“Do you have yucca soap?” Olivia couldn’t help asking.
“Something much better. And I’ll see what I can do with those nails.”
Michelle gently took Olivia by the arm and led her toward the back of the shop.
“But before we make your hair all clean and shiny . . .” she lowered her voice
and leaned over, whispering in Olivia’s ear, “I have something even better for you. Something that will make you feel brand new, more than a silly dress. You
should let my girl Sarah May give you a good body rub. She’s just next door and
could come right over, if you want.”
Olivia looked at her blankly, having no idea what she was talking about.
“She hardly charges anything. Your hair, nails, the body rub, everything,
together with the dress, would only come to four bits.”
Feeling as if she were entering a foreign country, Olivia allowed herself to be
led into a windowless room containing only a waist-high bed. Michelle handed
her what looked like a chemise.
“Just hang your clothes on those hooks there.” Michelle nodded at the wall.
“And put this on.”
Olivia took the chemise and held it up. “It’s open down the front,” she said, a
scowl coming over her features. “It doesn’t even have any buttons.”
“Actually, it’s open down the back. How else can she rub your back?”
“I’m sorry, but I have to be going.” Olivia let the garment fall to the bed and
turned to leave. Is this woman crazy?
“Wait. Please.” Michelle came after her. “I’m sorry if I said something that upset you. Please, don’t go.”
Olivia turned to face her.
“I’m sorry.” Michelle went on. “You’re so young. I should have explained,
should have guessed it might frighten you, a complete stranger telling you to take off your clothes, here in a store.” She took a step forward and put her hand
lightly on Olivia’s arm. “I’ll just wash your hair if that’s all you want, but there’s
nothing for you to be frightened of. I promise. No one but Sarah May will come
in and there’s a bolt on the door, so if you want, you can lock it from the inside.”
Olivia didn’t move or speak.
“You really should try it. I promise you’ll be glad you did. You look so … so
worn out. Like a big, bad wolf could blow you right over, with just one huff.
Wouldn’t need a single puff.”
Olivia couldn’t help smiling.
“Sara May does a wonderful job. You wouldn’t believe it looking at her, she’s so tiny and all. But that girl has hands on her like a vise. And she knows how to
use them. I let her work on me every week.”
Olivia continued to stare at the floor and Michelle lowered her head, trying to
peek into Olivia’s face. “You look so sad and exhausted. I think it’s just what you need.”
Olivia was amazed to find herself submitting to this woman and allowing
herself to be led away.
“Just hang your dress up and put that thing on,” Michelle said, smiling as she
picked a towel from a shelf. “Lie on your stomach. If you’re shy about Sarah May seeing your drawers, you can cover your behind with this.” She tossed the
