Silver Linings

colors in her wardrobe tended toward gray, beige, and navy blue. “But I may start wearing more of it. I think I like red.”
    She realized she had never felt quite this way in a dress before. She felt a little wild. Maybe it was just a reaction to all the recent stress she had been under.
    “Red definitely does something for you. Kind of brightens you up.” Evangeline began pinning the dress, causing the already low neckline to go even lower. “Are those shoes the only ones you've got?”
    “I'm afraid so. I left the others behind with my clothes.”
    “Shame. Shoes are so damn expensive. What size do you wear?”
    “Seven and a half.”
    “No problem,” Evangeline said. “So do I. I'll loan you the ones I've got on. They're perfect for that dress. Okay, I've finished pinning. Take it off and I'll make the adjustments.”
    “This is certainly very nice of you,” Mattie said as she slipped the red dress off and handed it over to Evangeline.
    “My pleasure. Like I said, it's been a while since I had a nice chat with an intelligent person.” She went over to the closet and wheeled out a small table that held a sewing machine. “How was business on Purgatory before things turned sour?”
    “Not bad.” Mattie finished dressing in her trousers and silk shirt and sat down again. She picked up her drink. “But I don't think I'll go back.”
    “Yeah? Where will you head next?” The sewing machine hummed energetically as Evangeline went to work.
    “Seattle.”
    “Been there before?”
    “Yes. In fact, I lived there before I, uh, went to Purgatory.”
    “No kidding? I've always wanted to go to Seattle. Maybe next time I take a vacation I'll go there.”
    “If you do, be sure and look me up,” Mattie said with a rush of good will toward this woman who was going out of her way to be kind. “I'll leave my name and address.”
    “It's a deal. I make it a practice to take a vacation at least twice a year. A woman needs a break, you know? All work and no play isn't good for you.”
    “I know. Stress definitely takes a toll.”
    “That's a fact.” Evangeline expertly trimmed the seam of the sarong's skirt. “And we've sure got our share of stress in our line of work, don't we? The business isn't what it used to be, what with these new diseases and all. Which reminds me, you need any rubbers for tonight?”
    Mattie choked on a sip of rum and juice. “I didn't bring any with me,” she said carefully.
    “Figured you might have had to leave those behind along with your clothes. Check that cabinet over there by the bed. I keep a bunch handy. Help yourself.”
    Mattie stared at the red wicker cabinet for a moment and then slowly got up and went over to open it. Inside was a large basket filled with little foil packages. She took a handful and dropped them into her purse. “Thank you.”
    “Can't be too careful these days. Doesn't pay to take chances. By the way, who's your broker?”
    “My broker?”
    “Yeah, your stockbroker.” Evangeline looked up with a quizzical glance and took a pull on her drink. “Or are you into CDs and money market accounts?”
    “Oh. I see what you mean.” Mattie frowned consideringly as she sat down again. “Yes, I tend to favor certificates of deposit and money market accounts. The stock market is just too volatile for my taste. Not a good place for the small investor anymore.”
    “I know what you mean. I keep telling myself I should get out, but a part of me likes the thrill, you know? Of course, I don't put everything into the market. Just what I can afford to lose. The rest goes right into T-bills and stuff. I'm no fool. I've seen too many women in this business wind up with nothing after years of hard work. I'm not going to be one of them.”
    “You're absolutely right. Nobody's going to give us a pension. Self-employed people have to look after themselves.”
    “Ain't it the truth?” Evangeline nodded as she went to work on the bodice of the little red dress. “How about another drink?”
    “Sounds great. Tell me, Evangeline, what are you going to do when you retire?”
    “Funny you should mention that.” Evangeline looked down at the red dress she was altering. “I've been thinking about retirement a lot lately. It's time to get out of the business. Like I said, it isn't what it used to be. Don't laugh, but I'd like to open up a small dress shop somewhere out here on the islands, you know? Design my own things for tourists. I think I'd be good at it.