“I’m fine, sweetheart,” her mother assured her. “In truth, I enjoy the mountain view. You must love living here.”
“I do,” she admitted.
Brenda picked up the rose from the seat. “Did Cole leave this? He’s such a nice young man. Do you know he sent me a bouquet with a note apologizing for his rudeness? Your father nearly fell over. I didn’t say anything, but I’m pretty sure Cole didn’t apologize to your father.”
Hannah kept her eyes on the road. “I’m done trying to please him, Mom. I love it here. This place makes me happy.”
“I can see why,” Brenda said wistfully. “Your father doesn’t know how to express his feelings, Hannah. It’s always driven a wedge between the two of you. I wish you’d at least talk to him.”
“Maybe I will at some point, but I’m not ready right now. I’ve tried to make him proud of me and he’s done everything to remind me I’m not the son he wanted.”
“Oh, Hannah…”
“No, Mom. I don’t want to discuss it anymore. Let’s have a good time and enjoy ourselves today,” Hannah interrupted.
“I won’t bring it up again,” Brenda promised. “This year has taught us life’s not promised. We never know how long we have and I hate to see you at odds with one another.”
Hannah didn’t reply. Did her mother believe she didn’t know that after everything she went through?
The spa smelled Christmasy as they entered, making the dreary thoughts float away.
Samantha came to greet them. “Hello, Mrs. Bailey, Hannah. I’m happy to see you.”
“Thank you for fitting us in,” Hannah said, glancing around the salon.
“You’re part of our family now. We’ll always have time for you,” she said, patting her hand. “Mrs. Bailey, if you’ll follow Tiffany, she’ll get you set up with your pedi. Rose hasn’t finishedher last client yet but we’ll have you seated together. Hannah, do you mind helping me for a minute?”
“Of course,” she said, watching her mom follow a petite young woman.
Samantha led her to a fitting room. “Scarlett said you needed something special. After the holidays, we’ll invite you back for a day of beauty. Since you’re in a hurry, I left some items in here for you to try on. I’ll be right outside the door if you need any assistance.”
Her curiosity piqued, and Hannah entered the dressing room and stared at the delicate clothing hanging on velvet hangers. She pulled the dark green nightgown from the selection. The gown consisted of green silk and lace on the bodice, and then a sheer green chiffon floated to the floor with slits every few inches. She hurriedly shucked her coat and clothes off, imagining Cole’s reaction. She put it on and tried to hold the bodice up to tie the ribbons on her shoulder.
“Samantha?” she called softly.
“May I come in?” Samantha asked.
“Please,” Hannah said, struggling to hold the bodice up.
Samantha entered. Seeing her problem, she went to work. “Let me tie this side. Keep it tied when you take it off and then you’ll be able to get yourself into it alone.”
“Do you think it’s…appropriate?” Hannah asked, uncertain.
“I hope not, or it won’t get you what you want,” Samantha teased. “You’re stunning in this color.”
Hannah turned and twisted in the mirror, viewing the back. It didn’t reveal as much as it flattered certain parts of her body and covered many of her scars. The color suited her and she felt… pretty.
“Can you put this in a bag?” Hannah asked as she moved to her purse to grab some cash.
“Scarlett already took care of it,” Samantha informed her. “I’ll have it sitting at the register when you check out.”
“Thank you,” she said, as Samantha slipped out.
Hannah took it off and hung it on the hanger, stroking the delicate material for a moment before getting dressed and searching for her mom. She sat down and slipped off her shoes, placing her feet in the warm water covered in flower petals.
“I wondered where you went,” her mother said, peering at her. “I’m glad you suggested this. It’s pure heaven.”
Hannah smiled, missing these moments with her mom.
