Walker Spirit

by Bernadette Marie

  She loved what she did, there was no question there, but she despised having people in her personal space. Of course, she was counting her blessings. Her clientele had nearly all followed her. She’d lost a few, but usually, those were the ones you didn’t mind losing anyway. But the faster she could get her salon in order, the quicker she could get back to work as normal, and home could then be an oasis.

  Audrey stood in the middle of the empty salon, after a full day of punch work, as Gerald called it. She leaned her chin on the broom in her hand and looked at the gleaming floor and the freshly painted walls. They had come yesterday and put the lettering on the windows. Audrey’s Salon and Boutique. It shimmered as brightly to her as she assumed a Hollywood movie marquee would for Gregory.

  Suddenly she couldn’t wait for him to see it. In one week it had gone from dirt floors and bare, roughed-in walls, to a beautiful space where she would start a fresh new adventure. The inspector would come on Monday, and if everything went well, she’d be cleared to occupy the space. The very thought made her giddy.

  She was still gazing at the space when she noticed the woman standing in the doorway. Straightening, she gripped the broom in one hand. “Hi. Can I help you?”

  “I assume you’re Audrey?” the woman asked as she looked at the lettering on the door as if to assure she got the name right.

  “Yes.”

  “Nichole,” the woman stated boldly as she walked into the space and held out her hand to shake Audrey’s. “I’m a stylist. New to town. Looking for a place to start up.”

  “Oh, well, I…”

  “I have fifteen years’ experience, but let’s face it, we all did this long before we were licensed,” she joked, and Audrey nodded, remembering when she had first colored Pearl’s blonde locks with Kool-Aid. “I just relocated to Georgia from Colorado. So, as I said, I’m new to town but ready for a fresh start.”

  Audrey stood just staring at the slender, tall woman in front of her. Her dark hair bounced in subtly highlighted ringlets at her chin as she looked around the space.

  Audrey hadn’t been thinking of hiring anyone, especially anyone new to town without a clientele, but this woman, though full of energy and an obvious optimism, gave Audrey a peaceful feeling. Her gut said to keep talking to her.

  “You just moved here? So you have no clientele?” she asked, but hadn’t meant for it to sound so snide.

  “I’ve picked up a few people in the month we’ve been settling in. But doing hair in the kitchen is a pain in the ass.”

  Audrey laughed. She knew that truth too well.

  Nichole continued, “I have three kids. Twin sons and a two-year-old daughter. You can’t work with them underfoot. Luckily they are in a great daycare situation for the summer. And lucky again, the entire staff needed a stylist. I put in a good twenty hours at home a week. It’s not enough, and I can offer you more, but it was a start.”

  It was impressive, too. This woman, in a short time, had established enough clientele to work from home twenty hours a week. Audrey knew stylists that had worked years and not been able to do that. “Tell me about yourself.”

  Nichole pulled a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to Audrey. “Here’s my resume,” she said as she handed it to her. “I’ve worked in salons since I was fifteen. Started at the front desk, went to school, apprenticed, and then managed. After ten years I moved to my own salon with two other stylists, and now I’m here. I’m trained in multiple color lines. Up-to-date on cutting techniques and I’m an expert at brow waxing. If you’re offering spa services, I’m available to do those as well while I’m building. But my expertise is in cutting and color.”

  The resume and letter of recommendation backed up what she had just told Audrey. It was impressive, to say the least, she thought, but this wasn’t in her plans.

  “It looks like you’re about ready to open,” Nichole said looking around the space. “I’ll bet you do a lot of business with the bridal store. It’s a great opportunity for referral.”

  “It is, and we do.”

  “I have extensive experience with up-dos. It’s all on my professional Instagram, which I’ve listed on my resume.”

  Audrey looked at the paper to see that she did, in fact, have her social media covered, professionally. She hadn’t even gotten into that as much. Proof she’d become too comfortable in how things were.

