Woman of Substance Read Free Page B

know who you will touch with just a little thing like putting on a pair of panties others would sneer at when they see them hanging on a clothesline or in a department store,” Sharon said. The others nodded in agreement.
    In the alcove, which had housed a buffet in her house’s earlier days, Robbie typed in her password on her computer and transferred money for the project into her checking account. Then she called the Globe Theatre’s costume department who were helpful and completed the order for the woman’s torso and added speedy delivery. Robbie squeezed the alteration appointments into her busy schedule. The leggings had to be made to her height and the torso fitted at the shoulders and buttocks. The drama makeup students at the University of Regina helped create a latex chin roll. The ‘Fat like Me’ group booked a special meeting and shopped for a wig at The Hair Affair Salon.
    “You should get a long wig. It would distract from your chin.” Mavis plucked a blond wig from the mannequin.
    “I disagree. I’ve been reading about people who disguise themselves to do undercover work, and they keep close to the truth, if possible. So I think a wig, similar to your own hair, but of course, fuller to balance your body.” Margaret held a curly auburn wig over Robbie’s head.
    “Allow me to assist you.” The salesclerk positioned the wig.
    “Will it breathe? Do I have to have it styled?” Robbie asked. “I don’t have a lot of time.”
    “This brand is very light, and you just have to shake it out and fluff it with your fingers. The curls bounce into shape.” The clerk scrunched the curls between her fingers.
    Sharon’s white runners squeaked against the tiled floor. She handed Robbie dark-framed eyeglasses. “These are a fashion statement, no magnification. This salon has everything.”
    Mavis’s bangle bracelets clattered when she twirled the chair and inspected Robbie from every angle. “Too bad you didn’t have brown eyes. You would be perfect.”
    “I know people often comment on my hazel eyes,” Robbie said. “Okay, time to brainstorm again.”
    “Your budget still okay?” Margaret asked. Her diamond rings shone in the store lightening.
    “I’m okay. I’ll have to buy some plus-sized clothes, of course,” Robbie said.
    “Would you consider splurging on a pair of tinted contacts?” Mavis glanced at a pamphlet from the counter.
    “Good idea. I’ll check with an optometrist and get some advice.”
    “You be careful. You wouldn’t want to hurt yourself for this,” Margaret called from the settee.
    “I will. It isn’t necessary. It’s just an added dimension, right?” Robbie repositioned the glasses on her nose. “Maybe I’ll get fitted frames, too.”
    “A common eye color and a pair of fabulous glasses with a little bling would synch the disguise.” Robbie stepped back tilted her head.
    “If something is a little off, people may just ignore it if you look put together,” Margaret added, smoothing her navy colored jacket.
    “A woman once said to me she’d never met a fat pair of eyes.” Margaret pushed herself out of the grips of the valor cushions, glanced into the mirror, then applied lipstick and blotted her lips with a tissue.
    Robbie stood behind Margaret and scrutinized Margaret’s blue eyes in the mirror. “She was right. Eyes show many things, but body weight is not one of them.”
    Robbie swiped her debit card, keyed in her PIN number, and paid for her fabulous wig.
    After they left the shop, Robbie said, “Mavis, Sharon, Margaret, you’ve been terrific. Anyone want to go for coffee?” The fall wind scattered the leaves piled in the corner of the entrance.
    “There’s an English Tea House on Second Avenue. We can meet there.”
    “Mavis, you’re always in the know.” Sharon opened the car door.
    “Anyone want to ride with me?” Robbie asked.
    “We’re good. We all came together. We’ll just meet there,” Margaret called from the back seat of