AllFreeNovel
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Parker gave her a knowing grin. “That’s it as in that’s the end of the story or that’s all you’re willing to share? Because I’d be okay with both, but I’m hoping there’s just stuff you don’t want to share because we haven’t become best friends yet.”
Savannah’s back stiffened slightly. “You think we’re going to be best friends?”
“Oh, absolutely. And before you get the wrong idea, this has nothing to do with my uncle. This is about my first impression of you and how much I’ve enjoyed talking to you this morning.”
“Oh, um…”
Leaning forward, smiling sympathetically, Parker went on, “I’m not going to lie and say that I’m not curious as hell about the entire situation with my uncle, because I totally am. But I’m also not someone who’s going to push. If you want to share anything or just need someone to talk to, I’m here. And not as a relative or someone who’s going to run back and tell the entire family what’s going on. That’s my mom’s thing, not mine.”
She hated to sound rude, but…
“I don’t trust very easily, Parker, so please don’t take offense if I don’t…”
“Trust me right away?” she finished for her. “Understood.”
“Thank you.” Glancing around the office, she smiled. “This is a great space. Very warm and inviting.”
“Thanks. It was a group effort. My cousin Mallory owns a décor shop over in Magnolia and I bought most of the furniture from her. Her husband Jake did all the major renovations on the place, but my cousin Austin did all the built-ins and framed the original plans for the building for me.”
Savannah looked over at the picture. “That’s nice.”
“Then my other cousin Garrett—who is Austin’s brother—and his wife bought me some of the knick-knacks and the dog bed for Ollie.”
With a soft laugh, Savannah spotted the bed. “I didn’t even notice that. Where is he?”
“Well, I didn’t mind having him with me while we were working on the place, but now that we’re ready to open, I thought it was best to leave him home. Besides, he needs to learn to hang out by himself once in a while.”
All she could do was nod because she’d never had a dog.
Or any pet, for that matter.
“My cousin Sam did all the work on the grounds around the building, so…like I said, it’s been a group effort for sure.”
“You’re lucky to have such a big family. It must be nice to have so many people around to support you.”
She instantly wanted to cringe because that made her sound sad and pathetic.
“I mean…”
“It’s okay, Savannah,” Parker said softly. “I get it.”
“Did Cash…?”
Shaking her head, Parker gave a sassy grin. “The rat bastard wouldn’t answer any of my questions!” She laughed. “He said if there was anything you wanted me to know, you’d tell me.”
“Oh. Okay.” Pausing for a moment, Savannah couldn’t help but laugh too. “But there’s stuff you want to know.”
“So much that it’s practically killing me, but…I respect you and can wait.” Standing, she said, “In the meantime, I was thinking about testing some of your skills.”
This was the norm when you went to work someplace new—the owners need to know exactly how you perform so they recommend you to clients who might have a specific need.
“Are you thinking of a massage?” The spa was closed to the public—sort of. They were having their soft opening, so there were a few people coming in for appointments, but she had a feeling they were primarily friends and family.
“Actually, I was thinking about a facial. I’ve had about five massages this week and as much as I never thought I’d say this, I don’t want another one for a really long time!” Laughing, she led Savannah out of the office and back down the stairs to the reception area. “I have one of the other therapists coming in to give my sister-in-law a prenatal massage, and another therapist coming in to give my one of my cousin’s wives a Thai foot massage. I figured I’d check out your facial skills and the next massage will be yours to give. Sound good?”
“Absolutely!”
So for the next thirty minutes, Savannah gave her new boss a classic European facial. Parker’s skin was already in great shape so she didn’t require anything harsh or invasive, and she hoped that her skills as an esthetician were evident enough to impress her.
