‘Tea, please. And maybe a biscuit if you have one.’
The two women walked towards the back of the salon, Annie’s thoughts racing a mile a minute. What the hell did Lauren want to discuss that required privacy?
‘Have a seat,’ Annie said as she closed the door behind them. ‘What can I do for you?’
Lauren’s expression was very still and it only made Annie’s anxiety worse.
‘Is everything OK, Annie?’ the older woman asked.
‘Yes, of course. What do you mean?’
‘Well, as you know I’ve been coming to you for a long time, and to my mind this place is one of the best. It’s just … I’ve heard a few things.’
‘What kind of things?’ she asked shortly.
‘Well, that you owe people a lot of money. That the business is under fierce pressure,’ Lauren said flatly.
Annie’s heart froze in her chest. How could she know this? Nick wouldn’t have said anything, would he?
She stared at Lauren. Words escaped her. If she denied it then Lauren would know she was a liar. If she admitted it then she risked her reputation and that of her salon.
‘Who told you that?’ she asked.
‘One of your suppliers is a client of my husband’s at the bank. He mentioned he was having some troubles with a salon who wouldn’t pay their bills. I’ve been a client of #GlamSquad for a long time, Annie. I wouldn’t have thought you to be dishonest.’
The implication stung and her hackles rose. And with it, Annie’s temper.
‘Dishonest? How dare you!’ she raged before she could stop herself. ‘I’m as honest as the day is long, which is more than I can say for your husband, talking out of school like that.’
‘Well …’ Lauren’s face reddened. ‘I was only asking because I’ve been coming here for so long and I thought of you as a friend. But obviously I was wrong.’
‘Lauren … wait. I’m sorry.’ Shit, the gossip mill would be running on overtime now. It was bad enough losing all her money; she shouldn’t be trying to lose all her best clients, too.
Oh fuck; Lauren’s husband worked at the bank where she had her business accounts and might well have some influence over whether or not she got her loan.
She breathed deeply, trying to swallow her pride. Perhaps she could save this and appeal to Lauren’s better nature by confessing the true nature of her problems. She hated admitting weakness to anyone but needs must this time …
But the woman was already on her feet and her expression now became cool. ‘You’re a fantastic stylist, Annie, and your salon has always been my favourite, but I’ll be taking my business elsewhere. I won’t be treated like this and certainly will no longer be associated with someone who doesn’t pay their way.’
Annie swallowed the lump that was trying to jump into her throat. Her heart was beating so loudly in her ears that she could hardly hear Lauren speak. If she didn’t find a way to rescue this, then she was simply speeding along her livelihood’s demise.
She couldn’t let that happen.
‘Lauren, please, this is a stressful time. But believe me, I’m not dishonest, nor refusing to pay my way. I was swindled by someone who used to work for me and I’m just trying to find a way out of this mess. Please, I’m so sorry for snapping. And for what I said about your husband. I didn’t mean it.’
‘Oh, I think you did, actually. And while I meant what I said about your work, to be honest, Annie, your manner has always left a lot to be desired.’
With that Lauren swept out of the room.
Annie began to hyperventilate. She stumbled towards her desk and collapsed in the seat as she tried to catch her breath. As she did, her phone dinged and she reached for where she’d left it, wondering what fresh hell was about to be unleashed on her now.
It was Kim.
Hey, I sent you an invite to the launch but noticed you haven’t RSVP’d. Really hope you can make it?
For Christ’s sake! A goddamn jolly in Italy was the last thing on her mind at the moment.
Annie read the message a few times, resisting the urge to tell Kim Weston to just go and shag off with her big party and her thriving business and her sweet life.