  At that moment the kiss she and Gregory shared as they’d walked the dog flashed into her mind. He’d taken her out of her comfort level the moment she’d met him—and she liked it.

  “I’m waiting on approval for occupancy,” she told Nichole. “I don’t have a solid start date.”

  “I have no doubt you’ll be up and running soon.”

  “Equipment is supposed to arrive late next week.”

  “I’m handy with a wrench, and I have a strong back. I’m happy to help you set up.”

  Audrey thought for a moment longer. “I think you’d be a fantastic addition to the salon. I’d appreciate your help getting it set up, if you can manage it.”

  “As I said, the kids are in daycare while I work. I can manage it. But don’t you want to look at my work first?” She nodded toward the papers in Audrey’s hand.

  “I’m going with my gut this week on some very big decisions. I like what my gut is telling me.”

  Nichole’s face lit up with a radiant smile. “I appreciate the opportunity, and I won’t let you down,” she said as she shot out her hand and Audrey shook it.

  “Why don’t you come in on Monday and we can go over some paperwork. The inspector should be here then, and we can begin to move forward.”

  “I’ll be here. I’ll work on some social media and ad campaigns too. I mean I’ll bring them so you can approve. This is going to be a great opportunity for me, thank you.” She waved as she turned and walked away, or was she skipping, Audrey wondered as she watched her.

  Lydia walked through the door. Her head turned as she watched Nichole climb into her car and drive away.

  “Are you already turning down customers?” Lydia asked as she walked into the space.

  “I just hired her.”

  A crease formed between Lydia’s brows. “Why? Don’t you think you should get open first?”

  Audrey nodded. “It just felt right. I can’t explain it.”

  “You don’t have to. I get it. I just hope you made the right decision.”

  “Me too,” she said as she laughed.

  “I’m headed for a supply run and thought I’d see if you needed anything to stock up here. Soda? Snacks? Paper towel?”

  “I have a list in my bag.” She walked to the back room to where she’d set her bag on a folding chair. Pulling out her list, she looked it over. “Are you sure you…” She trailed off as she watched Lydia looking out the window with intent. “What’s wrong?”

  “There was some guy outside with a camera. He had it pointed at your space, and then he walked right over and took a picture through the window. When I made a move, he took off.”

  “What?” She hurried to the window to look for herself.

  “He’s gone.”

  “Why would someone do that? A spy or something?”

  “Maybe it has to do with that girl you just hired.”

  She shook her head. “No. I don’t think so.” She stretched her neck to get a better look down the street. “Maybe it was the sign people just getting a photo of their work.”

  “Maybe,” Lydia said as she eased back. “Do you have your list?”

  Audrey handed it to her. “You’re sure?”

  “I have the truck, and I’m going anyway. But you’ll have to help me unload.” She smiled as pulled her sunglasses from atop her head and put them on before giving her short dark hair a combing with her fingers.

  “I knew there was a catch.”

  “Big wedding next weekend, I want to get everything stocked. They’re doing the rehearsal dinner at the Garden Room.”

  “I heard your mom
added a new gazebo to it,” she said, relaying the news she’d heard from Pearl about Lydia’s other venue.

  “It’s beautiful. You’ll have to come by and see it.”

  “I’m sure I will. Between all the weddings that are planned in our family alone, you’re going to be one busy woman.”

  “I’m banking on it.” Lydia pulled her keys from her pocket. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

  As she moved to the door, Officer Phillip Smythe walked through it. He took off his hat and gave them each a nod. “Audrey. Lydia,” he offered, his voice lingering on her name.

  “I knew it was time to get out of here.” She shifted past him. “Tell him about your stalker. It’ll keep him busy,” Lydia grunted as she quickened her step to walk down the street.

  “One of these days she’ll be happy to see me,” he said smiling through the pained look on his face.

  “She’s playing hard to get.”

  “She’s been doing it for years now. What’s this about a stalker?”

  Audrey flicked her hand through the air as if to whisk away the thought. “She said some man was taking pictures of the storefront. I figure it was the sign people taking pictures of the work on the windows.”

