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“Let’s start with you answering the phone, taking bookings, sweeping up after the hairdressers, and general tidying up. Does that all sound okay?”
“Of course, as long as it keeps me distracted.”
Mom ushers me over to the front desk.
“Hey, Jeni,” someone calls out. I turn around to see Sarah’s mother walking toward me with her arms open wide.
“Trish, how are you?”
“I’m great. How are you doing? What am I saying? You’re fine. You’re as strong as they come, aren’t you, sweetie pie? How is that boyfriend of Sarah’s… Chris, is it? Looking after my girl? Is she doing well? Is he making her happy?” She asks so many questions at once my head spins, but it makes me chuckle for the first time in ages.
“She’s fine. Chris is awesome. They’re going to be one of the lucky ones, I think.”
“Oh, I’m so glad to hear that. Otherwise, I’d have to have him hunted down by the Defiance MC or something, you know? I happen to know the president from Houston, Zero, personally. We had this thing once when we were younger, you know…” Trish waggles her brows and carries on in her usual joking manner.
Mom snorts out a laugh, then grabs me by the arm and drags me away as Trish continues to ask questions that go unanswered.
Mom giggles in my ear. “She loves Chris, really. And as for Zero, it was a one-night stand, and she has no idea how to even contact him now. Okay, so changing the subject, let me show you how to use the booking system and introduce you to everyone.”
This feels good.
I’m finally feeling like I have a place in this world rather than wallowing in my own self-induced grief. Mom takes me around the salon, showing me everything she needs to, then introduces me to all her employees. Everyone’s cheery and nice, and I have to admit, being around upbeat people does great things for my mood. I think this will be good for me—they’ll keep me happy and focused.
The doors open to the first customers of the day. I greet them individually and then lead them to the appropriate workstation.
The day is a busy one, and I feel I’m doing quite well. I am able to keep up with everyone’s requests, make them coffee, and do the lunch run. The feeling of being a contributing memb
er of the staff is helping the self-esteem I’m lacking here of late.
I loved my job at ADF Automotive Repairs and wanted to go back there. The only problem was they had employed someone else, and there wasn’t a position available for me right now, but Mel said she would do her best to find me something as soon as she could. After the disappointment of not being able to go back, I realized it was for the best, because there are too many memories there, and there’s also the Tim factor.
The final customer leaves for the day, and Mom shuts and locks the door behind her. Once she turns the sign to closed, we both sigh with relief.
“Great job today, honey. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate you letting me work here.”
She scoffs. “Oh, honey, I’d do anything to help you, you know that. But this job is only for now, until you can get back on your feet. You’re far too talented to work here for long. You need to find something back in your field. Something you will enjoy doing. In the meantime, though, I love having you all to myself.”
It’s my fourth day working at the salon, and today, for some reason, I wake feeling down. There’s no real reason for it, but I suppose after everything I have been through, a down day is to be expected now and then. The excitement of a new job has worn off, and now I’m back to being less than content. They say a change is as good as a holiday, but this change is problematic because I don’t feel like I’m contributing to my best ability. I have so much more to offer than sweeping floors and making appointments. I know I’m going to have to start looking for something more up my ally soon, but for now, I just need to suck it up and get on with another day at the salon.
Pulling my car up behind Mom’s, I get out, and make my way to the shop. The salon is on Main Street, and I can see O’Connell Finance in the distance. That, in itself, sets my mood spiraling even lower.
Making my way to the front desk, Mom notices me and frowns. “Bad day today, honey?” Not waiting for an answer, she simply moves in, hugging me tightly as I try to take control over my mood.
“If it gets too much, let me know, and we’ll go out for a coffee break.”
“Will do. Thanks, Mom.”
Pulling in a deep breath, I open the front doors to the first customer of the day. I swallow hard at the mention of her name, Bree, but take her to the workstation she’s been assigned. I can already tell this day is going to be hell.
As the day progresses, my mood doesn’t improve. Mom keeps watching me, almost hovering, but I ignore her and attempt to remain busy.
Without out warning, it happens.
My breaking point.
Over the loudspeakers, Bon Jovi plays “Thank You for Loving Me.” Immediately, my heart pounds and honestly, I feel faint. It’s all I can do to hold myself together.
