact. You will tell her we took good care of you, won't you?"

"Of course!" Luna exclaimed with cream-cheesed lips.

"This is quite lovely," Chi-Chi said. "Perhaps I should cut my hair, too?"

"Don't you dare," Luna said.

Felipé looked at Chi-Chi. "Ditto. You have gorgeous hair, and you do it beautifully." He was referring to her box braids tied in a scarf.

"Thank you. I occasionally take a flat iron to it, but that takes me a very long time."

"We have a special straightening system. It takes about two hours, but it will last for up to six months."

"That is very interesting. I may consider it. But not today." She popped a piece of cake in her mouth.

Several more minutes passed until the timer buzzed, indicating it was time to wash Luna's hair. Within the hour, she would be leaving with a new hairstyle. When she returned to the chair, she was still facing away from the mirror. Felipé and Patrice began spraying her wet hair with several treatments. One was to protect her hair from the heat, the other was to give her volume, and the third was for gloss and shine. Like two pistol-packing cowboys, the stylists whipped out the blow-dryers and went to work, tousling, finger-waving, and primping. Luna could tell it was looking good by the expression on everyone's faces. She was itching to see for herself. Within a few minutes, Felipé asked, "Are you ready for the big reveal?"

"Am I ever!" Luna exclaimed, and Felipé spun her around.

"Oh. My. Gosh. I look like a totally different person." She tossed her head back and forth, her hair brushing against her collarbones. "Is that really me?"

"In the flesh, dearie." Felipé stood back. "You're loving it, I can tell."

"Absolutely!" Luna kept turning her head from side to side. "Why didn't I think about doing this sooner?"

"Better late than never," Felipé responded.

"You look beautiful," Chi-Chi said admiringly. "No one is going to recognize you."

"I think that might be a good thing." Luna took the handheld mirror from Patrice, who spun her around to check the back. "It's fabulous! Thank you so much!"

"A pleasure." Felipé gave a short bow.

Patrice removed the cape and sent Luna back to the dressing room, where she found one of her shopping bags. She smiled. Chi-Chi wanted Luna to get the full effect of her new look. Luna decided on the chambray capri leggings, a white tank top, and the denim jacket. She stared at herself in the mirror. "Hello. My name is Luna. Nice to meet you." She was elated. Wired for sound, as some say. She exited the dressing room and was met with applause.

"You look wonderful, my friend." Chi-Chi embraced her. "Chris and your brother will be dumbfounded."

"I wonder if either of them will even be able to figure me out." Luna laughed. It was true. She looked completely different with her new hairstyle and her new clothes. "But first I need new glasses. These whoppers are too big, and my wire-rims are too outdated."

Felipé crossed his arms and placed his finger against his lips. "I think maybe a cat-eye frame. Something with one of the colors in your hair."

"So far, you haven't steered me wrong. I will consider your suggestion."

The entourage moved back to the reception area, where Luna paid the hefty tab of 500 dollars for her color. It was worth every penny, as far as she was concerned.

Felipé gave her a peck on each cheek. "You look marvelous, darling. Good luck!" He turned to Chi-Chi. "Shall I make an appointment for you?"

Chi-Chi hesitated. Luna jumped in. "Come on, my friend. If I can do it, you can do it."

"And you say it can last up to six months?" Chi-Chi asked Felipé.

"Yes."

"And I can still braid it?"

"Absolutely. You will have all the options."

Chi took a deep breath. "Alright. I shall do it."

Luna was giddy. "I'll come with you for moral support. As long as they serve high tea."

"Of course," Felipé replied.

Chi-Chi looked through her phone calendar.

"Make sure it's not when I'm away," Luna added, and provided the dates of her travel plans.

"June thirtieth it is," Felipé confirmed. "You girls go have some fun now, but stay out of trouble."

Chi-Chi laughed. "That is why I am here."

Luna was walking on air. "I can't believe how good all of this feels. My transformation. My metamorphosis."

"It is true. You have gone from a caterpillar to a butterfly."

Luna frowned. "I was a caterpillar?"

"Do not be ridiculous. I was simply using a metaphor. Do not be so touchy." Chi-Chi gave her a tap on the elbow.

