I hug my knees against my chest as I sit against the wall in my temporary bedroom, closing my eyes. It’s an answer to prayer to have Will care so much for Noah. “You handled it perfectly. Thank you. Let me guess, Brittany was going to be there?”
He chuckles and then there’s a boom that explodes through the phone.
“You aren’t my dad, Will! He said I could go to Frosty’s.”
More muffled sounds as I’m ready to grab my purse and make a fast trek to Speculator Falls. I think I hear Will reply but Noah’s impossible to ignore as he screams back.
“What do you know, anyway? My dad and mom are going to get back together. And you won’t have any say over my life.”
The phone went dead.
Chapter Seventeen
Hitting the call button next to Will’s picture on my screen is the last thing I want to do. My hand shakes as I wait for the connection to go through. After three rings, Will answers with a brusque greeting.
“Is everything okay?” I try to sound light but I’m sure I have the same tone as a screeching owl.
“Noah’s in his room for the night. We both need to cool down. Do you want to talk to him?”
I rub my temples. “In a minute. Will, about what he said.”
“He just said that to get me riled, right?”
This is the perfect opportunity to confess. Own up. Spill it.
He sighs. “Carla, if there’s anything I need to know, say it. If you two have feelings that need to be explored, tell me. I’d rather hurt now than be devastated by your betrayal later.”
I swallow, the air in my lungs suddenly disappearing. “Will, it’s…”
“It’s what, Carla? I have a right to know.”
Closing my eyes, the lies tumble out. “Noah’s upset. He hopes Wayne and I reconnect. Right now his focus is Brittany and he’s mad you won’t let him go out tonight. It will all blow over tomorrow night.”
I can almost feel the tension disperse over the phone. “I knew he said that to get me upset. Sorry about that.” Will chuckles. “This teen stuff is new to me, but I’m in it for the long haul. Promise.”
It’s tempting to bang my head against the wall. Or wash my hands and pretend I can let it go like Pilate. “You’re doing a great job.”
Unlike me.
⌛⌛⌛
Rose perches her glasses on the tip of her nose. “I have your perm results. Some of you scored quite high.” She hands a paper to Daniel and the red-colored marker with an “A” on the top bleeds through so I can see it a row away.
Sandy shuffles her position in her chair. “Wow, Daniel. You’re the one to beat around here. It’s almost May and you’ve yet to get anything below perfect.”
He puts his paper face down. “Look, everyone. I’ve done everything but sky-write my intentions here. I have to excel. I want to open up my own place. Some of you have a lot of support back home.” He looks to me. “I don’t have that luxury. Few understand I want to make a difference in a way that doesn’t involve medicine. People open up in their chairs. I want to encourage those clients. Help them feel beautiful inside and out.”
I wait for a punchline, but his jaw is set and he’s not smiling.
Sandy stretches in her seat. “We’re jealous is all.”
Rose hands me my paper. I receive the same grade as Daniel. Okay, I’m not envious. Today, at least.
Claire looks at her paper and says nothing. Before long she reaches into her purse and pulls out a tissue.
Mitzi tilts her head. “You okay?”
Claire shakes her head. “I’m not as good as my mom. But I want this. I need to pass.”
It’s Daniel who rises to the occasion. “I’ll work with you.”
Rose smiles. “Miss Worthington, as the semester progresses and we start working with actual clients, I do offer after hour lab times to practice with the heads. You do need to work on your book tests as well, but I believe with Mr. Garrett’s help in both of those areas, you will find yourself with a cosmetology license.”
Claire flashes a smile that carries some serious wattage and it looks like it’s aimed right at Daniel.
“I’d be happy to help.” He reached in his front pocket and pulled out his phone. “If you’re free tonight, we could meet and go over notes and work in the lab. Let me make sure I have your number.”
Ella, Mitzi, Sandy and I all exchange looks. Perm fumes don’t seem to be the only thing in the air.
⌛⌛⌛
Although my grades are almost as good as Daniel’s, I head to the library after school to study and work on Jenna’s shower plans. Thanks to Shirley and Betty’s help, there’s little to do, but I want to make sure the decorations and favors are set. I’m tempted to work on the party first, but settle in a booth and open my notes.
A male voice greets me before I get too far into my studying. “Fancy seeing you here.”
Wayne.
“Hey. What are you doing here?” I focus on keeping my voice steady.
“We had a call earlier, and Zeke left his phone here. I was closer so I said I’d look. How about you?” His eyes seemed locked on mine like lasers.
“I, uh, I’m studying. Then looking at emails for Jenna’s shower.”
