Chapter 20 #2
Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone walk by on the sidewalk in front of the store window. I turn slightly to see who it is. A lump forms in my throat, and my chest constricts, shock coursing through my body.
Is that Jake?
The man has a baseball cap pulled low on their face. It’s enough to obscure his face from being fully seen. He has a full beard, but I can’t make out much more of his facial features. Although I can't make out his facial features, my entire body is shaking.
“Kendall, are you feeling alright?” Jane asks with concern as she turns to see what I’m looking at.
I look back through the shop window. The man is dressed in a large black t-shirt, loose jeans, and what appear to be well-worn work boots, shuffling his feet as he walks across the street.
The unmistakable walk, with his hands tucked in his pockets, stirs something unsettlingly familiar within me.
My face drains of color, and unease washes over me.
“I thought maybe I knew the person walking by.”
Dane steps closer to me with his eyebrows furrowed. I see his hands clench at his sides. “Do you need me to introduce myself?”
“I…Umm…no, no. Everything’s fine!” I stammer over my words, still staring out the window.
He is still across the street, walking, never turning back. Shaking off the angst in my body and thoughts, I tell myself I have a restraining order. He wouldn’t come back. But I can’t even sell myself on that thought.
This soft opening is important to me, so I smooth down my dress and put a smile on my face. I say, “Really, everything is fine.”
Their faces tell me everything; they aren’t buying it. I’m thankful they let it go.
“Okay, well, you let me know if there’s anything I can do,” Dane says as he stares deep into my eyes, searching for a morsel of something to go on. I give him nothing. The last thing I need is for this man to get involved in my messy past.
My award-winning smile is plastered on, and I gesture for them to move through the space.
“We appreciate the two of you coming out. Please have a beverage, or enjoy our wonderful charcuterie spread. Help yourself, and when you’re all set, you can head to the back.
We have the studio open for relaxation and chair massages, the Himalayan salt rooms, and a tour of the space. ”
Jane glances at the spread and says, “This spread looks lovely.”
I place my hand on her shoulder and say, “You are my biggest supporter. Nothing but the best for you.”
Dane looks over with a smirk on his face and doesn’t say a word. His eyes say everything. The love he has for his grandmother is truly off the charts. They really do have a special relationship.
I leave them at the refreshment table to greet other guests as they arrive.
So many of my clients are showing up and supporting this spa; it warms my heart.
Even other businesses on Main Street are stopping by to see how the renovations turned out.
I haven’t seen Blake yet, but I’m sure he’s on his way.
He’ll probably get a ton of business just from being here tonight.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Faith strolling in late. She’s going to be late for her own funeral.
“Hey! You made it,” I say as I sling my arm around her shoulders.
“Just got caught up at the office. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
“I know! The girls are in the back, either doing chair massages or in the salt room,” I say, guiding her toward the back.
She needs some pampering after working all the hours at her therapy practice.
I hope she takes advantage of all the services tonight.
As we approach the back, Lane and Addison are hanging out in the waiting room, where there are more snacks, and they’re sipping on cucumber-infused water.
I suspect they already had their chair massages because their shoulders aren’t hitting their ears anymore.
“How is it so far?”
“That chair massage was life-changing, and I already booked an appointment with her,” Lane says as she slumps her body.
Addison nods, finishes chewing her snack, and says, “Oh my God! It was the best I’ve had. You did a great job hiring, Kendall. I booked too. Great idea to have the appointments ready to be scheduled. It makes it an easy yes for people to book their next one.”
The next couple of hires will be estheticians because people have been asking about it.
I just haven’t found the right people. But I know they’re out there.
I have to be patient and find the right team members.
Salon and spa culture matters, and that's why we don’t have significant turnover at Saxy.
“We also have our schedule for the next couple of months all set up for appointments and all the yoga classes too.”
“Well, it was smart!” Addison says.
“I’m going to leave you guys to it. Show Faith where those massage chairs are. She needs it,” I say, squeezing her shoulders.
I turn and walk back to the front of the salon. As I walk through the doorway, I see Blake on the sidewalk. He finally made it. I can’t wait to see Lane’s reaction when she sees him.
“I’m excited you are here. There have been a few people asking who did the beautiful spa renovation. Of course, I gave them your card and said you’d be here in a bit. One of them has already left. The other two are around. I’ll introduce you.”
“As always, thank you for your praise. It was all your vision; don’t forget to mention that to everyone,” Blake says as he waves his hand in my direction.
He’s a good guy. I’d love to see him and Lane together. But who knows? He won’t mix business with pleasure. So, I might just have to wait until after the kitchen reno to get my matchmaking hands on those two.
“You made it come to life. Are you here for some services? You could use at least a chair massage. But if you want to grab a refreshment first, then I can introduce you to a few people before you head down to the studio.”
“I’m probably not going to get a massage, but I’ll grab a drink. Be right back.”
I should introduce him to Jane. She knows everyone and would be a great person to be connected to in this town. As my eyes scan the salon, I see that man again across the street staring straight into the salon.
What the hell?
My friends will be here to help me close up, but this guy is giving me the creeps. If it is Jake, I might lose it.