Chapter 11 #2
I relax in the chair as she preps for my color.
It’s been a while since she’s colored my whole head like this.
The one and only time I thought I wanted to be blonder happened back when she was in her early days of beauty school.
She colored me with something closer to a platinum blonde, and it wasn’t a good look for me.
Since then, we’ve stuck with highlights and lowlights in shades only slightly lighter and darker than my natural color, which suits me just fine.
Eve gets to work on my hair, adding the color methodically.
I watch her as she concentrates on her task, Mom doing the same at her chair.
“How are the wedding plans coming along?” I ask, even though it’s only been a day.
My sister got a lot done yesterday, including setting up the venue for the ceremony and finding a boutique open on Sundays so we can shop for dresses.
“I’m meeting with Debi at the flower shop on Thursday. She’s agreed to make a couple of small bouquets and boutonnieres for me. Plus, there’s a candlelight Christmas Eve service the night before, and the pastor told me the altar arrangements will still be there so we can just use those.”
“I still love the Christmas theme,” I tell her. “It’s very fitting for you.”
“I agree,” she practically sways with giddiness. “It’s my absolute favorite holiday, and I truly want something simple, yet magical. I know it’s a huge request, asking people to give up part of their holiday, but—”
“Everyone will be thrilled to share this with you. And your wedding isn’t until later in the day, so no one is really losing much. Plus, this is special, and anyone who knows and loves you will be honored to be there.”
She grins at me through the mirror. “Our guest list is about twenty people.”
“And that’ll be absolutely perfect.”
She nods eagerly. “I think so too. And the church is so small. We wouldn’t be able to pack many more in there.”
“Intimate is the word I’m using,” she replies, continuing to work.
“That’s exactly it. It’s going to be such a beautiful, intimate night. I can’t wait to share it with you,” I state, as something else hits me. “Oh, I asked Burk to be my plus one. I hope that’s okay.”
Her smile is slow as she pauses what she’s doing and meets my gaze through the mirror. “Of course it is.”
Starting to feel a little uncomfortable for not asking her about bringing a date first, I reply, “If that makes it too many people, or you’d rather it just be immediate family and close friends, I’d understand.”
She waves her latex glove-covered hand at me. “Oh, stop it. Of course you can bring a date. Bonus points that it’s Burk.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively at me before leaning in so Mom and her client can’t overhear. “Maybe you’ll get more than just some kisses under your tree this year.”
My eyes widen at her brazen statement. Not because I haven’t thought that myself, but simply because she did. “Stop it,” I whisper.
Eve just grins a knowing, naughty little smile. “I’m willing to bet it’ll happen before Christmas.”
Now my cheeks flush a dark shade of red.
“What’ll happen before Christmas?” Mom asks from her station.
“Nothing,” I insist at the same time Eve says, “Joy’s got the hots for her best friend, and they’re going to the festival this weekend together.”
My mouth drops open at her announcement.
“Oh, I love that!” Mom declares. “You two were thick as thieves when you were little. I love the fact you’ve reconnected, and it appears romantic this time around.”
“You do?” I find myself asking.
“Of course,” she replies with a supportive-laced smile. “He’s such a nice young man. Much better than the last jerk.”
I can’t help but bark out a laugh at her mention of Eli.
“I agree,” Eleanor Davis says from Mom’s chair.
“Okay, next subject,” I encourage, wanting to move this conversation away from Burk and me. It’s one thing to talk about it with my sister, but another thing entirely to add in my mom and her client.
Two hours later, I’m turned away from the mirror as my sister finishes styling my hair.
It already feels so different, so much lighter, and I can’t wait to see how it’s turned out.
The color is definitely a touch darker than I would have picked, but I don’t hate it. In fact, it’s quickly growing on me.
“Are you ready?” Eve asks, taking off the cape and preparing to spin me around for the big reveal.
“As I’ll ever be.”
She gently spins the chair, giving me my first glimpse of my new haircut and color together. “Oh my Christmas bells,” I whisper, making everyone laugh.
“Christmas bells are good, right?” Mom asks, coming over to the chair I’m sitting in.
A few seconds later, Roxie, the other stylist, joins us. “Oh my gosh, you look so gorgeous, Joy. Not that you didn’t before but that color and cut is chef’s kiss.” She makes the gesture by bringing her fingertips to her lips and kissing.
I stare at my hair, a giddy feeling erupting in my gut. “I love it.”
“I’m so glad,” Eve says, lowering the chair so I can get up. “And it’ll be super easy to maintain. Plus, I left it a touch long all the way around to ensure you can pull it up while working.”
I nod, my eyes glued to the light brown locks. It’s spectacular, and I’m so glad I let her do it.
After I pay for my services and leave a healthy tip, I give hugs to both my mom and sister and make my way next door.
The bakery is clean, but I still have a little prep work to do for tomorrow.
Plus, I want to nail down exactly what sweet treats and drink selections I’m going to offer Friday night.
I’ll be open from five to seven with another limited menu option for those attending the festival, and I have a few ideas, but I need to ensure I have the ingredients.
As I unlock the door and step inside the bakery, I pull out my phone and smile when I see a message from Burk.
Burk
Hope your day is going well. I’m still visiting Gramps. You were right. This is just what I needed. I’m having a great time.
Me
I knew it! I’m happy you’re reconnecting with him. Enjoy your visit.
He replies almost instantly with a smiley face emoji that mirrors my own grin as I slip the device back into my pocket, remove my coat, and flip on the lights in my kitchen. Pushing thoughts of Burk aside is hard, but I somehow manage while I finalize my plan for Friday night.
Of course, as soon as I’m finished, Burk is right back in the forefront of my brain.
And I don’t hate it.
Thinking about him has quickly become one of my favorite pastimes.