“Really.”
She flings her arms around my neck and plants a wet kiss on my cheek. Then she swans into nursery like the picture of innocence. Bloody hell, I was just thoroughly outmanoeuvred by someone who still needs help putting on her shoes.
On my way out, I text Mum.
Ainsley
Change of plans. I’ll get Lily this afternoon x
Mum
No worries, love. Everything okay?
Ainsley
Grand x
It’s not, though. I’d thought Lily was coping well with the move, but maybe these tantrums tell a different story. Back in our old village, Lily loved nursery, practically dragged me there each morning. But that was before her world got turned upside down.
Maybe these meltdowns over seemingly small things—lunch, pickup arrangements—are her way of processing everything.New house, new nursery, not seeing her daddy. Not that Danny was much of a father even when he was around.
Christ, can I really blame Lily for the odd tantrum? Sometimes I wouldn’t mind lying on the ground myself, and having a good thrash and scream about everything that’s happened.
Out on the street, I’m passing the school gates when a gentle touch on my arm stops me.
“I’m so sorry for staring.” It’s the woman with the dog and the boy, though the boy has now disappeared into the school. Her accent is unmistakably American, bright and quick. “That was incredibly rude. I’m Blair.”
Something about her directness disarms me. “With a kid screeching like that, who wouldn’t look?” I say. “I’m Ainsley.”
“The new hairdresser, right?” Her face lights up. “I heard you were young and stylish with a cute little girl. The description fits.”
My cheeks warm. “News travels fast here.”
“Like wildfire.” She grins. “I’m not used to it either. Only been here a few months.”
“Oh? Did you and your son come over from the States?”
“Just me. The boy you saw, Finn, isn’t my son, though I was his nanny over the summer. Then his dad and I... well, long story short, we’re together now.”
“Wow. New town, new man, a wee boy, and a dog thrown into the bargain?” I bend to greet the golden retriever. “Hello, gorgeous. What’s your name?”
Delighted, he noses my palm, tail wagging wildly.
“That’s Gus,” Blair says with a laugh. “He has absolutely no concept of personal space.”
“Neither does my daughter. Maybe they’d get on.”
“They probably would.” Blair smiles. “So, what brought you to Ardmara?”
Oof.
Smile, keep it light, don’t let anything show.
I slip into my practised spiel. “I’ve always loved this part of the Highlands, and I’ve always wanted my own salon. It came up at the perfect time.”
Blair nods, though the faint furrow in her brow tells me she senses there’s more. But she doesn’t push, and I’m grateful.
“Speaking of the salon,” she says, “Idesperatelyneed a haircut. These bangs are getting out of control.”
