Next came the hard part - a make-do face-lift. Laura had several different kits on hand in her closet, all of which required using tape to lift her cheeks and to pull back the sagging skin under her chin. It took a bit of doing to get it right, but as soon as Teresa was finished, she artfully used the wig to cover the tape and then styled the hair around Laura's face.
After she applied just the right amount of makeup, Teresa took a step back and smiled. "Look at you - you look ten years younger."
"Thank you, dear."
At last, she helped her employer into the green gown and matching shoes, and then admired her work. "You look absolutely glorious."
"Do you really think so?" Laura asked.
"I do. You shall be the most beautiful woman at the ball."
"What time is it?"
"Eight forty-five. I heard the doorbell, so I suspect Mr. Connelly is waiting downstairs."
"He is early? Will wonders never cease?"
Teresa handed her a small clutch bag and then opened the door for her. "Have a marvelous time."
"I intend to. I have not seen some of those people in years, and it is about time I got reacquainted."
Teresa walked her to the top of the stairs and then watched to see Mathew's reaction. He completely ignored his glamorous wife, which made Teresa fume. As soon as she was at the bottom of the stairs, Laura went to the bar, swallowed a shot, and then turned to him and smiled. "Coming, Darling?"
Mathew grunted something inaudible, opened the door and walked out, leaving Laura behind.
Teresa rushed down the stairs to the door, held it for her and watched Laura walk to the limo. At least the chauffer held the car door for her.
At last, the limousine drove away.
*
Maggie felt ridiculous standing on a street corner in a floor-length, off the shoulder, white linen ball gown. However, it allowed her to show off the tan she managed to get over the summer, with the help of her recent visit to the zoo. She wore her dark hair down with just a little curl, and kept her makeup to a minimum.
When a white limo pulled up to the curb and stopped, she was surprised. Austin didn't wait for the chauffer to open the door for him. Instead, he got out and quickly walked to her. He was even more handsome in his black tie clothing than he had been in a business suit. His smiling eyes were so compelling, it took her breath away.
"You look stunning," he said as soon as he came close.