Chapter 4 #2
I spent my entire weekend getting my new house set up, including making a few extra trips to the big box store over in North Ridge.
I purchased curtains for the windows and a new cabinet for the bathroom.
I’m grateful to have found a rental with all the appliances.
My old apartment didn’t have a dishwasher, so I had to grab some of those pods for my new unit.
I also had to purchase a shovel and salt for the weather, since I didn’t have to worry about that either at my old place.
And in the spring, I’ll be purchasing a mower and other lawn tools I might need to maintain the yard.
Dad offered to take care of it for me, but I don’t want to put him out.
It’s not his responsibility, and to be honest, I’m looking forward to it.
I always enjoyed mowing when I was a teenager.
Of course, we had a big rider back then, and I’ll have to use a push mower now. But still, I don’t mind.
Yesterday, Theo and I made the short trip over to a daycare center.
He won’t start preschool until the fall, and when I decided to move back to Cooper Town a few months back, I started checking into options for childcare.
There are a few in-home options with limited or no availability, but when I found out Little Learners Daycare Center was still in operation and owned by Ellen Dummell, I knew that would be my first choice.
I went to her daycare when I was younger, and she was the absolute best. Ellen readily accepted Theo into her daycare program, and he started today.
Today.
Tuesday.
It’s been a big day for both of us.
When we woke up and got ready, I made sure to encourage Theo every step of the way about his new routine, and when it came time to walk through the front entrance at Little Learners, he barely looked back before taking off and playing with two other children.
It made my heart happy and my eyes leak a little moisture at the exact same time.
He’s such a big boy already, and like my dad says, doesn’t have a shy bone in his body.
Once I had Theo taken care of at daycare, I went to work.
It’s my very first day at the salon in downtown Cooper Town, and even though I don’t have any clients scheduled, I’m nervous.
I’ve met Jenn before, though I used a different stylist when I lived in town.
Lila is a new face, however. She does hair and nails, and from what I’ve been told is growing her clientele on the latter.
That’s why Jenn was so interested in bringing me into the fold of her thriving business.
I’ve been here about an hour and have already met and been reintroduced to a dozen people.
Apparently, word has gotten around of my arrival, and we’ve had a steady stream of familiar faces who have dropped by to say hello and wish me luck.
One even booked an appointment for her daughter tomorrow after school.
I’m making a few adjustments at my station, moving around some of my products and supplies, just to keep myself busy.
Jenn and Lila have agreed to give me all walk-ins while I build my clientele, which I’m eternally grateful for.
Jenn has been doing this long enough that her schedule rarely allows her the time to cater to a walk-in customer, and Lila is trying to focus more on accommodating her nail clients.
Even if I have to just take the walk-ins for a few weeks, it’s a start.
Just before eleven, the door opens once more.
A familiar face wearing a bright smile enters the salon, and the sight of him makes tears fill my eyes.
I don’t move, not until I know what type of visit this is.
He could very easily walk over and tell me off right before God and everyone lucky enough to be within earshot.
“Maren.”
“Mr. Miller,” I state as bravely as I can.
“Oh, none of that. Call me Tyson, please.”
I nod as he extends his hand. “We heard you were back in town, and Linda sends this and her regards for not being able to welcome you properly. She’ll drop by soon to say hello.”
I take the offered jar of bright red jam and smile. Strawberry rhubarb.
My favorite.
“Thank you so much,” I reply, my voice not quite sounding like my own as emotions flood my chest.
“You still like it, right?”
I nod, offering a watery smile. “I do.”
“Great. Now, I also hear you’re the woman to see about a haircut.”
“Oh,” I reply, shocked by his request. “You don’t have a stylist already?” I ask. It’s code we don’t poach clients from other stylists, especially from the same salon. Now, if a client comes to you, then it’s okay, and even though that’s exactly what Tyson is doing, it still feels wrong.
“I’ve always just dropped by as a walk-in, and whoever can squeeze me in that’s who I see.”
“Oh, all right. Yes, I can do that,” I reply, walking over to my station and placing the jar of homemade jam on the counter. “Do you prefer a wash before your cut?”
He nods eagerly. “Best part of the cut.”
I crack a smile. “Agreed. Come on over to the wash station.”
When he gets situated in the chair, I lean him back and turn on the water.
Once it’s the right temperature, I start wetting and then scrubbing his hair.
I steal a quick glance, and while Tyson has aged a bit in the seven years since I last saw him, he’s still the exact same.
Salt-and-pepper hair, green eyes, and a friendly smile.
All four of the Miller children are the spitting image of their mom, but Camden’s hair was always the darkest blond.
Back in my chair, I place the cape around his neck. “What are we doing today?” I ask, holding his gaze in the mirror.
He smiles softly. “You look just the same,” he murmurs softly. “As beautiful as ever.”
My throat threatens to close completely, and it’s suddenly very difficult to draw oxygen into my lungs. “Thank you.”
“I hear you have a son.”
My heart skips a beat at the mention of Theo from the family I thought, at one time, my kids would all be a part of. Clearing my throat, I reply, “I do. Theo. He’s three.”
“We’d love to meet him sometime.”
“You would?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
His eyes are gentle, but I can see the tinge of sadness. “Of course we do. Your dad is so proud of you and him. He talks about you both nonstop.”
“Oh.”
“It wasn’t our place, dear.”
My eyes are filling with tears quickly, threatening to fall unchecked. “What wasn’t?”
“To tell Camden. I don’t think he ever knew. He talked to your dad through the parts store, but I believe they’ve kept it mostly professional.”
I nod, understanding completely. I don’t think I’d want to hear all about Camden’s life from my father either.
“Anyway, we’d love to meet him sometime, but we understand if that’s too much,” he says, continuing to hold my gaze through the mirror. “We’re in no rush.”
“No, I’d like that.”
“Good. We’ll try to set something up,” he replies, relaxing in the chair a bit more. “Now, how about that haircut?”
Giving him a wide smile, I settle in and prepare to do my thing. “Let’s do it.”