Page 268 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“I’ll have you know those were the height of fashion in my day.” She gave Gracie a steely look.

Her hands flew to her hips. “Exactly. Get me into the twenty-first century. I’m thinking a chunky sandal of some sort.”

She gawked. “With pantyhose?”

“Tights. We call them tights.”

“You can’t wear open-toed sandals with tights because you’ll see the toe line.”

Who would’ve thought getting dressed for an interview would be such a big fiasco? “Fine! Make the sandals close-toed.”

She waved her hand.

Gracie rolled her eyes. “A little more of a heel … please?” She looked down, pleased to see that it was done. “Now, the shirt.”

Irritation stewed in Gertrude’s eyes. “What’s wrong with the shirt?”

Trying to bargain with Gertrude was like trying to tango with a porcupine—sharp jabs at every turn. She pulled at it. “It would be perfect … if I were twenty pounds heavier.” She sighed. “You know, this would be so much easier if you would just lend me your powers again.”

“Nice try, but I don’t think so.” She shuddered. “The last time was disastrous.”

“Just because I made one teensy mistake, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give me another chance. I can be responsible,” Gracie pouted, thrusting out her lower lip.

“Hah! A small mistake? That was a huge mistake that could’ve ruined everything.” She shook her head. “No, that’s not even up for discussion. Now, back to the shirt. I don’t know why you young people always insist on wearing clothes that are a size too small. Very unflattering.” When Gracie made a face, she acquiesced and waved her hand.

“Thank you, Gertie. Much better.” She smiled inwardly when she saw Gertrude cringe. She hated to be calledGertie,which was precisely why she did it. Critically, she studied her reflection in the mirror. “Now, I need some stylish jewelry. Maybe something red to set off the black and white.” She touched her hair. “Oh, and the bun has to go. Even my grandmother wouldn’t have worn this.” She shuddered. “Dreadful.”

“We have to do something different with your hair. Otherwise, Brooke will recognize you.”

“How about something short and sassy?”

Gertrude did her thing and a minute later, she was sporting a super short, austere haircut.

“Wow! This is really different.” She wrinkled her nose. “I hate it! My face is too round for straight hair. I look like the Goodyear Blimp,” she moaned. “I need the curls. And this ash color makesme look anemic. Make me a brunette if you must, but give me a few blonde highlights. Nothing too tame though. I like the messy look.”

Gertrude gave her a disapproving look. “Do you always have to be so difficult?”

“Just because I want to look attractive, doesn’t mean I’m difficult,” she slung back.

Gertrude made the changes.

Gracie ran a hand through the voluminous, sun-kissed curls that came to her chin. “Thank you,” she said with a sigh of relief. “Much better.”

“Now, remember. Don’t go in and start blabbering. I know it’s difficult, but you need to act dignified.” She grasped her shoulders. “And remember to stand up straight! Don’t slouch!”

“Geez! Okay, you don’t have to be so anal about it.”

Gertrude gave her a warning look that suggested she was way out of line, but she didn’t care. Gertrude was tromping on her last nerve!

“Are you sure I’ll be able to type when I’m in there?”

She sighed. “Yes, I told you, I’ve taken care of that.”

She held up her fingers and inspected them. “I hope so because they feel exactly the same as before.”

She huffed. “Trust me!”

“How about my résumé?”

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