Reinventing Lindsey

by Maggie Brown

  But most disturbing was what was missing. Lindsey hadn’t simply left out the answers, she’d torn out the page. And it was obvious she didn’t like to be touched. Not that that was too odd; many people were reserved. But that, combined with the fact she had refused to fill out anything about relationships, sent alarm bells dinging. She had lots of work to do before Lindsey would be ready to hit the dating scene.

  Daisy toyed with the idea that maybe she should let Lindsey go. It was going to be a hard slog if the woman didn’t try to fit into the program. But she couldn’t bring herself not to help her. Once she had accepted a client, it wasn’t in her nature to pull out of the contract. But it wasn’t only that. Lindsey pulled at her heartstrings. Those last words she had written had sealed the deal. I’m lonely. She knew the feeling, and everybody deserved to be happy. Daisy would just have to do her very best to find her a loving wife.

  With a determined click, she opened Lindsey’s file on her laptop and began to fill in the next stage of the program. After the hair appointment tomorrow and the shopping spree for a new wardrobe the following day, it would be the weekend. Whether Lindsey would be prepared to work through Saturday, she had no idea, though she doubted the woman took too much time off for leisure activities. But if she was willing, then it was better they moved on quickly. Daisy was a little dubious that Lindsey would see the program through, so it was advisable to begin the tutorials while the iron was hot.

  Not that Lindsey would need to be taught the finer points in how to conduct herself in public. There was a subtle difference between those who were born to money and those who had acquired it later in life. No doubt, Lindsey Jamieson-Ford was a true blueblood. She was cultured, articulate, highly educated, and carried herself well. But while those attributes were admirable in polite society, they didn’t get you a date. There was another silent language to show your interest in someone. For some people it came naturally, others had to be shown.

  She typed in the pertinent points on Lindsey’s profile from the questionnaire, chuckling when she came to her ideal woman. A boring goody-two-shoe. Nothing about style, looks, sense of humour—she was describing her robots. Lindsey had no idea who would make her happy or what made women tick.

  And that was where Daisy came in. She was the dating version of Tom Cruise in Minority Report—correcting a looming disaster before it happened. Over the coming weeks, she would get to know what kind of personality would suit Lindsey and guide her in choosing the right fit. Naturally, sexual attraction had to be there as well, but that ball was solely in Lindsey’s court. It would be a delicate dance to combine the two satisfactorily. She hoped it wouldn’t be too long before Lindsey sighted the woman of her dreams.

  Her good humour sprang back when Allison came in with two salad rolls and a cheery smile. “I guess you haven’t had lunch yet.”

  “No. Great muffins for morning tea, though. Compliments of Lindsey’s housekeeper who can cook up a storm. They melted in my mouth.”

  “Maybe you can grab one for me the next time.” With a low grumble, Allison pushed aside papers to put down the tray. “I wish you’d tidy your desk occasionally.”

  Daisy swept an eye over it. Her latest files sat in untidy heaps around her laptop, yellow Post-it notes were stuck in a row down one side, while two framed photos of friends and family were arrayed on the other side along with a small vase of freshly cut yellow roses. “It’s not untidy, just casual,” she said, unable to contain a grin as the image of Lindsey’s perfectly arranged desk flashed into her mind. “I know exactly where everything is.”

  “Hmm…so you say. Now, tell me what happened today. You looked in a mood when you came in.”

  “Lindsey’s a real puzzle. After spending the morning with her and reading what she wrote on her profile, I’m more at a loss than ever to know what makes her tick.”

  “What kind of woman does she think attractive?”

  “A mature me with your face.”

  Allison arched a brow. “Care to explain?”

  “She likes my body type but in someone older. She only wrote to us because you were on the brochure. Apparently, you radiate ‘kindness and maturity,’” said Daisy, hooking two fingers in the air to punctuate the last words.

  “Really? That’s very flattering.”

  “What’s that smug look for? Don’t tell me you enjoy being a lesbian pinup girl?”

  “Ha! You’re just jealous. I’m taking it while I can. Obviously, Lindsey has good taste.”

  Reflectively, Daisy rubbed her fingers with the serviette. “On the serious side, I doubt if she’s socialized much doing ordinary things like catching a movie or going to the beach.”

  “Does she get out of the house?”

  “To their main lab in town once a week, so I presume she has friends there. Or at least colleagues. Maybe she goes places with them. I would just love to talk to them, but that would be prying. I’ll have to think of a way to get her to take me there.”

  Allison looked at her curiously. “You’re really interested in this one, aren’t you?”

  “She intrigues me. On one hand she’s cool and reserved, on the other she’s this warm, vulnerable, and talented scientist.”

  “Now you have to answer the question we always ask before starting a new case. Do you think you can help her?” asked Allison.

  “I think so, but it won’t be straightforward.”

  “You don’t want to invest a lot of time to find she needed a therapist instead. That’d be demoralising for both of you.”

  “I know she’s got problems, but they’re not insurmountable. It’s not as though I haven’t had difficult clients before,” said Daisy with authority. “She really needs my help and I’m going to give it to her.”

  “Okay, you know what you’re doing. So how are you going to go about it?”

