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Audrey, Missy and Jack were sitting in the solarium of Marshall’s Health and Beauty Spa eating lunch. Missy pre-ordered turkey and swiss sandwiches with a fruit tray from Marshall’s Deli. Audrey loved pineapple and was pleased to see that there was a generous amount. She knew Missy specified pineapple.

“I’ve never been here before,” Audrey said looking around. “This place is nice. My knee feels much better since the whirlpool and massage.”

“Pookie got a massage, too,” Jack said stroking the little dog on his lap. She enjoyed it so much she kept turning over wanting the veterinary massage therapist to rub her tummy.”

Audrey and Missy laughed at Jack’s story. “She enjoyed her bath and comb out and she stayed still for the pedicure and seemed to enjoy getting her claws painted.” Jack continued, “She, however, did not want to hold still for the veterinary dentist. He gave her a little gas to relax her. I think that is why she has been sleeping so much this afternoon. Oh, by the way, Mom, she has a cavity. Nothing serious, but I made an appointment for next week.”

“Thank you, I want her to be healthy.”

“You’re welcome, I’ll pick her up next Tuesday about 10 a.m.” Jack grinned and looked from Audrey to Missy, “I almost forgot, I have a surprise for you ladies this afternoon.”

Missy and Audrey looked at each other and said in unison, “What is it?”

Jack checked his watch, “Well, well, look at the time. I have to run, it’s time for my shave and hair cut. See you later.”

Audrey and Missy watched Jack leave and looked at each other. “Living with Jack has always been an adventure,” Missy said.

“Yes,” Audrey said, “I agree.”

Missy looked at her watch, “We have appointments in the beauty spa in fifteen minutes.”

Audrey and Missy finished their sandwiches and decided to take the fruit tray back to Audrey’s dressing room so they could snack on it later in the afternoon.

“Oh, how cute,” a lady approached them looking at Pookie, “You are so beautiful!” The lady petted Pookie careful not to disturb her ribbons.

Pookie wagged her tail furiously to show the lady that she appreciated her comments.

“She’s all dressed up,” the lady said, “Is she going to a party?”

“Yes,” Missy replied, “She is going to a birthday party this evening.”

“You have a good time tonight,” the lady said to Pookie. Looking at Audrey and Missy she continued, “I’m sorry, I have to run. I have an arthritis massage. This place is wonderful. I come here once a week and I feel so much better than I did before I discovered Marshall’s.”

“This is the first time we have been here,” Missy said. “It is a very nice place.”

“Marshall’s is always expanding and adding new services. They opened a photography studio over the weekend.” The lady stroked Pookie under her chin, “You should have your picture taken, Little One, you are so pretty.”

She looked at Audrey and Missy, “It was nice to meet you ladies and I hope to see you again soon. I really must go.”

“We have an appointment also,” Missy replied. “Perhaps we will meet again soon.”

The lady hurried down the hallway to the Aquatic Spa.

They entered Audrey’s dressing room and Missy placed the tray on the small table in the corner. Audrey set Pookie down on the floor. Before lunch, Jack moved Pookie’s kennel into Audrey’s dressing room. Pookie went into her kennel, lay down and was asleep in seconds.

“I guess we can just leave her here,” Audrey said.

“I think she will be okay, I’ll give Jack my key and ask him to check on her.”

They left the dressing room, Missy looked up and down the long hallway, “Let’s go ask the receptionist for directions to the beauty spa.”

“Through the double doors and to your right,” the receptionist told them. “I’m sorry for the confusion. The beauty spa is in the new north wing. We just moved in last week. We have signs ordered, they are supposed to be installed later this week.”

“Thank you,” Missy said.

They walked toward the double doors, which opened automatically when they approached. They turned to the right and entered the beauty spa.