Page 58 of The Seven Rings
“It’s really pretty. I should tell you they switched the idea of you lounging to sailing.”
“I’m fine with that.”
“With Owen, onThe Horizon. I got the idea when he let you take the wheel, sent them a photo I took. Corrine can come up with something more clever, but that’s the idea.”
“I want to see the outfit.”
Cleo stopped at the library door and gaped.
“Holy shit!”
“I know. It took me forever, and I didn’t even unbox the sports equipment.” She pointed to the boxes beside the curving staircase to the second level.
“I’d say you should’ve waited for me to help, but I wouldn’t have either.”
“Your things are over here.”
“Shoes?” Cleo pulled the lid off a box. “Oh, look at these cute boat shoes.” And immediately took off her sandals to try them on. “Good fit, comfy, and they look good!”
She snatched up white pants cropped just below the knee, and being Cleo, stripped off her own to try them.
“And they fit,” she stated before pulling off her shirt to try on a tank with horizontal navy-and-white stripes. “I need a mirror.”
As she ran out, Sonya picked up her clothes and followed.
In her bedroom, Cleo turned in front of the mirror. “This works. I think I have to say it. I look shipshape.”
“You do. I told them I didn’t see Owen as a white pants sort of guy, so his are faded blue—bleached-by-the-sun look—and short-sleeved navy rash guard.”
“Show off those pecs.”
“You got it. Tan deck shoes. Now try this.”
“Yoga! Okay, love the color. Dreamy lilac. Long sports bra instead of a tank.”
“Show off those abs.”
Cleo changed, checked herself from every angle.
“It’s excellent, and I love the seamless tights. But I need a pedi—come close to matching the color—and a French mani. I’ll book it today.”
“They sent a yoga mat, too. It’s like a sunrise color—goldy-rosy. No pattern. They don’t want to detract from you, the garden.”
“This is a hell of a good deal for me.”
“Remember that when you have to greet the sunrise. Now take that off. I don’t want anything to happen to it before the shoot. Let me know when you’ve got your nails booked, and I’ll coordinate with Corrine.”
Chapter Eight
On Friday, after a productive week, Sonya joined Cleo and her dreamy lavender toes at sunrise. And stayed out of the way as Cleo stepped on the mat.
“I’d like you to hold each pose just a few beats,” Corrine told her. “And stay relaxed.”
“I’m always relaxed at sunrise because I’m asleep. I’ll start with a basic sun salutation.”
“I want shots of each pose, from different angles. You know to ignore me. By the way? The toes? Fabulous touch. Whenever you’re ready.”
Trey and Owen stepped out, along with Jones and Mookie. Sonya just put a finger to her lips.
