She was on life support systems and was in a deep coma.I held her hand all through the night and talked soothingly to her. I must've fallen asleep, be...ause the shrill sound of the monitor's alarm awakened me. I watched as it flat-lined. I called in panic for the nurse. The Blue Team tried hard to resuscitate her, to no avail.I later called her parents to inform them and I asked them to assist in making arrangements for a memorial ceremony. The coroner informed me that he was going to do an. "I had to do that," he explained awkwardly. "Not 'repairing' my lipstickcould get me back at Trudy's," he said flushing with obviousembarrassment at having firstly performed this plainly feminine routinein front of his male friend, and secondly for having to explain andexcuse it too afterwards."It's OK," I said in what I hoped were reassuring tones. "You've got todo what you've got to do," I added but inside I was still a bit sickenedby his apparent total capitulation.I thought about it all. It was honestly a really cute outfit—for hanging out on the patio, or around the pool. But this was an office party at the Esplanade, not Mardi Gras on Bourbon St. Sure, it was hot, and others were dressed casually, but she was over the line.Normally I wouldn’t say anything. But I was a member of the Wife Club. I had fellow Wife Club members flanking me. And I had a few drinks in me. So I decided to say my piece.“Next time why don’t you cover up a little more?” I said suddenly, my normal voice. Talk later.’ Chris hung up. He looked at his phone and a wide grin swept over his face. ‘I DID CALL GEMMA!’ he exclaimed to Joanna. She peered over her newspaper. ‘Do you want a medal?’ ‘No, you don’t understand. Ryan just picked up Gemma’s phone!’ An uncharacteristic smile escaped Joanna’s lips. ‘That is something.’ Chris kissed his wife, for what must have been the first time in weeks. Today was going to be a good day for them, and he knew better than to waste it. He sent a group message.