"Ha. Let's call Cullen and tell him to meet us for dinner."

"You still need to get new glasses."

"Right. There's a one-hour place on the way back. We'll stop there and then call him."

"One more thing," Chi-Chi added. "You should stop at Blue Mercury and have them recommend some makeup."

Luna looked surprised. "Why? Do I look awful?"

"No, you do not look awful, but with your new hairstyle and color, perhaps they can recommend something that would go better than what you have been wearing. Maybe you will not need anything, but if you are going all this way, it could not hurt. We shall pick out your glasses and go to Blue Mercury while we wait."

"Good idea. See? This is why I need you with me." Luna grinned.

When they arrived at Spectacular Spectacles, Luna gravitated to the rack of cat-eye – shaped glasses.

"Love your hair," one of the clerks commented.

"Thank you!"

"Can I help you with anything?" the clerk asked. She was a woman in her forties and was wearing a name tag in the shape of eyeglasses that said M AUREEN .

"I need a new pair and am thinking about this shape." Luna pulled on a pair of cat-eyes with a tortoise frame.

"I think that's too busy for your hair. The frame is good, but maybe in a solid?" Maureen handed Luna a pair of amber frames.

"They're perfect!" Luna exclaimed. "Can you have them ready in an hour?"

"That's what we do here," Maureen assured her.

"Terrific!" Luna replied. She turned to Chi-Chi. "Can you call Cullen and tell him to meet us at Three Brothers at, say, seven?"

"Of course, I can." Chi-Chi punched in Cullen's number on her speed-dial and relayed the instructions.

"What are the two of you up to?" Cullen asked with mocking suspicion.

"You will see. Bye." That was Chi-Chi, alright—blunt and to the point.

Luna and Chi-Chi walked two blocks to Blue Mercury, where a young man greeted them with, "Love your hair!"

"Me too!" Luna said in response. She was delighted about receiving two compliments in the past fifteen minutes.

"What can we help you with today?" the man asked.

"I want to be sure I'm wearing the right makeup for my hair. I just had it done."

He brought her near a lighted mirror and checked her face, this way and that. "Your foundation is fine, but I think you might want to ditch the pink blush and go with a more peach and russet tone. Same thing with eyeshadow. Do you normally wear it?"

Luna was grateful her puffy, bloodshot eyes had calmed down since that morning. She removed her big glasses. "Most of the time I just do a quick swipe of light brown. If I'm doing something special, I use a deeper shade in the crease."

"Let's try this." He took a palette off a hook and began to apply a light gold pearl shadow under her brow, and then swiped a chestnut brown to the rest of her lids, followed by a few strokes of black eyebrow pencil and a smudge of brown eyeliner pencil. "Now your eyes have similar tones as your hair, but they stand out because of the eyeliner." He stepped back. "Most people think they have to draw one steady line, but you can dot the rims and then blend it." Then he tried a peach shade of lipstick with a little gloss. "Perfection!"

"I think I'm going to try to wear my contacts more often," Luna said. "Now that I've figured out how to wear makeup without looking like a clown!" She turned to Chi-Chi. "What do you think?"

"I think you look beautiful." Chi-Chi smiled warmly.

"I'm waiting for a pair of cats-eye glasses in a solid amber frame." She winced, hoping she hadn't ruined her new glow.

"That will be perfect," the clerk replied. "Either way, you are stunning."

Luna did a double take. She could not recall anyone ever calling her stunning . "Cute." "Pretty." "Lovely." Never stunning . Chi-Chi was stunning. Luna began to blush. "Thank you."

Chi-Chi was grinning. "My friend has gone through a great transformation today," she explained to the makeup artist. "She used to have hair down to her waist, wore baggy granny dresses, and wire-rimmed glasses most of the time."

"You could have fooled me," the man said earnestly.

Luna laughed. "Well, it took me long enough to get here. I'd been sporting that look almost half my life."

"Now you can start a new one." He began to pack a few samples in a bag. "Try these on your own. If you like them, you can call me, and I'll send them to you, or you can pick them up. Or if you live close by, we can deliver it."

