‘Hello, can I help you?’
‘Hello yes. Could you fit me in for a wash and style?’
‘Oh, you have almost the same accent as Oliver.’
‘Oliver Oney?’
Christine smiled and nodded. ‘Yes. Do you know him?’
‘Yes, that’s who I’m getting my hair styled for. We have a date.’
‘Oh, how lovely. Going anywhere special?’
‘Into the city later on today.’
Pippa’s brow drew together, forming a deep rut. ‘Erm sorry to butt in, but I thought Oliver was working in the pub today.’
Ava shrugged. ‘Oh, I don’t know anything about that. All I know is, Oliver is collecting me at one PM.’ She dismissed Pippa and turned back to Christine. ‘So, could you fit me in say, an hour?’
Christine nodded. ‘Perfect. I’ll have finished with my other client by then.’
Ava smiled and headed for the door. ‘Fantastic. See you then.’
She left, leaving just the smell of her strong perfume behind in her absence. Christine picked up a comb and a pair of scissors and stood behind Pippa. ‘What a surprise. Do you think that’s Oliver’s girlfriend?’
‘I-I don’t know. Excuse me a moment, Christine, while I make a quick phone call.’ Pippa took her phone from out of her bag.
‘No problem, Pippa. I’ll pour the tea and check on Tom.’
Pippa was grateful Christine still used a teapot to make her tea. She dialled her aunt Morgan’s number.
‘Hello aunt. Is Oliver not working today?’
‘No, not the day shift. He’s got some business meeting to take care of. Your father and I will help out today instead. He’ll be there for the evening shift, though. Why have you seen him?’
‘No. Just the woman he’s having hisbusinessmeeting with.’
Morgan laughed. ‘Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?’
‘No, not at all. I just wanted to make sure you knew about him so that the shift was covered...we’ve been busier than normal lately. In fact, I’m interviewing someone later this evening for the part-time chef position.’
‘It’s fine. It’s all sorted. Where are you?’
‘Getting my hair trimmed, then I’m going to get supplies. Anything you want fetching back?’
‘No, thank you. Got to go. Your father is calling me.’
‘Okay aunt. See you later.’
Christine emerged from the back room with a cup and saucer in each hand. ‘I’m not sure whether you take sugar, so I’ve left two sugar cubes on your saucer.’
‘Thank you.’ Pippa took the saucer and placed it on the dresser below the mirror.
Christine combed Pippa’s hair back. ‘A trim and blow dry, isn’t it?’ She looked at Pippa’s eyes through the reflection. ‘And I’m guessing you’re going to call in later too, to buy a can of hairspray to keep your style in place.’
Pippa frowned. ‘Huh?’
‘After the mysterious young American woman’s appointment.’
