Chapter 13: A Long Day

At 6:30 a.m. Mom rousted me and Tara. “Let’s go! We’re allowed to visit your father at 8:00, I have a rental car and we have just enough time for a quick bite before we leave for the hospital.”

At 8:00 we were admitted to Dad’s private room. He was still greatly impaired by the anesthetics and seeing his obviously truncated arm brought us up short. Our new reality was sinking in. Recognizing how tired and out-of-it he was, we left his room within an hour after arriving.

Last evening back in our suite I had briefly explained about my dinner date with Paul. Tara and Mom were beyond excited, and we planned some very necessary shopping to prepare.

But since we had extra time this morning before the stores would open, we sat for a full breakfast including my favorite: a Belgian waffle covered with crushed strawberries and whipped cream.

Mom was tapping at her phone, looking for the best upscale mall for our expedition.

I looked at my sister. “Tara, your prom dress and my Halloween gown were great successes. I want to find something similar in a color that suits me.” Over coffee, we discussed what else I would need for my date with Paul.

After navigating to the selected shopping mall and parking, the search was on. We picked out a silk sheath dress that, admittedly, draped alluringly over all my curves. Because the dress was backless, my braless breasts were moving around freely underneath. The soft silk felt luxurious on my bare nipples. Below, I wore a wispy G-string, so there would be no panty lines.

I tried to ignore how much that Mom was spending, after Tara reminded me that Dad’s injuries would ultimately require a big settlement—as I had mentioned back in the waiting room. Mom added, “Besides, Nora, how much have we spent on your social life before today, hmm?”

There was also a sparkling diamond tennis bracelet, a gold necklace, a bottle of Chanel No. 5, and for the hotel pool we added the most booty-enhancing bikini on the market. The store manager offered the suit to us for free if they could photograph me modeling it, but I declined with a laugh.

Next, we were off to the salon for hair and a manicure. The salon managed to keep my hair down over my jawline. But it was a struggle, as the stylist wanted to curl up my hair and lift it up away from my face.

The final session was with a makeup artist. She had a frank discussion with me about the birthmark. I was concerned because the skin over the nevus was delicate and reacted poorly to being handled or having concealers troweled over it. The compromise was a dusting of powder, lightening the dark red-purple color of the birthmark.

The rest of the makeup was applied without issues. We arranged a brief session with a portrait photographer. I wanted an image of myself at my absolute 19-year-old peak on her first date.

Finally, it was time. I stood in an out-of-the-way corner of the lobby waiting for Paul, with Lainie and Tara nearby. As he approached, his eyes opened widely, and his mouth dropped open.

When he reached her, he said, “Nora, you are so very beautiful. I feel like a troll standing next to you.”

All three of us Vinke women burst into peals of laughter, while Paul and Laura looked on in confusion.

“Oh, Paul, I’m sorry. I will explain. First, may I introduce my mother Elaine Bridger Vinke, and my sister Theresa Vinke. They go by Lainie and Tara, respectively. This is Paul Daniels, and his mother Laura. Sorry, is it Laura Daniels?”

“Laura Abrams, actually. And just for clarity, there is no Mr. Daniels in the picture, it’s only just me and Paul. I am so pleased to meet you. Paul told me your husband is being treated at the UC Medical Center?”

“Yes, that’s true. I’m afraid Martin was severely injured in a workplace accident. He is expected to recover, but he may not be returning to his position. They have asked us to keep all details confidential while the incident is being investigated. We will be visiting him again tomorrow morning.”

Paul spoke up. “In that case, I would like to begin our dinner so Nora can be back in plenty of time to rest before tomorrow morning. Nora, our ride is ready at the front entrance.”