Chapter 6 #2
Through the mirror, the women exchanged a warm smile. Audrey thought to herself that coming back to Penelope was one of the best parts about returning to Coral Sands. Her friend had always been caring and insightful, two qualities that she valued a great deal.
“So,” Penelope said as she began to comb through Audrey’s auburn curls. “Tell me all about what happened.”
Audrey sighed, wanting very much to confide in her friend but at the same time not wanting to even think about everything that had happened with Clark.
Still, she knew she was never going to fully heal if she completely avoided thinking about the past, and telling her dear friend what had happened to her would help her process it all.
Besides, she knew that Penelope would be kind and understanding, and that would help soothe the hurt of what had happened to her.
As briefly as possible, Audrey described how she and Clark had become more and more distant, but that she’d had no inkling of his affair until the police had informed her that he’d run away with another woman.
“A much younger woman,” Audrey said, wrinkling her nose. “Someone basically our daughter’s age.”
“Oh, ew,” Penelope gasped, and Audrey couldn’t help laughing.
“My sentiments exactly,” she said, sighing. “I almost feel bad for him. He’s not the man I thought he was, that’s for sure. I think that’s the worst part of it, for me. I loved our home and I loved our life together, but I’m happy to be out of a marriage that wasn’t truly what I thought it was.”
Penelope nodded and squeezed Audrey’s shoulder.
“You’re much better off without him. You’ve got an amazing future ahead of you, and I’m sure you’ll find someone else—but I’m so sorry you had to go through that.
I can’t believe he never even told you he was leaving.
” Penelope’s eyes flashed in a way that made it clear that if Clark were there, she would have made him regret his thoughtless choice to leave Audrey in the dark.
“Thanks, Penelope.” Audrey did her best to smile.
“At least I’m back here in Coral Sands. That’s been a huge help.
But it’ll be a long time before I’m even ready to think about starting another relationship, I think.
” She shook her head, reflecting that it would be difficult for her to trust anyone again after what Clark had done.
Penelope sighed. “I understand how you feel. Relationships are never easy, and marriage especially is tough.”
Audrey’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “I’m surprised to hear you say that. You and Robert always seemed like the perfect couple.”
Penelope scoffed. “Yeah, I guess it’s easy for us to appear that away, considering we’re hardly ever actually with each other,” she said dryly. “Robert’s always traveling for work, and it seems like he’s hardly ever home.”
“Yeah?” Audrey watched her friend’s face in the mirror, trying to get a read on her emotions. Even though Penelope’s tone was light, she could sense that Robert’s frequent absences were truly troubling to her friend. “How are you feeling about your marriage, honestly?”
Penelope shrugged, and she pressed her lips together for a moment before speaking.
“It’s not as good as I want it to be. Robert seems to have less and less time for me, and I can feel us growing apart.
Every time I tell him I feel badly that we hardly ever see each other, he reacts as though I’m criticizing him.
I wish he could just hear what I’m saying and then fix it, you know?
I wish he wanted to make more time for me. ”
Audrey squeezed her friend’s hand. “Don’t give up,” she told her. “Robert loves you. You’re right, marriage is really tough. But I know the two of you can get back to a good place again.”
Penelope smiled, nodding. “You’re right. I should be more positive about the whole thing. But enough about me! You’re the one running from actual troubles. We’re going to get you all glammed up today and then we’re going to have so much fun in the coming days. How long are you in town?”
Audrey grinned. “I have no intention of leaving at any point. My daughter Michelle and I moved in with my mom, into the mansion. Now that I’m back home, I can feel it in my bones that I’m never going to want to move again.”
Penelope did a comical dance of happiness which made Audrey chuckle. “That’s amazing news! I can’t wait to get to know Michelle.” She grinned. “Honestly, I’m so thrilled that you’ve moved back. It’ll be just like old times.”
“It will. And I’ll never go to another hairdresser again—this is looking fantastic.”
“Do you like it?” Penelope seemed pleased. “Taking a little weight off is letting your curls bounce more. And you’ll want to keep straightening these bangs, but it won’t be too much work. You look very chic.”
Audrey smiled at her reflection as Penelope snipped away at her hair, putting the finishes touches on a haircut that she had to admit did truly look elegant.
I feel like a new woman, she thought eagerly. And I look like one too.
“There,” Penelope said finally, with a triumphant huff of air. “You’re all done. Ladies and gentlemen, the new Audrey.”
Audrey turned her head from side to side, inspecting her reflection and absolutely loving it. “Penelope, this is fantastic,” she said, feeling thrilled. “I guess I did need a makeover after all. I love this. Thank you so much.”
“Of course!” Penelope beamed at her. “I’m more than happy to do it. You deserve a pick-me-up like this after what you’ve been through.”
“Well, I’m grateful. And don’t be a stranger! Let’s get together soon, okay?”
Penelope smiled. “I’d love that. I can’t wait to catch up more and plan something fun for us to do.”
The friends exchanged another warm hug and Audrey left the beauty parlor, feeling a spring in her step.
She felt light with happiness, and she was looking forward to seeing Penelope again.
Even more than that, she was looking forward to returning to the mansion and showing her mother and daughter her fabulous new hairstyle.
She was halfway back to the mansion, enjoying the luscious spring weather and the charming sights of Corals Sands, when she caught sight of a man walking along on the opposite side of the street.
He was staring at a clipboard as he walked, looking as though he might be in danger of running into one of the trees that bordered the sidewalk.
Audrey slowed down and stared at him. She was about to cry out, “Look out for that tree!” when he expertly side-stepped it and continued on his way without breaking his pace in the slightest.
“Huh,” she said, laughing a little, and then in the next instant she realized that the man was Evan McBride, the mayor. Although he was on the other side of the street, she could make out his features clearly—and she could also see that he had another deep frown on his face.
He looks as cross and as busy as ever, she thought, watching him for a moment before forcing herself to look away. She didn’t want him to turn in her direction and catch her staring at him.
She felt a sudden strong impulse to walk across the street so that she’d be in his pathway. She felt an urge to walk past him and flaunt her new hairstyle.
Oh, don’t be silly, Audrey, she thought a second later, shaking her head at herself. You don’t even know the man! Besides, considering he didn’t even look up at that tree, he’s hardly likely to pay attention to your hairstyle.
Still, she watched Evan for a few more minutes, both interested and somewhat amused by the way he seemed utterly focused on the clipboard in his hands.
She thought again about the way she’d spilled coffee all over his papers and she huffed a little laugh when she remembered his expression. She watched him for a few more seconds until he turned a corner and disappeared out of sight.
Shaking her head at herself, she started on her way again, looking forward to returning home to her mother and daughter.