Chapter 15 – Mabel
Chapter Fifteen
MABEL
I’m happy I decided to drive myself. Elle and Patrick are adorable together but they definitely have the newly engaged horniness still making them almost insufferable to be in close quarters with.
Especially when I was having the most confusing vagina versus heart versus brain feelings in the world with my brother’s nemesis.
A nemesis who the rest of my family loves, who is so trusted that he’s basically second-in-command in running my family’s legacy. My own flipping mother invites him to family dinner.
I don’t know what I’m doing with Jude and I really can’t wait to shut that part of my brain off and enjoy some girl time with my sisters.
A quick look around the town square shows that I’m the first to arrive. Getting out of my car, it’s a warm June day and walking into The Salon’s air conditioned welcome area sends a shiver down my spine.
“Welcome to The Salon, how can I help you today?”
I smile brightly at the receptionist, she’s a timid little cutie with dark hair and round rosy cheeks.
“Hey, doll. I have an appointment today for three pedicures. Should be under the last name Warren.” I end my introduction with a wink, hoping to distract her from fully comprehending my last name.
The Warren family wasn’t completely responsible for founding Honeyville back in the day but we may have possibly been responsible for naming the town.
She must be new in town, I don’t recognize her and I do my best to at least know of everyone in our little town. It was a lot easier when I was actually living in town but I do tend to run into most people at the markets during the weekends.
As the receptionist, no nametag anywhere on the desk, clicks around on the scheduling system to check me in.
Her black hair is twisted into a clawclip, a few strands have come loose but they frame her face almost perfectly.
Her eyebrows are thick, long lashes, and the prettiest hazel eyes with little wrinkles on the corners from her focus on the computer screen.
I can’t see much of her body, hidden behind the desk, but she has an ample chest that makes me a little jealous.
“Alright, I have you all checked in. Did you want to wait for the rest of your party?”
“No, I’m fine to get started. They should be here soon.”
The receptionist starts to stand but I’m quick to stop her. “Don’t worry, doll, I know the way.” I smile as I’m sauntering off towards the back of the square building where the pedicure chairs are nestled.
The Salon isn’t the biggest but the owner, Mona, has been around forever and has made this place her own.
Four pedicure chairs alongside the back walk with two stations for manicures close by.
On the far wall, a few stations for hair washing, and towards the middle-closer to the reception and waiting area-the comfiest salon chairs to ever exist. All facing mirrors with opaque dividers that offer an idea of privacy.
It should feel crowded but Mona makes it all work.
I settle into the middle chair off to the left, quickly finding the remote that has the massage settings and getting those options going. Maximum relaxation as my nail artist comes out and starts setting up her work area.
Elle arrives first, I can see Patrick walking her to the doors.
I watch him separate from her but very reluctantly, refusing to let go of her hand, peppering her knuckles with kisses.
She finally escapes his grasp, she has her classic Elle scowl but I can see the smile teasing her lips once her back is to him.
“Hey Bubs!” I wave dramatically like we aren’t in one giant room. This earns an eye roll which is the Elle equivalent of a bone crushing hug.
The cutie at the reception desk waves her past without collecting her information.
She settles into the seat to my right and our nail technicians appear.
They are polite with their greeting but quickly move their focus to getting the water started, checking with us that the temperature is okay and showing us the color options.
“Are you ready to head out to the cabin?” Elle’s flipping through the colors slowly as she asks me.
I hum in the affirmative. I’m probably overly ready to get up there. I’ve planned with Mama to go early and get it ready for our gathering.
The family hasn’t been up to the cabin yet this year.
It’s my happy place.
“Are you? Finally going to show the cabin and the loft to Patrick?” I waggle my eyebrows dramatically. Elle’s cheeks turn pink at my implication but before she can answer, the door opens and a curvy red head walks into The Salon.
I do my best to listen to her friendly chatter with the receptionist, she’s here for a hair appointment with Diana. Hmm, two more new people I’m not familiar with.
It seems like I need to come into town more.
When Lola enters The Salon a few minutes later. She speaks softly with the receptionist before making her way to us. She climbs into the seat to my left and I feel a happy twang in my heart at having my sisters on each side.
The conversation between the three of us flows easily.
It’s like the previous tension between Lola and I caused by Jude’s shadowing never existed.
I knew that it had been affecting me but I didn’t realize how much.
It feels like all the pressure and anxiety that has been weighing on me is all but gone.
A small twist in the lower part of my gut still remains, but I know that has more to do with Lola’s right hand man and whatever this is simmering between the two of us.
And why he’s making me question my brother’s motivations for the first time in my life.