“Congratulations!” I squealed. And then I crinkled my brows. “What business?”
“Well, I don’t want to work outside the home right now with the little ones, you know?”
I nodded.
“So I did a bunch of research on airbrush tanning—”
“Airbrush tanning? Like spray tanning?”
“Custom spray tanning,” Erica explained. “We live by the beach. People are becoming more conscientious about tanning in booths, right? Airbrush tanning is really popular, but it’s really expensive in tanning salons. I would offer it at a cheaper rate. Of course, clients would need to come to my house, but once the kids are in school full-time, I could travel to them!”
It wasn’t a bad idea at all. Erica certainly had the disposition to be a successful businesswoman. She was personable, sweet, funny. Hard-working. Money-savvy. She could turn it into a lucrative business.
“Erica, I think you’ve come up with one really smart idea,” I said.
“Really?”
I nodded enthusiastically.
“Okay, good, because I just got my tanning system in the mail, and I wanna try it out on you!” she said.
“Hold up. What?”
“Why do you think I asked you to shower and exfoliate?”
“I thought you and Noah might suggest a threesome?” I offered.
“Please, Bailey. Be my guinea pig,” Erica said. She grabbed my hand and pulled me into the kitchen.
There it was: the Sun-dazed Broad Spectrum Coverage Spray Tanning System. It looked hardcore, like something used in a high-end salon.
“Do you even know how to use this thing?” I asked.
“Sure!”
I wasn’t born yesterday. I recognized that high-pitched squeal of hers. Erica never squealed—ever—unless she was nervous or unsure about something. She didn’t have a clue how to work this machine, and something told me I’d come out looking like a cheetah.
“Okay, Annie,” Erica said, plucking the Tupperware lid from her little girl’s hand. “It’s nap time.”
“Erica, I don’t know—”
“Bailey, chill. I’m gonna put Sugar Britches down, and then we’ll work on your golden tan.”
I wanted to tell Erica I wasn’t interested in a golden tan, but that would have been a lie. I’d love a golden tan; I just wasn’t sure she was the girl who could give it to me. And I didn’t have time to argue anyway. She disappeared into the nursery before I could get out a syllable.
I stood in the center of the kitchen eyeing the tanning machine. It was still boxed up. Something lay on top of the box, and I walked over to get a peek. A tanning tent. That made sense. She couldn’t have tanning solution all over the place. I suppose I’d just stand in it. In my underwear? No way! I was wearing one of my expensive bras today. Why didn’t she tell me to bring over an old bikini or something?
“Out like a light,” Erica said from behind me.
“Um, Erica, I didn’t bring anything for you to tan me in,” I said.
“Oh, I’m doing you naked,” she replied nonchalantly.
“Seriously?”
“You don’t want tan lines, do you?” she asked.
I shook my head automatically.
“Okay then. Get over yourself.”
“Where are we doing this?” I asked.
“In my bathroom. It’s big enough. And that tent’s supposed to pop right up,” she explained.
“What if the boys come home and walk in?” With each question, I was talking myself further out of this.
“I’ll scream at them,” Erica replied. “Now grab the tent and follow me.”
We carried the equipment upstairs and spent the next half hour assembling the system.
“Annie’ll wake up before we even get started,” I pointed out.
“Oh, it’s fine,” Erica replied. “Now you never did tell me why you were acting like a goof earlier. Kissing on my daughter like you all of a sudden discovered your Mom gene.”
“Be nice,” I replied. And then I grinned.
“I saw that,” Erica said. “Spill it.”
My face flushed. “I kissed someone yesterday at the movies.”
“Just a random guy sitting beside you?”
“No,” I laughed. “My coworker. The one from The Reel Café. He happened to be there, too, without a date.”
Erica lit up. “Oh, wow. I call that the aligning of stars. Cute stars. No, no. Hot stars, ‘cause that guy is hot.” She paused. “Good kisser?”
“So good,” I sighed.
“Gentleman?”
“He bought all the snacks,” I replied.
Erica nodded her approval. “What happened after the movie?”
“Nothing. We went home. Separately.”
“Good girl,” Erica said. “No one likes a ho.”
I nodded. Erica turned on the compressor and shot a few practice sprays into the tanning tent.
“If you make me look like an Oompa Loompa, I swear to God . . .”
“Oh, shut up and relax,” Erica said. “Now strip and put this hair cap on.”
I peeled off my clothes carefully and folded them neatly in a pile on the sink. I tucked my hair under the cap and stepped into the tent facing my best friend, who immediately looked at my crotch and rolled her eyes.
“What?” I cried indignantly.
“Nothing. Just wish I had time for a wax,” she noted.
I smirked. “Jungle down there?”
“I don’t know how he can find anything in that mess,” she replied.
“I’ll watch your kids,” I offered.
“It’s an imposition.”
“Oh, please. Stop complaining about how you don’t have time to take care of yourself if you’re gonna turn down help.”
Erica thought for a moment. “That makes sense. Fine. I’m making an appointment next Saturday, and you’re on kid duty.”
“Ugh. What about Noah?” I asked.
“Bailey!”
“I’m kidding!” I chuckled.
We continued our conversation about Reece while Erica sprayed tanning solution on me in circular motions.
“We’ll try this way first. You can do strokes or circles. I’m thinking circles is better coverage,” Erica said.
I gulped. “Remind me why I have to be your guinea pig.”
“Because you love me, and you want me to have a successful spray tanning business,” Erica replied. She finished my inner thigh then instructed me to stand in another awkward position. “I am slightly worried, though, about the whole working-in-the-same-office thing.”