  Phillip turned his head to look. “They did a fine job.”

  “They did. It’s more official looking,” Audrey said with a voice full of pride. “I don’t think it was anything.”

  “Heard you were seeing Gregory Bishop.”

  “We’ve been spending some time together this week. Why does that matter to you, or anyone for that matter?”

  He shrugged. “I’ve been informed that the media is taking up space in the hotels in town. Might be someone looking for a scoop.”

  Audrey’s shoulders dropped. “They’re spying on me?”

  Phillip ran his hand over the brim of his hat that he held. “Might have been the people who did the lettering on your window. Just saying I know they’re looking for some stories on the movie, or they wouldn’t be here, is all.”

  Audrey let out a long breath. “I didn’t even think about that.”

  “Keep it in mind.” He ran a hand through his hair before putting back on his hat. “Where did Lydia head out to?”

  “Supply run. She was getting me a few things. She’ll be back in a few hours.”

  A tight smile formed on his lips. “Maybe I’ll happen back by in a few hours and give her a hand.”

  With a courteous nod, he headed back out the door, and she was sure she heard him begin to whistle.

  Phillip Smythe had been sweet on Lydia for as long as Audrey could remember, but he was getting nowhere with her. What made him want to try so hard, she wondered.

  Then she thought about what he’d said about the media. Surely they’d want to know what the proclaimed sexiest man in the world was doing with his time in Georgia. Well, he was spending it with her, a lonely hair stylist. Wouldn’t that be worthy of a story on Entertainment Tonight?

  She looked around the space that she’d put her heart, blood, sweat, and tears into. She couldn’t afford for anyone to mess it up for her. This was going to be her livelihood long after Gregory Bishop and the film crew were gone—when he’d moved on to his next movie in Hawaii.

  There was an ache in her heart when she thought of it. If they were looking for a story, she wasn’t it. She had nothing to offer the world in the way of gossip.

  Deciding it was safer to shut and lock the door, she did so. Tomorrow when she was with Gregory, she’d let him know that this little thing they were starting needed to end. She didn’t need the hassle of it. Yeah, better to end it before it went anywhere. Her salon was the first priority, and she needed to make it work for her and her new employee.

  Audrey picked up the broom and went back to her task of cleaning up the construction dust. Life had to keep moving forward.

  15

  Black Sabbath sprawled out on the bed, his head positioned on Gregory’s lap. He snored softly as Gregory comforted himself by petting the dark fur which he’d missed so much. Having the dog with him made him feel at home, even in a hotel. His lawyer was still working on the custody of the dog, but as far as he was concerned the dog never needed to leave his side again.

  The bonus was, Black Sabbath seemed to like Audrey. Of course, what wasn’t to like? The past three days had been agonizing. He’d been on set as early as six in the morning and dropped back to his hotel at nine at night. They’d send up the re-writes for the next day, and he’d go over those while he ate room service. During breaks during the day, he’d sent off a few texts to Audrey, but he hadn’t had the chance to have a full conversation with her. Looking at the clock on the bedside, he realized it was much too late to call. It was nearing eleven-thirty. From personal experience, he knew he wouldn’t have appreciated a call at that time. It would have to wait. After all, he had all day with her tomorrow. They had a date—a plan. He could wait, he decided as he turned off the TV and adjusted on the bed, forcing Black Sabbath to stir.

  After the long hours he’d worked the past three days, Gregory had hoped to sleep late, but it wasn’t his style. Somewhere built inside of him was an internal clock that knew seven o’clock was much too late to sleep. Then again, maybe it wasn’t an internal clock as much as the companion he kept who was nudging Gregory’s arm with his nose.

  “I’m up. I’m up. Hold on.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat for a moment as Black Sabbath nudged him again.

