Davina drew into the parking lot and turned the engine off with a sigh.
"I really don't think I can do this!" she mumbled turning to her friend Nicky.
Nicky rolled her eyes and grabbed Davina by the shoulders.
"Of course you can. Don't you want to look your best when you sashay down to that heavenly surf on Waikiki beach? You need to advertise the fact that you're now free and single. Not the fact that you've just been dumped and that he made you feel like shit!"
"Ok, ok, ok!" cried Davina holding up her hands.
Nicky smiled and hugged her best friend.
"Come on now," she said firmly. "It's time for a little pampering in the Sugar Cube Salon. And if you're going to wear that gorgeous new teeny tiny bikini on holiday, you, my friend need a Brazilian."
"Yeah?" said Davina. "Well it had better be worth it."
A couple of hours later Davina sat in front of the salon mirror turning her head this way and that. She had to admit that her new chin length hairstyle looked quite sophisticated and she couldn't help taking another peek at her freshly manicured nails.
"Looking good!" Nicky called out from the chair beside her. "All that's left now is the waxing parlour. You did take those painkillers I gave you didn't you?"
Davina nodded wondering whatever she was letting herself in for.
"Ok Jody and Mel are ready for you now," said one of the uniformed girls guiding them towards the stairs. "Room twelve for you Nicky and room four for you Davina."
The urge to chicken out and opt for an eyebrow wax instead was nearly overwhelming but Davina knew her friend would never let her get away with it and besides she also knew that for her new bikini to look good it required nothing less than a completely hairless down stairs. So there was nothing else for it.
"Ok. Brazilian here I come," she declared opening the door to room number four.
"See you in a bit," said Nicky grinning over her shoulder.
It's alright for you, thought Davina. You've done this before. Shutting the door behind her she glanced around the room. The blinds were drawn but several bright lights illuminated the room including a comfortable looking treatment couch. Soft greens were the colour of choice for the dΓ©cor and in the corner a serene looking Buddha water feature bubbled away pleasantly.
In the opposite corner an oriental looking lacquered room divider hid the therapist from view. The sound of drawers opening and wax being prepared came from behind the screen. Davina lowered herself onto the couch and ran her hands across the soft Egyptian towelling. She smiled inwardly at the little touch of luxury. Soothing music began to play, so she leaned down and slipped off her shoes, sighing with relief. Her feet still hadn't recovered from their marathon shopping trip yesterday.
"Sore feet, huh?" said a good looking guy appearing from behind the screen. He smiled at Davina's surprised expression.
What the hell? Thought Davina.
"I'm Jody," he said still smiling. "Here, let me take a look at those feet. It's always good to be relaxed before we start."
Davina looked down at him massaging her feet and cringed inwardly, thinking of her cracked heels. He wore a spotless black uniform of the same kind that the salon workers downstairs wore and on the wall were his diplomas. There was no mistake. He was her therapist.
"You ever had a Brazilian before?" he asked rubbing her left foot in firm circular motions with his thumbs.
"Er...no," admitted Davina.
"Well I won't lie to you," he said looking a bit serious. "Very few people experience no pain. Usually it's just uncomfortable but it all depends on your pain threshold and how skilled your therapist is. But rest assured I will do everything in my power to minimise your discomfort."
"How does that sound?" he said fixing his molten brown eyes on hers.
Scary and intriguing all at the same time, she wanted to say. But instead she said," Yep. Sounds fine. Let's get on with it."
He left the room briefly while she took everything off all except for her light summer vest top and bra. Feeling acutely exposed she lay back on the couch and waited. After a few minutes he came back to ask if she was ready.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied.