“Will do!” I call after her.
Rhonan takes a step closer to me. “If you come over and paint rocks with my kid, people might talk about it.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “Well, you said they probably already are talking about us, so what’s it matter?”
“You don’t have to do this, Vienna.”
“Do what?”
“Do extra things with Ellis. You’re her teacher, and that can be the extent of it.”
“Do you want me to tell her I changed my mind? After I pinky promised?”
He glares at me, but it’s not harsh. Almost as if he knows I can’t exactly go back on my word, but he wishes I could. “No.”
“Then it’s settled.” I head toward the patio door. “Your daughter is precious, and despite what anyone might say, I truly enjoy spending time with her.” I drop my eyes up and down his body and then continue, “And you too, surprisingly.”
His mouth opens like he wants to say something, then closes again.
Before he can flip the switch on me like he usually does, I head back outside and call for Roscoe, ready to put some space between Rhonan and me. I’m already more invested than I should be in this little family. I don’t need to further complicate things by exploring whatever this is between us as well.
Chapter 11
Vienna
Hair Confessions & A Wedding Invitation
“Hi, there. I have a five o’clock appointment with Laney.”
The receptionist clicks around on the computer and then smiles. “Perfect. You’re all checked in. Take a seat and Laney will come get you when she’s ready.”
“Thank you.” I take a seat in one of the olive green chairs in the waiting area of Blossom Beauty, scouring the salon and taking in all of the details while I wait—olive green chairs at each station gleaming in the small amount of sunlight coming through the tall front windows, white walls that make the space bright and open, black-framed mirrors hung in front of each stylist’s station, and smooth gray floors pulling it all together.
Past the stations on both sides of the room are three separate spaces—one for nail technicians, one for massage services, and one for facials and skin care. This place really is a full-service salon andstrikingly beautiful. I bet business is great too, with the number of tourists that come through this town.
“Vienna?” Laney’s voice pulls me from my observations.
Standing from my chair, I close the distance between us. “Hey there.”
“I was wondering if this appointment was with you or someone else with the same name,” she says with a laugh.
“Well, the name isn’t too common, but you never know, I guess.”
“True. Either way, it’s great to see you again.” She waves for me to follow her to her station. I hang my purse on a hook on the wall by the mirror and take a seat in the chair as she drapes a towel and black cape securely around my neck. “Are you sure you want to trust me with your hair?”
“Should I not?”
Laney winks. “On the contrary, I’m very good at what I do. I just thought after our little run-in at the winery, you might want to steer clear of me.”
“Oh. That. Actually, seeing you there just reminded me that it’s been too long since I’ve had my hair done. And I remembered from Career Day that you own this place, so really, I was grateful.”
She blows out a breath dramatically. “Phew. Good. So, what are we doing with your hair today?” Her fingers comb through it as our eyes meet in the mirror.
“Well, I know I need a trim. But I was wondering what you think about the color… I kind of wanted it to be a bit lighter, but I’m not sure.”
She lifts a few strands up to the light. “You definitely have some growth. We could touch up your roots and add a few more strands of blonde and light brown in here to give you some depth.”
“That sounds great. I trust you.”
