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“Oh no… really? I don’t think so. I just thought I’d spend some time with you all.”
Be strong in here.
“But how are you going to lure big, bad Teddy Bear to your side if you don’t look the part,” Rory whispered in her ear.
“I’m not wanting to do that, Rory. And I told you about that kiss in confidence,” Mandy whispered back.
“And I haven’t told anyone, but it doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about it.”
“I don’t want Ted Hosking,” Mandy denied.
“Sure you do. But to achieve that you need a change. We voted, and you’re the first makeover.”
“I wasn’t here for that vote.”
“Majority rules,” Rory said. “Isn’t that right, ladies?”
“Ah, I’m not really a makeover kind of girl, Rory.”Be strong in here, Mandy. Don’t let the past dictate who you are anymore.
Mandy was starting to wish she didn’t have such a good memory. Ted’s words seemed to be on repeat inside her head.
“Sure, you are. Let’s go.”
Rory took her arm and dragged her to a seat in the dining area.
“Sit.”
“Rory, I’m not a dog,” Mandy said, finding her backbone finally.
“Cyn’s here!” Rory said, ignoring her.
Mandy spun to face the door as Cynthia Hope walked through it carrying a large case. In her fifties, Cyn, as the locals called her, had been the town beauty therapist for as long as Mandy could remember.
“Hi.” She smiled, and like the others she was pretty and confident. Mandy tried not to feel small. Tried not to give in to the need she felt pulling inside her to run out that door and go home. These people were her friends.
Stop being pathetic.
“Change is a good thing, Mandy.” Rory dropped down in front of her, placing her hands on her knees.
“Ted told me to be strong in here, Rory.” She tapped her forehead. “Don’t let the past dictate who you are anymore.” Mandy made herself say the words. No more hiding.
“Did he? Well, points for Ted, because he’s right. Care to tell me how that conversation came about?”
“I was raiding his herb garden at the lodge.”
“That’ll do it.” Rory winked at her before regaining her feet. “I’ve always had deep and meaningful conversations over my herbs.”
“Here, Mandy. Have a drink.” Piper handed her a glass of wine.
Cool and crisp, it slid down her throat, soothing the dryness. She’d only take a few sips. Mandy wasn’t much of a drinker.Much of anything, actually.
“You’ve never been to see me, have you?” Cynthia walked behind Mandy and took the clip out of her hair. She then ran her hands through it. Mandy tried not to stiffen up at the touch.
“You have beautiful hair, Mandy. Is this color natural?”
She nodded.
“Seriously?” Piper said. “You must be the only natural brunette in town that I know.”
