Page 31 of Driven to Love

She had to get out of here. Luckily, she knew where to go to clear her head.

Julie was cashing out her client when Addison walked in. “Hey, baby. Good timing. My next client won’t be here for fifteen minutes.”

“Sounds good.” She grabbed the broom and cleaned up her mother’s station while she waited. The salon was quiet this evening. Only her mom was here.

“Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll grab us a couple of pops from the back.” She was only gone a minute before she sat in the chair next to Addison. “How’s work going?”

“Pretty good. I’m learning the services and parts. That’s the biggest change for me. Eric is great. He stays out of my way, but is quick to answer my questions. The system they’re currently using is the same as I used at my old job. And I grew up scheduling clients, so that wasn’t an issue.” Sitting in front of the large mirror, Addison noticed the hint of dark circles under her eyes.

Julie leaned in and rested a hand on Addison’s knee. “Baby. Don’t push yourself too hard. I know how you get. Go. Go. Go.”

“Mom, work’s fine.” She picked up a brush from the station and started running it through her hair. She wasn’t about to worry her mom about Mark’s persistent calls.

“If it’s not work, then what is it? Your complexion is pale. And don’t say it’s not. I saw you last week.” Julie stepped up behind Addison. Their eyes met in the mirror. Julie took the brush from her daughter’s hand and continued brushing.

Addison closed her eyes. Each stroke of the brush soothed her frazzled nerves. Mark was only part of the problem. Seeing Nash every day gnawed at her composure.

“How was your date last weekend?”

Addison cringed.

“That bad?”

“Doubly bad. I had two dates with two different guys.” She gave her the condensed version.

Julie shrugged. “You have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince.”

“Mom, I’ve kissed enough frogs to fill Lake Superior.”

Her mom raised an eyebrow.

Crap. Remember who you’re talking to. “I just want a nice guy who wants to raise a family and grow old together.”

“You’ll find him. I found mine. It took some patience.” Mitch and Mom were soulmates, no doubt. But if she had to wait as long as her mother to find the perfect man, she’d be too old to have children. Sure, plenty of women raised babies on their own. Her mother did, but Addison didn’t want to go that route, not if she could help it.

She cleared her throat. “I have a date tonight with Frank Davis.”

Her mom stopped brushing. Her forehead crinkled. “Janis’s boy?”

“Yes. He’s Marti’s cousin. Do you know him?”

She slowly set the brush down. “Somewhat. He’s a nice man, but…”

Oh crap. Addison knew that look. “What? Don’t tell me he’s into taxidermy too?”

“No. Not that I’m aware of. It’s just that I never would have put the two of you together. I picture you with someone like that mechanic you work with. Cade’s friend.”

“Mom, I’m trying to change my type. If that means I need to date average-looking guys to find the one, then I will.”

“I’m not talking about looks. But since you brought it up, remember, you’ll be attracted to the right guy. So, listen to your heart. It will tell you who it wants, loud and clear.”

“Mom,” Addison said, her tone reminiscent of her teenage years.

“You’re a smart, accomplished woman. I know it will all work out.” She hugged her from behind.

The front bell over the door rang. “I’ll call you this weekend.”

“Have a wonderful time tonight.” Her mother’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.