Page 40 of Over Time Advantage

My eyes find the cane sitting in the corner of her room, which she’s refused to use over the past week. “Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“Hell yes. We’ve still got a little time to get me ready. Let’s practice tomorrow. My back-and-forth movement is good, but my lateral could use some work. And my hand still has some numbness.”

“Sounds good. Whatever you need. Don’t push beyond what you’re ready to do.”

“I won’t. Any big plans for tonight?” she asks.

I look around to make sure no one else can hear us. “I…umm…have a date.”

Her face lights up. “You do? Are you seeing someone?”

I shake my head. “No, no. It’s a first date, but we’ve been talking for a long while, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

She claps her hands with excitement. “Oh my god. Call me in the morning and tell me how it went. Do you want me to do your makeup before you go?”

“Thanks, but I’m going to shower at my house, and Reggie is coming over to help me primp. She’ll probably also need to give me a pep talk. I’m so nervous.”

She twists her lips. “Whoever it is, he’s beyond lucky to have you.” She opens her arms for a hug. I walk over, and she pulls me close. “Have the best time. And, Fallon, thank you so much for being here for me over the past three months. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. I’ll never forget it. I love you.”

I squeeze her in return. “Love you too. It’s been my pleasure. Your recovery is a testament to your work ethic. It might sound sanctimonious, but I’m proud of you.”

When I pull back, she has tears in her eyes. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

An hour later, I’m showered and have blown my hair dry. Reggie is helping me with my makeup.

Looking at herself in my bathroom vanity mirror from behind me, she tilts her chin up and says, “I think I’m developing a neckgina.”

I let out a laugh. “What in the hell is a neckgina?”

She flicks the loose skin on her upper neck area just under her chin. “You know. When you’ve got these extra folds of skin, it starts to look like a vagina under there.” Her eyes move to me. “Forget it, you don’t know. Your neck is as tight as a virgin before prom night.”

I roll my eyes. “Stop it. You’re beautiful.”

Ignoring me, she makes a look of disgust. “I wonder if they have something for neckginas at the gym. That might incentivize me to go.”

“I’m not sure the neckgina machine exists yet,” I offer with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

She twists her lips. “My favorite machine at the gym is the vending machine.”

I giggle. “You’re insane and very lucky, Reg. Your husband knows what a wonderful woman he has.” I clutch my heart. “You two have been in a wonderful, healthy, loving marriage for over twenty years. It’s amazing. I would give anything for a love like yours. Anything,” I emphasize and mean it.

She shrugs as she applies my eyeshadow. “I suppose. Marriage is watching your husband drive past ten good parking spots before choosing one that makes absolutely no sense. And then you have to bite your tongue over it because there are bigger battles than that, even though you desperately want to know what his thought process was.”

I smile as I shake my head at her ridiculousness. She continues, “Marriage is asking each other what you want for dinner every day until you die.”

I playfully smack her hand. “Oh my god, stop it. Tell me something helpful.”

“Hmm,” she stops as she thinks. “When Sam leaves the house, I go on his computer and google search everything I want so he begins getting targeted ads. I started last year, and now his gift giving has gotten so much better.”

“Reggie!” I yell, though that’s actually kind of genius.

“Fine. You want dating advice from someone who hasn’t dated since the nineties? Whenever you can’t think of a word, just say, ‘Ah, I can’t think of the English word.’ That way he’ll think you’re bilingual, not an idiot.”

I giggle again before exhaling a long breath as my eyes meet hers in the mirror. “I’m nervous, Reg,” I admit.

Her face softens. “Don’t be. He’s lucky it’s you at the end of this little anonymous love affair. Imagine walking in and seeing someone who looks like a supermodel with amazing tits that defy gravity. That shit never happens in real life. He already knows you’re a supermodel on the inside. Now he gets to realize that he truly hit the jackpot.”

“Thanks. I like his personality and kind heart so much. My expectations aren’t high for the physical.”