  “After jazzing up her appearance, I’m going to take her out. Can you get me a couple of tickets to My Fair Lady? Everyone likes that one. She’s going to have to learn how to relax socially.”

  “I’ll get on to it and see what else is on offer,” Allison said. “Find out if she likes classical music—the symphony has a good program and I’ve season tickets you can borrow. If she’s into modern stuff, I think Taylor Swift is doing a tour. Then there’s always that country and music festival, though from what you’ve said about her it’s not likely she’ll be a fan. But you never know.”

  “Thanks. I’ll ask her what she likes. Now I’d better check up on my other clients. Any problems?”

  “None. Eliza took Dan home to meet her parents.”

  “Oh my, that is progressing at a rate of knots. Looks like we might have a match there.”

  “I’ll manage the rest if you like. I’ll let you know if something comes up that I can’t handle.” Allison popped their luncheon rubbish into the wastepaper basket and added as she stood up, “Lindsey’s house is too far to be driving there every day. You’ll have to discuss it with her.”

  Daisy held up a hand. “I will. It took me nearly two hours this morning in the traffic.” She sat pondering that problem. Maybe she could persuade Lindsey to take an apartment in town for a week or two. She could certainly afford it.

  “Best of luck with that one,” she mumbled to herself.

  * * *

  Daisy made sure she was outside the salon before Lindsey arrived. On the dot of eleven thirty, a shiny black Mercedes-Benz purred up the street and stopped in front of the glass doors. She eyed it with approval. What was it about some cars? It looked gleaming and burnished, as if it was made of a completely different metal from a normal car. And how is it that they always find a park? She breathed a sigh of relief. So far so good. She’d turned up for the appointment.

  “Hi there,” said Daisy with her best smile.

  “Hello,” replied Lindsey, fidgeting with her handbag. “How long is this going to take? Bernice’s cousin usually trims my hair at home.”

  “Oh,” said Daisy with a vague twitch of her ha
nd. “I shouldn’t imagine too long.”

  Sebastian, the salon’s principal stylist, was waiting to greet them as soon as they stepped into the foyer. A slightly portly man in his late forties, he was dressed neatly in a short-sleeved white silk shirt open at the collar, and dark pants supported by a pair of blue tartan braces. His medium-length textured hair was a mixture black and silver, a colour Daisy suspected, was achieved with a bottle rather than from age. After the introductions, he discreetly ushered them through the main salon to a room at the back.

  “Wow!” was the first thing that came to mind as she gazed around the small beauty parlour. The premium luxury suite was decorated with quiet elegance, with fragrant candles sending an intoxicating aroma of jasmine into the air. It was set up exclusively for one person, with a plush leather seat for the cut, an exotic-looking basin for the wash and a padded couch for waxing and massage. A best-cut crystal glass sat with a bottle of sparkling water beside the seat. Two lounge chairs with coloured cushions were set against the wall for visitors. She peeped at her companion to see if she was impressed. Lindsey wasn’t admiring the décor, instead was eyeing Sebastian warily as a mouse would a cat.

  He must have twigged she wasn’t there of her own volition, for he wasted no time in directing her to the seat. Then with a quick twist, he freed her hair from the tight bun. After the thick brown hair tumbled over her shoulders, Lindsey looked immediately younger and less stern.

  “Hmmm,” he murmured as he fanned out the strands with his fingers. “Beautiful. But not the style I think for you. We need…let me think…something shorter, more modern. More colour.”

  Lindsey winced but remained silent.

  “When do you want me to come back?” asked Daisy.

  “Not until two, unless Ms Jamieson-Ford would like a relaxing massage as well, then make it three.”

  “No massage,” Lindsey said firmly.

  “Shall I bring some lunch?” asked Daisy.

  Sebastian looked horrified. “She will be well looked after.”

  “Okay, then. I’ll be off.” She flipped Lindsey a wave, ignoring her pleading look.

  Out on the street, Daisy gave the entrance one last glance before she headed to the shops. What wouldn’t she give to be pampered in that salon? Hell, it would cost a fortune. Every woman’s fantasy and Lindsey looked like she’d been sent to a torture chamber. That woman seriously needed educating in the ways of the world. What was the damn point of having money if she didn’t splurge a bit on herself occasionally?

  Browsing in Myers, the time passed quickly—too pleasantly, for when Daisy thought to check her watch it was nearly two. She flew down the escalator, hurried along the street to the salon, panting as she pushed open the door. To her relief, Lindsey was nowhere in sight. She wouldn’t be popular if she were late. With a nod to the receptionist, she found herself a spot on a seat by the wall to wait. When a stylish woman emerged from the back room five minutes later, Daisy craned her neck to see if Lindsey was behind her. But then something about the way she was purposely striding towards her, made her take a second longer look.

  Daisy blew out a startled breath. Holy shit! The new hairstyle was incredible. This was a very different Lindsey. Sebastian had completely altered her appearance. The below-the-shoulder locks were gone, the hair now cut short in a chic two-toned black and white colour design. The underneath jet-black layer was cropped into the nape, while the platinum blond section covered her crown to her ears with a casual side-swept fling.

