by Lea Coll
“I like that.” I liked the idea of being the place people needed to stop in to drop off donations, then remembering they needed to make time for a haircut.
After being on the show, I was used to second-guessing everything I did. I never wanted to be viewed the same way I had been back then. “Do I sound completely selfish with these ideas? I’m helping the community to bring in new clients.”
“You want to connect with the community. You want people to like you enough that they’ll want to support your business. Yeah, you have a bit of an ulterior motive, but your desire to fit in here is real. I don’t think you sound selfish or self-serving.” Piper stood, brushing the crumbs off her lap.
She handed me the bag with the remaining pastries. “I’m going to wash up.”
I hoped she was right. I wanted to fit in when I never had anywhere else. I thought I’d come here for peace, to figure out who I was. Maybe I was really searching for somewhere to belong.
The bell rang, signaling my first customer. A three-year-old, his blond hair falling into his eyes, who didn’t want to get his hair cut. He crossed his arms when his mom tried to pull off his coat.
I turned on a cartoon, encouraging him with lollipops and a kid-friendly smock. When I patted the booster I’d placed on the chair, his mom reached for him, but he bolted for the door.
His mom pleaded with him to come back.
I smiled at his mother before crouching next to him. “Hey, buddy. I know it’s scary, but I think you’re brave. I think you can climb on that booster chair and get your hair trimmed like a big boy, am I right?”
He considered me for a few seconds before nodding with a solemn expression. “I’m a big boy.”
“Exactly.” I smiled at him as the satisfaction of convincing him settled in my chest.
His mother smiled at me, her shoulders lowering.
He clambered onto the booster seat, waiting patiently for me to put the smock around his neck. I cut his hair as quickly as I could, worried he was going to decide halfway through that he wasn’t as brave as he thought. When his cut was done, I offered him a toy car.
He was so excited about the toy, I knew he’d beg his mother to come back. Maybe things were going to work out here. I just had to stay positive. I’d win people over one customer at a time. It wasn’t just enticing people to try us out, it was giving them an experience they’d want to repeat.
When I was cleaning up, his mother approached with a generous tip. “Thank you so much. You were so great with him.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m going to tell everyone in my moms’ group how you’re giving cars out to the kids. It’s such a great idea. He’ll want to keep coming back just for the toy.”
“That’s so great to hear.” The good feeling from that appointment stuck with me the rest of the day. I was confident the ideas I’d voiced to Piper earlier would help. If not, I’d come up with something else.
“I told you the cars were a good idea.”
“You were right. Thank you, Piper. I don’t know what I’d be doing without you.”
“You’d be doing all right on your own. It might have taken you a while longer, but you would have gotten there.”
“Thank you.” I paused from sweeping up the clippings on the floor to look out the window. I wasn’t used to people being confident in my abilities. This town was charming, people standing in line for coffee at The Coffee Cowboy, going in and out of the bookstore. It was nothing like where I grew up. It was the opposite of LA, yet it was starting to feel like home.
A woman walked by with her dog, reminding me that Gray paid for Athena’s surgery. “Gray mentioned he pays for surgeries for dogs that are abandoned out of his own pocket.”
“He does?” Piper asked, sounding distracted.
Glancing from the window to her, her attention was on the computer screen.
“Yeah. We could help raise money, put a picture of the dog at the front counter, and a jar to collect money. Would Gray be okay with that? Should I talk to him first?”
“Probably.”
“Last time I offered to help, he said no, or at least, I think he did. I definitely got the impression he didn’t want help.” His reluctance to accept help made me want to do more for him.
“That’s Gray,” Piper said wryly.
“So, maybe I should just do it.” I resumed sweeping.
Piper finally looked up from the computer. “How are you going to get a picture of the dog? You need the name too, find out how much money you need to raise, so there’s a goal.”
“That’s true.”
Piper focused on me finally. “Are you doing this for the dog or to get closer to Gray?”
I wanted to help him. I wasn’t purposely trying to get closer to him, or was I? “What? No. Why would I want to get closer to Gray? You said yourself it’s an impossible task. He doesn’t let anyone in.”
“You think you’ll be different.” Her tone was matter of fact.
My heart sank in my chest. Maybe I did think that.
“I know I’m not different.” My impression was that he’d been betrayed.
I was hiding something from people. My past was easily discoverable. No one had connected the dots yet. When Gray found out, would he think the same way about me? Would the townspeople? Or would they believe I was the person they saw on TV?
My stomach churned. I didn’t want people approaching me here, calling me a bitch for what I’d done on the show. I liked being anonymous here. I worked hard, tried to be a good person. Would it matter in the end? Would my past always be a part of me?
All I could hope for was that people liked me enough to overlook my past, to give me the benefit of the doubt. I pushed back my uneasiness, the thought that my peaceful existence was a ticking clock. It was only a matter of time before it imploded in my face.
In the meantime, I was going to fully embrace being the Elle who cared about the community, being the person I was meant to be all along. Armed with my new ideas, I formulated a plan to talk to Gray, approach him about helping with the dog’s fees.
