I have at my fingertips more magic than a thousand men. I have the wisdom of ages and the money of long term planning, which my darling was discussing so innocently — all that juicy long term interest that accumulates so readily when held in a fat trust account, monitored by those of a similar sort as Simone and me.
I have more power than the president of this country, yet, one fair maiden leaves me trembling and unsure. It is a severe comeuppance for someone like me. And patience, which I know wise people historically say is a virtue, is not a quality that I was apparently supplied with.
Penelope:
In the days and weeks that followed, Timothy and I had numerous little dates, most of them insignificant, except we grew to know each other better. Often he would bring dinner by or pick me up at work and want to show me something, like San Jose at night. Sometimes, we’d go to a show and/or get a light dinner in a local café where big, fancy meals didn’t intimidate me.
We visited the Sandors’ for a couple of meals. Judy, having fulfilled her plan for me, no longer pushed for me to meet eligible bachelors. I guess she could tell that I was completely happy with Timothy. I’m sure it was obvious because I couldn’t stop smiling at him, and we touched often. A closure of hands, a tap on the arm, the way he corralled me with his arm around my shoulders, even when we were sitting on the couch, they were lovers’ touches, weren’t they?
But nothing was said. I think there were some exchanges between my boss and Timothy, but I assume they were chatting about business, while Judy and I discussed Simone and her miracle-working salon. I’d gone back there several times, too, on Simone’s insistence. She never accepted my money and always had a new outfit she wanted me to try on. The hair treatments she gave me made my hair shine and brought out the color, as she put it.
Since there were no more drugged teas, I was content to chat with her. It was strange how she was always the one to work on me. Her “girls” as she called them, never did. I don’t know why I was treated so specially. I figured it must be connected to Timothy or Judy. But for whatever reason, even my co-workers always remarked about my hair after a visit with Simone. Obviously, the treatments did something for me since there was constant praise of my appearance among the ladies.