"We're at the Stillwell Center," Luna said. "I run The Namaste Café, and Chi-Chi is the creative genius at Silver and Stone."

"Wait. Are you the one who has the coffee shop there?" He ducked his head slightly and whispered, "You do readings?"

"Uh, yes," Luna whispered back.

"I was going to stop in, but the café was busy." He looked her over from head to toe. "You were the one with the long braid and maxi dress?"

"That would be me. Correction. That was me. This is the new me."

"I approve," he said.

Luna reached into her purse and handed him her business card. "Please call and make an appointment. Gratis."

"That's very kind of you," he replied.

"You have been very kind to me. Thank you." She took her small bag of samples, shook his hand, and said, "Please don't hesitate."

Chi-Chi and Luna walked back to the eyeglass shop and picked up Luna's new frames. Maureen was right—they went well with her hair, and now her makeup, too. On the way to Three Brothers, Luna could not wipe the smile off her face. Chi-Chi looked over at her. "It is nice to see you smiling again. And again. Now I understand what they mean by ‘retail therapy.' " She laughed.

"And hair, and makeup, and glasses therapy." Luna chuckled.

They were the first to arrive at the pizzeria. Gorgio greeted them. "Nice to see you, Chi-Chi. And who is your new friend?"

Chi-Chi didn't answer, and Luna stared at him without saying a word. Then her face broke out in a big smile. It gave her away immediately.

"Luna! Que bella ! I didn't recognize you!" Gorgio was truly surprised.

"I needed a change," Luna explained.

" Molto bene ! Change is good." He inspected her new threads. "Everything. Bellissima ! You want to sit inside or outside?"

Luna looked at Chi-Chi. "Outside?"

"It's your day, my new friend."

Gorgio walked them to a table on the sidewalk and handed them menus. "Something to drink?"

"I think I'll have a pinot gris. Really chilled," Luna said.

"I shall have the same," Chi-Chi answered.

Gorgio walked briskly inside and returned with a bottle in a stainless-steel cooler, along with two glasses. "Make that three glasses, please. Cullen is joining us," Luna explained.

"What are you in the mood for?" Luna asked Chi-Chi.

"Nothing too heavy. I put too many little cakes in my stomach."

"Cappellini? It's light. Maybe pomodoro or with lemon and garlic?"

"Now I am hungry," Chi-Chi said while perusing the rest of the menu.

"I think I'll have shrimp scampi over capellini," Luna said. "And a side of broccoli rabe. I'll stink of garlic!"

"That sounds delicious. I do not mind you smelling like garlic." Chi-Chi laughed. "But I will have my capellini with lemon."

Luna and Chi-Chi toasted to Luna's "refurbishment" and waited for Cullen to arrive before they placed their order. Several minutes passed, and then Wylie trotted toward the table, with Cullen lagging behind. Wylie immediately nudged Luna's arm. Cullen stopped. Who is that? he wondered. Then he heard his sister's voice. "Holy Toledo!" He pulled out a chair and stared. "Wow. Look at you." His mouth was agape. "Is this a permanent thing?" He eyed her hair, then her clothes. She pulled off her glasses so he could see her makeup before she plunked them back on.

"What do you think of your sister's new look?" Chi-Chi asked.

"She will always be the same character, but now it is in a different costume," Cullen roared. "I have to admit, you look pretty darn good."

"Why, thank you. I feel pretty good, too," Luna said.

"What brought all of this on?" he asked.

"Believe it or not, the dresser. Going through all my old stuff made me realize part of me was stuck in the past. Trapped by things that I hadn't really resolved on a subconscious level."

Cullen hesitated, then said, "Do you think the news about Brendan had something to do with it?"

Luna let out a sigh. "It was the final push I needed. Going through the box was illuminating, but getting the news about him was the catalyst."

"Well, it might have been bad news, but some good came from it. You really look terrific." He could not stop staring at her.

"I agree," Chi-Chi chimed in.

"Does Chris know about this?" Cullen poured a glass of wine from the bottle that was sitting on the table.

"No. I want to surprise him," Luna replied.

"I can tell you this—he will be blown away." Cullen raised his glass. "To the new you!"