  “You look fucking fabulous,” exclaimed Daisy with a rush of emotion.

  “Shall we go?” Lindsey merely shrugged as she stepped toward the entrance.

  Daisy quickened her pace to keep up with her when they reached the footpath. “Hey wait. What say we have a cup of coffee before we head home? There’s a nice café on the other side of the street.”

  “I was intending to leave immediately.”

  “Come on, Lindsey. I haven’t had lunch and I’m dying to hear all about your experience in that dreamy salon. Please?”

  Lindsey paused, looked across the street then back at Daisy who flashed a smile of encouragement. “I guess I could,” she murmured.

  Delighted, Daisy gave a tiny fist pump. Things were moving smoothly in the right direction. “That’s great. I could do with a few minutes off my feet.”

  “Your hair really looks fantastic,” said Daisy after they had settled into a corner table and ordered. “It should be easy enough to keep in the style, as well. But more importantly, what do you think of it?”

  “Why is it so necessary for me to like it? You’re the one who wanted me to have it,” Lindsey said, regarding her steadily until Daisy squirmed under the unblinking stare.

  “I did, but surely you can see how attractive it makes you. You look a different woman.”

  “Hardly,” said Lindsey flatly. “I’ve always been plain. My mother told me that often enough, so I have no illusions to the contrary.”

  A wave of anger, and pity, surged through Daisy. What kind of shitty mother would tell her daughter she was unattractive? She leaned forward to scrutinize Lindsey properly. As she swept her eyes over her face, Daisy felt a warming flutter in her stomach. Well hello, the woman was actually quite striking. The hair, the newly shaped eyebrows and subtle makeup brought out the best in her features. Without her harsh bun and thick reading glasses she looked so much younger and softer. Her long-lashed, violet-flecked eyes contrasted appealingly with her ivory complexion, and as well, she possessed a natural grace and poise. Not pretty, for her features were too pronounced, but she was beguiling in her own way. Why hadn’t she noticed all this before? With a more exciting wardrobe, she would look better still. Now if she could only get Lindsey to shed her insecurities, she’d have women falling over themselves to meet her.

  “First thing…you are not plain. Far from it. Why your mother ever told you that is beyond me. Very few women are naturally flawless…most have to work at it.”

  Lindsey narrowed her eyes. “You don’t have to boost my ego. I intend to do exactly what you tell me because I know you get results. I don’t need to be flattered.”

  “It’s a genuine compliment not flattery. You’ll have to learn to accept one, because you’re going to get quite a few.”

  “I doubt it, but thanks for saying it. What happens next?”

  “Okay,” said Daisy with a smile. “Tomorrow we’re going shopping, so bring your credit card. You are going to buy some seriously expensive clothes, which will make you look a million dollars. We can find something other than those suits and black-rimmed glasses.”

  “Really? I want someone to share my life and enjoy some intellectual conversation, and you’re worried about my choice of glasses?”

  “Yes I am. No one wants to go out with someone who looks like a grumpy owl. Keep them for work, as they make you look scholarly. But they’re not for play.”

  Lindsey looked at her in disbelief but didn’t argue any more. “What’s next?”

  “Then we are going to spend the next two weeks, or however long it takes, to help you acquire the skills to attract, and keep, a life partner. During that time, you and I are going out to the theatre, movies, dining and every other place a lover would expect to be taken.”

  “You want me to go out on dates with you?”

  “Yes, I do, whether you wish to or not. You’re never going to make anyone truly happy, Lindsey, until you learn how to enjoy yourself.”

  Chapter Eight

  Lindsey took several deep breaths before she said coldly, “It’s easy for you to be blasé about enjoying oneself. I have no desire to share the details of my past but suffice to say I never had the opportunity to be a social butterfly like you.”

  “I’ve no idea how you gained that impression of me,” Daisy said, clearly insulted by her tone. “I work long hours and am definitely not a gadabout who flits from one party to the next. In fact, apart from an odd date, I’m usually at home curled up on my couch
with a good book.”

  “Okay, sorry, I stand corrected,” she replied grudgingly. “If I agree to all this, I want to make it clear that my past and my present are separate. I don’t discuss my mother and I don’t expect you to pry.”

  Daisy screwed up her face. “I never pry. Anything I shall ask will have a direct bearing on your capacity to love someone. Past baggage can affect a relationship.”

  “Like what exactly?”

  “Like if you have an ex or two lurking out there ready to sabotage your love life.”

  “Definitely not. What about you?”

  “I beg your pardon?” replied Daisy.

  “You’re going on the dates with me. I don’t want to find an irate man ready to shoot me. Quid quo pro with information, please.”

  “I’m single and free as a breeze.”

  “Good,” said Lindsey. “I’ll be happy to accompany you then.”

  Daisy opened her mouth as if to speak, but then turned to her plate and took a bite of her smashed avocado.

  “You obviously have something else to say, so out with it,” said Lindsey. As she uttered the words, she found herself distracted by the way the full lips wrapped around the fork. It was mesmerizing. Who would have thought the act of eating could be so sensual?

  “Have I something above my lip?” The question startled her out of her silent thoughts. She flicked her eyes up to find Daisy peering at her quizzically.