At lunchtime, I told Piper I was going to grab something to eat and would be gone for an hour. She distractedly smiled at me before continuing to chat with her client.
I slipped out, grabbing a couple of sandwiches from Baked in Telluride, before heading to the vet clinic. Pulling into the lot, I grabbed the bags, heading to the receptionist’s desk.
“Elle. I don’t have you down for an appointment. Did Crew get into something again?” Anne asked.
My face heated as I held up the bags. I hadn’t accounted for the small-town feel, where everyone wanted to know what was going on, or would formulate their own ideas. “No. I brought lunch for Gray to thank him for his help last week with Crew.”
“He’s in his office.” She smiled knowingly, pointing down the hall. “Second door on your right.”
I followed her directions, pausing at the doorway to knock softly, wondering if I’d made a huge mistake coming here. My stomach knotted. Would people gossip about me bringing him lunch? Would it get back to the shop before I did? Would Gray see it as a friendly gesture or something else? Did I want this to be more?
The sight of Gray, seated at his desk, white button-down shirt rolled up over his forearms, glasses on as he read something on his computer, stole my breath. He was sexy in ways I hadn’t noticed before.
He looked up when I knocked again, louder this time. “Elle. What are you doing here?”
He pushed back from the desk, standing, a slow smile spreading over his face.
I smiled; my heart pounded in my chest. “I brought lunch.”
He placed a hand on his stomach. “I’m starving. Perfect timing.”
Heat radiated through my chest because he was happy I was here.
He cleared off a space on his desk, grabbing the bags and opening them.
I placed the iced teas on the table, pulling up one of the guest chairs.
Gray walked behind me to
close the door. “This is a nice surprise.”
I bit my lip, worried he’d see through my thinly veiled excuse of bringing him lunch. Would he assume I was here because I was attracted to him? “I wanted to thank you for your help last week with Crew.”
He waved me off. “That’s my job.”
He sat, taking a big bite of his sandwich.
I unwrapped mine, trying to figure out the best way to broach the subject of raising money when he’d shut me down the first time. “I also wanted to talk about possibly raising money for Athena. I was thinking it would be good to place a collection jar by my front register with her picture, and a little description about what happened.”
He clenched his jaw. “It’s not necessary. I covered it.”
“I know you want to help local rescue organizations, but if you’re taking dogs in, paying for their care then finding them a home, aren’t you a rescue?” I was relieved I’d thought of this argument on the way over. Piper was right. He wouldn’t accept help easily.
He took a sip of iced tea. “I suppose. I never thought of it like that.”
Maybe if I made it sound like he was doing me a favor by doing this, he’d agree. “I’m not asking for purely altruistic reasons. I need ties to the community, too. People need to believe I’ll stay so they’ll invest in my business.”
Pulling on his earlobe, he asked, “You think this will help?”
“It’s a small thing, something that shows I care about the community. I have a few other ideas too.” I picked up my sub and took a bite, preparing for the inevitable pushback.
“I think it’s a good idea. It will bring attention to a problem as well. People getting pets or giving them as gifts when they don’t understand the responsibility.”
A fluttery feeling erupted in my belly. “I agree, it will make people more aware.”
“I’ll need to look into creating a nonprofit so the money goes directly into a fund for future dogs.” Before I could argue the money should reimburse him, he continued, “What are your other ideas?”
“Ideas for what?” The heat radiating in my chest spread through my whole body, leaving tingles in its wake.
“To get the community to accept you.”
Not tell them about the reality show I starred in during my late teens through my early twenties. “On the way over, I was thinking of offering a daddy-daughter class where dads could come with their daughters. I can teach them how to take care of and style their hair.”
“You cater to men.” He sounded confused.
“I used to work at a salon, so I know how to style women’s hair. There might be men who are single dads or just dads who want to style their own child’s hair. I can help.”
His eyes shone with admiration. “It’s a cool idea.”
His praise made me feel lightheaded. “Really?”
“Yeah. I don’t know how many guys you’ll get. I agree it’s unique.”
I let the good feeling wash through me. “I’m offering discounts for veterans and first responders too.”
“That’s a great start. Have you noticed we’re both trying to ingratiate ourselves to the community? Prove we’re here to stay?”
I laughed because it was exactly what I was thinking. “You kind of gave me the idea last night.”
He was quiet, finishing his sandwich before he said thoughtfully, “We should work together.”
“On what?” My only skill was cutting hair. “I can’t groom dogs.”
He laughed a full-body laugh, his head tipped back.
It was so surprising, I forgot to laugh myself. When his gaze settled back on me, I tried to recover, wiping my face with a napkin to cover my shocked expression.
“We can work on the rescue and the mobile clinic together. You obviously love animals; you have a heart. You’re probably good at planning stuff.”
I tilted my head. No one had ever described me that way before. Maybe pretty or fashionably dressed, but not kind or smart. “And what? You’re not?”
He had a glint in his eyes. “I could use the help. I’m busy as it is with the clinic.”
When I remained silent, surprised he was asking for help, he continued, “You’re the one who pushed for this. You wanted me to talk to Ed. You thought it was a great idea.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
He nodded. “You kind of owe me.”