  Next time he was on location for more than a week he was going to remember to request a rental house. He should have thought about it before he had the dog brought to him. Hotels were pains in the ass when it came to animals. Sure, the convenience of room service and housekeeping was one thing, but now he had to get dressed, take the elevator, and go outside. Sadly, he was vain enough to be worried who might see him. At least he was a guy. No makeup needed. Baseball hat and he’d look like he was going out for a run.

  As he slipped into a pair of running shorts and a T-shirt, he thought that since he was up anyway, maybe he’d just take a run. What would it hurt? And now that he knew where Audrey lived, it wouldn’t be a horrible run. It was early enough, too, that it wouldn’t be too hot.

  Black Sabbath nudged his leg, letting him know he was taking much too long to get moving.

  “What do you say we go see a pretty lady and maybe we can convince her to make us some coffee?”

  The dog whined as Gregory reached for the leash and clipped it to the dog’s collar.

  “I know. You could care less right now. You just need to get outside. Let’s go.”

  Gregory hurried out of the hotel and led the dog across the street to the grassy knoll where Black Sabbath quickly moved to the nearest tree and relieved himself.

  The air was cool as the sun peeked up over the tops of the trees. Usually, Gregory didn’t care if he had a day off during production or not, but today he was grateful, and that was because of a woman.

  Black Sabbath wandered around the tree and poked his nose into the flowering bushes that lined the sidewalk. Gregory took a moment to take in the sights for himself. The laid-back atmosphere was infectious, though he wondered if he’d ever get used to not having a highway lull him to sleep at night.

  The couple who passed him, their fancy coffee house cups in hand, both said good morning to him, as did the old man on a power walk with his cane.

  He’d walked far enough across the lawn, and he saw an entrance to the walking path near the river. Surely this connected to the path he had walked with Audrey. She said she lived near the path, too.

  “What d’ya say we walk until we find Audrey’s?” He asked the dog, who wagged his tail and gave the leash a tug.

  Gregory plugged in the cross streets to his map app as he’d remembered from when he’d taken Audrey home. It would be a good two-mile run down the path, he noted, but he was headed in the right direction.

  “Okay, lead the way, sir,” he said to the anxious dog who took off
at a quicker pace than Gregory was willing to run. Perhaps he, too, was anxious to see the beautiful brunette who had promised him her day. They’d only made it about a half mile when Gregory stopped and glanced over his shoulder. The runner, whom he’d become aware of, stopped too, and then bent over as if he were getting his breath. He gave Gregory a slight wave, which Gregory returned with a nod before letting out a low grumble at the dog who pulled against the leash. “Parasite press,” he murmured, as he began his run. The last thing he wanted was photos of him running on the path with his dog to hit newsstands. He was used to it, but it pulled at him. Private life meant private life. Yeah, yeah, yeah, you didn’t grace tabloid covers and expect that no one would ever follow you, but he’d hoped he’d left all those troubles in Vegas.

  As he ran, he realized how much the man panting back beyond the last turn pissed him off. Oh, and there never was just one of them. They now knew he was in town and working on the film. This is where the long days came in handy. He could hide out on the set and have his driver take him directly back to the hotel after. But when he took these little side trips, that’s when people noticed him.

  The thought that Audrey might be too sensible to want to put up with it all crossed his mind. He certainly wouldn’t want to get involved with someone who was chased down all the time.

  Gregory had chosen this life. He could have long ago walked away, but he hadn’t. This was the price he paid, and it was a hefty one.

  Black Sabbath pulled against the leash, and Gregory picked up his pace. If he could get off the path before the photographer came around the corner, he might just lose him.

  Leading the dog up an embankment, they came out to a street and hurried away from the path. The map recalculated, and he started through the streets toward Audrey’s condo.

  * * *

  Music blared from the little bluetooth Bose speaker Audrey had on the kitchen counter. She tucked away a strand of hair behind her ear as she pushed the mop over the floor. Having had clients in her home for the past few months kept Audrey on her toes when it came to housekeeping. She’d hoped to get up earlier that morning so that she’d been done before Gregory picked her up for their picnic. He hadn’t given her a time, but she’d have everything done early, just in case he called.