Obsession Falls (The Haven Brothers #1)

Before I could reply, Sandra was already talking to someone.

“Hi, it’s Sandra… I’m great, how are you?… Wonderful. You don’t happen to have any openings soon, do you? My friend Audrey needs you in her life.” She paused for a moment. “Let me check.” She lowered her phone. “She had a cancellation. Can you do noon?”

“Today?”

She nodded.

“Oh. Yes, I think so.”

She put her phone back to her ear. “She’ll take it. Thanks, Marigold! You, too.”

“Wow, thanks, Sandra.”

“Problem solved. And trust me, you’ll love Marigold.”

The rest of the morning ticked by with agonizing slowness. I didn’t know why I was so excited. It was just a trip to the salon. But it had been so long and it felt like a win, just knowing I could afford it.

Finally, lunch hour arrived. I stood and shouldered my purse.

“It’s just up the street that way,” Sandra said, pointing. “You’ll see it. Have fun.”

“Thank you, I will. Bye, Ledger.”

He lifted his eyes from his phone. “See ya.”

I left the office and walked deeper into the little downtown. Summer heat was beginning to settle over Tilikum. It was probably over eighty but a light breeze kept it comfortable as I headed toward the salon. One thing I did like about this town, and my office location, so much was within walking distance.

Timeless Beauty Salon was a couple of blocks away, and like Sandra had said, easy to find. A little bell tinkled when I opened the door and walked in.

“I’ll be right there,” called a voice from somewhere in the back.

The décor had a distinct old-fashioned vibe, like something out of a historical novel. The wispy curtains, a velvet chaise, vintage art, and antique bronze mirrors made it elegant without being gaudy. A vase of fresh flowers stood on the front counter, spilling their fragrance into the air.

The woman who came out was taller than me, with a big smile and gorgeous long brown hair. Her outfit—a sleeveless black top with a wide collar and wide legged black pants—was sleek and professional, while still highlighting her curves.

“Hi, you must be Audrey. I’m Marigold, or you can call me Mari.” She came closer and instead of shaking my hand, she stepped in for a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

I hugged her back, instantly loving her. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Stacey, my front desk person, is out sick today, so I’m juggling all the things.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Come on back and we’ll talk about your hair.”

She led me to her station and I sat in the chair. “I haven’t had a haircut in a long time. I got laid off and my hair paid the price.”

“I totally understand.” She put a black cape around me, then ran her fingers through my hair. “The good news is it’s pretty healthy. The ends are a bit dry and you have some splitting, but that’s to be expected if you haven’t had a haircut in a while. What are you thinking? Just a trim or do you want more of a change?”

“I don’t think I’m up for anything too dramatic. I’ve had enough change in my life lately.”

“Do you mind if I take off a couple of inches?” She held up a lock of hair to demonstrate. “Or are you concerned with keeping the length?”

“That’s fine. I wouldn’t mind a little less weight.”

“Yeah, as is, your hair is weighing you down.” She drew the hair around my face downward, emphasizing her point. “What if we take off about two inches to restore the health of your hair and add in some subtle layers for movement. It won’t be a dramatic change but it will still be fresh and vibrant.”

“That sounds perfect.”