“Fine.” I rolled up my wrapper, surprised time passed so quickly. I was worried we wouldn’t have anything to talk about, that the meal would be awkward, but the more time I spent with him, the more I liked him.
An older gentleman in a white coat similar to Gray’s jacket, walked in when I stood to throw out the wrapper. I tensed, not wanting to get Gray in trouble if he wasn’t supposed to have lunch guests.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” The name in script above his pocket read Edmund Bester. That name was on my invoices. He must be the owner.
“You weren’t. We were just finishing up.” Gray gestured at me.
I smiled, sitting back down. “I dropped by with lunch.”
Ed looked from Gray to me. “And who might you be?”
I held my hand out. “Elle Carmichael. I own the new barbershop, Smoke & Mirrors.”
His eyes shown with respect. “I’ve been meaning to stop by there. My friends love it.”
“If you love a good old-fashioned cut and shave, it’s the place to go.” I was a little uncomfortable selling my business to people. If I wanted it to be a success, I’d have to get used to it.
“I think you’re going to do well here with the tourists who like swankier digs.”
“I hope so.” I had to cover my smile at Ed’s attempt at slang.
“Swankier digs? Really?” Gray, a smile playing on his lips, leaned back in his chair, letting it rock.
Ed leaned a shoulder on the doorjamb. “I don’t know whatever word you young people think is cool these days. I think you’ve got a good idea there.”
“Thank you.” That was twice today someone had complimented me on a business idea. It wasn’t something I was used to. It was a good feeling. It solidified the idea I’d made the right decision coming here.
“Elle’s going to be helping me with possibly forming our own rescue to pay for animals that get dumped here as well as with the mobile clinic.” Gray’s appreciative gaze rested on me as he talked.
My face heated at the attention.
I wasn’t sure Ed knew about Gray’s propensity to cover abandoned dogs’ medical care. “A dog was hit by a car a few weeks ago. The owners abandoned her, so Gray paid for her surgery. I’m raising money to reimburse him, but he wants to start a nonprofit to help future dogs.”
“I didn’t know you were doing that. As a businessman, you’re going to have a hard time making money with all the free stuff you’re giving away.” He paused, considering Gray. “As a man, I’m proud of you. This is exactly what I was talking about the other day. You should be upfront about what you’re doing. You can’t hide your involvement.” Ed’s tone was tinged with respect.
I shifted forward in my seat. “He’s got a point. If you want the community to embrace you, you need to be a bit more vocal about what’s going on. Take credit when you do something amazing.”
“I’d rather fly under the radar.” His smile disappeared, his jaw set.
We hit on the exposed nerve he tried so hard to cover. As much as I felt bad that I’d upset him, it was these moments, when someone got too close, that I saw the real Gray. The one he hid from everyone.
I wanted to know why he felt that way. Even if Ed wasn’t here, we didn’t know each other well enough for that.
“I have an appointment. I’ll catch you later. Nice meeting you, Elle. I hope to see you around more often.”
There was no mistaking his implication. He hoped something more was going on between us. I liked the idea that Ed thought I was good enough for Gray. “He’s sweet.”
“Lately, he’s been meddling in things a
bit too much for my liking,” Gray grumbled, but I caught the affection in his tone.
I looked down to hide my smile. “I think he wants to make sure you’re settled before he retires.”
“What do you mean?”
“He wants you to be happy.”
Gray snorted.
“Why is that so hard to believe? You’ve worked here for how long?”
“Four years.”
“Surely you’ve developed a relationship with him. He sees you as a son or his mentee. He feels responsible for you. He sees you not living life to its fullest. He wants to make sure you’re on the right path before he leaves.” I was starting to wonder if Gray was oblivious or just downplayed the important relationships in his life.
Worried I’d crossed a line in our tentative friendship, I looked up in time to see Gray’s expression. It was a mix of awe and respect. He cleared his throat as if he wanted to respond but he didn’t.
“I’d better get going. Let you get back to work.” I walked to the door, placing my hand on the frame as I looked over my shoulder at him. “I’d like to work with you on the rescue stuff, even the mobile vet clinic. Whatever you need, let me know. You already have my number.”
He’d given me his number when Crew ate the raisins. I’d originally put it in my phone so I’d have it if Crew got sick again. I’d never admit it to him, but I pulled his contact information up occasionally to stare at his name, wondering if he liked to text or if he was more of a phone call kind of guy. He seemed like a man who eschewed whatever was trendy.
I walked away, my heart beating loudly in my chest. It was either the dumbest decision I’d ever made or the best. Ed saw something in Gray. Whatever he was hiding, whatever made him reluctant to reveal himself to others, couldn’t be anything too bad.
There was a man in there waiting to break out and live life to his fullest. My heart ached for whatever he’d been through to make him think he didn’t deserve accolades for his plans.
I wanted him to see his worth. I wanted the town to realize how amazing he was. He wasn’t the most personable, but he meant well. Underneath his posture was a man I wanted to know.
Chapter 11
