Page 19 of Father of the Bride
“Ooh, which one?” she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
“That’s classified.”
“Okay, Dr. Mark.” She took a few more sips of her liquid courage, and then she went for it.
“I’m approaching fifty. I want your professional opinion.”
“On what?”
“Me. My face. What I need done.”
He sat back in his seat, crossing his arms in front of him. “Not a goddamn thing.”
“I know you’re saying that to be nice. And I appreciate it. But I really wanna know. I’ve been thinking about getting Botox.”
“For what?”
“My laugh lines.” She gestured to her mouth. “Don’t pretend you don’t see them.”
“Of course I see them.”
“Would Botox help?”
He blew out a sigh. “Okay, Cici. You really want my professional opinion?”
She nodded eagerly.
“Alright. Well, every forty plus woman I’ve seen in my office has asked me that question. What I tell them is that at middle age, most women start to notice changes in skin texture and volume loss, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline. Botox can treat the lines and crow's feet. Fillers are used for volume loss in the cheeks or to soften smile lines. Some women get a little work around the jawline or neck to address sagging. There’s also a mini-facelift or laser treatments for tightening the skin.”
She nodded. “How much do those things typically cost?”
“I can get you a price list,” he said. “Not that I want to, but I’m not gonna sit here and be a hypocrite about the work I do. But Cici…my beauty…You don’t need any of that shit, especially if it’s to compete with a younger woman.”
“I’m not—“
“Don’t forget, I know you.”
She stopped talking.
He sat up, leaning closer so she got the message loud and clear.
“Those lines around your mouth? They’re from the times you’ve expressed your happiness. And I hope you’ve done that a lot over the last thirty years, Cici. And yeah, your skin loosened and your body softened over time, just like you did. When I met you, those defenses were up. You were wound up tight. Now, looking at you, feeling your energy, you’re softer. And it’s beautiful. It’s sexy. And what these men out here don’t understand is that we’re agingwithyou. When a man is mature, he appreciates the changes. It’s something to share, not to ridicule. So to answer your question, the only thing youreallyneed is somebody who appreciates the beauty in you.”
She smiled. “You’re so sweet. But can you send me the price list?”
He shook his head at that, but it was a playful gesture. She was still the same old Cici. Bound, determined, and stubborn as an ox.
“I will send you the price list.” He pulled out his phone and stared at the screen before silencing the call. “Just my house manager.”
“That must be nice.”
“It’s amazing, actually.” He glanced at her plate. “Did you get enough to eat? You want dessert?”
She patted her stomach. “I think I’m done. But maybe in a few minutes?”
She went to tuck her hair behind her ear. When she moved, the delicate tie of her halter slipped loose behind her neck. The soft fabric gave way, falling in slow motion down the slope of her shoulders.
Mark’s eyes locked in.
