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We left the men to their own devices for dinner, since we planned to eat at the bar. The new haircut buoyed me, made me feel prettier and more confident. My hair was arranged in loose waves and Emily had woven my growing-out bangs into a braid that I’d pinned back against my crown. Andrea had let me borrow her clothes: an airy silk sundress with a V-neck in the front, spaghetti straps, a low back, and slits on both sides. Just the sort of thing I could wear barefoot and still feel glamorous in. I’d stained my lips a deep wine red and painted my toenails to match, and as they dried, I summoned the courage to return Elena’s call. Andrea and Emily were downstairs in the kitchen, so I’d have privacy.
‘Maeve!’ Elena picked up on the second ring. Her voice was warm and friendly, as if she h
