“Lovely. Now, off to see my first client.” She turned and headed off to do her first massage.
I needed to get to work as well. It will be extra slick for those little old ladies and their canes today.
* * *
The day was winding down,the last of the clients were getting finished up. The winter storm that had blown in last night and froze everything melted by two o’clock today because the sun came out.
Of course, that meant most of it would likely re-freeze tonight when the temperature dropped again, and the wind picked up.
Welcome to winter in Kansas, where the morning commute could really be hazardous to your health.
At least tomorrow morning was Sunday. It shouldn’t be too horrible—people should be home or going to church rather than the longer commutes.
“Let me help you with your coat, Miss Evelyn,” I said as I helped the elderly lady get ready to go out.
The woman clunked her cane on the floor. “You’re chipper today. What you been doing?”
I shrugged. I’d been getting that question all day today. Evidently getting laid agreed with me.
“Got a good night’s sleep, I guess,” I said.
At least this time, Audra wasn’t within earshot to smirk about my answer. The other stylists were suspicious, my sister Summer especially, but she at least kept her speculation to herself.
However, Summer and Autumn privately gossiped.
Celestial Springs—her mother—came out from the back with her last client. “There, now that should help with those muscle aches Joanna,” she said. “And if you want more of the ointment, let me know. I have several sizes available.”
“Thank you,” Joanna said as she walked to the retail counter.
And everything would have been fine.
If Shaun had not walked in.
And my stomach did flip-flops.
I had my hand on Miss Evelyn’s arm, and she glanced at me, then at Shaun.
“Hi,” Shaun said, taking a step toward me.
Dangling from his hand was my scarf.
I wondered what I’d done with that.
“You forgot this,” he said, holding it out.
Everything. And I meaneverythingin the salon went deathly still.
I bit my lip. “Uh, thank you,” I said.
Miss Evelyn glanced at me, then back at Shaun again. “I see why you got a good night’s sleep.”
Someone behind me gasped.
It might have been my mother.
Or Autumn, behind the receptionist’s desk.
And that ornery old woman elbowed me!