Wayne nods. “Do you ever get out for fun? And I don’t mean with your landlord for dinner.” He winks.
Even though I roll my eyes, I push my book aside to make room for him to sit. For a minute. “I’m kind of busy being a mom, student, girlfriend and maid of honor.”
He not only sits, he stretches in the chair and makes himself downright comfortable. “That’s unacceptable. For starters, let me take you out for ice cream. Udderly Scrumptious is open.”
I need somewhere else to focus on. Something safe. “No. In fact, I need to ask that you stop telling Noah we have a future together. You don’t know that, and it’s confusing him.”
Wayne’s eyebrows rise. “Okay, I won’t talk about us to him. But how did Marshall take it? He couldn’t love hearing that you and I have chemistry when he can barely find the friend zone.”
I take in a deep breath. “Is that why you told Noah? To get at Will?”
“Not gonna lie. It was a bonus.” It’s tempting to slap the grin right off him.
“Listen. I admit I had trouble pushing you away once and for all. I confess I haven’t been completely honest with Will. But while I’ve waffled around, I’ve paid attention. And Will is something I don’t think you’re interested in being.”
He straightens and the smirk disappears. “What’s that, Carla?”
“A mature man.”
He doesn’t speak for a minute or two and I’m tempted to return to my notes. Finally, he stands. “I’m the better choice for you and you know it. We’re a family. Noah deserves that.”
I nod. “You’re right. He deserved that thirteen years ago, too.”
Wayne shakes his head. “Carla, how many times do I have to apologize for something so long ago?”
“I guess when I see evidence that you’re not that guy from high school who destroyed my trust in men. Because family isn’t just blood or the results of a paternity test. Will has shown me and Noah that in every possible way.”
This time the silence comes from Wayne stalking away. Even after he leaves, my pulse continues to race. As much as I try to concentrate on my work and Jenna’s shower, I think about Will. How loving he is toward Noah and me. Affectionate. I gather my things and leave, pulling out my phone to call Will.
“Carla. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you until tomorrow. Everything okay?”
His voice is like soothing cream on a blistering burn.
“Ever have a day where you just want to hear a voice that makes you feel safe?”
He chuckles. “Ever wonder why I call you so much after work?”
“No way. You always seem so collected.” I unlock my car and get comfortable in my seat.
“Before I got the courage to ask you out I took my boat out a lot.”
“You know the paintings on the wall in my living room?”
Ah, yes. The majestic horse. The barn scene. “I love those.”
“The truth?”
I feel another knot in my stomach tighten as the most honest person I know talks about truth. “Will, what do you need to confess about those paintings?”
“Paint-by-number.”
We laugh through another ten minutes of conversation. It’s in those everyday chats that I feel secure in who I am and what direction I need to take. Even with Wayne’s charisma, our sizzling history and the fact we have a son, Will’s love for us is pure. Loyal. A Godly foundation to lay down for our family. My heart’s still racing, but for different reasons.
I love Will Marshall and want to spend my life with him.
I just need the courage to tell him everything that led me to this place.
Chapter Eighteen
Gloversville's in full May bloom, as bright red and sunny yellow tulips compete with white iris for attention. There’s even a burst of hues as soon as I enter the training salon. It’s time to dye.
“This is what I’ve been waiting for.” Sandy rubs her hands together as if she’s a magician ready to perform.
Daniel tilts his head and furrows his brow. “Says the person with the blackest, no frills color I’ve ever seen.”
Sandy rolls her eyes. “Dude. Do you know the people waiting for me to try colors on them? Have you seen the rainbow of colors to choose from these days? I’m stoked.”
Mitzi reaches for one of the mannequin heads. “I think it will be more fun when we can color hair on clients.”
Claire cinches her golden hair and wraps a band around it for a ponytail. “Not me. I’m so nervous about messing up I want to stay with the mannequins as long as possible.”
Daniel moves over next to Claire’s station but says nothing. Ella and I exchange looks. What’s going on with Claire and Daniel, anyway?
“Maybe one of us could be a guinea pig for you before we move to the public.” Daniel swivels his chair toward Claire.
Les walks in with a mannequin head and a binder. “Ready to work on color today?”
I reach for my plastic client, glad I didn’t have to answer Daniel. If Claire worked on my hair before Jenna’s bridal shower, I’m pretty sure my best friend would turn into Bridezilla.
Sure enough, everyone’s getting their desired color results but Claire. Her platinum blonde looks more sea green. Even across the room I can see her eyes filling.
“Okay, class. That’s it for today. Rose is keeping the salon open for practice until nine. Otherwise, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Les takes the binder and waves.
Daniel turns to Claire. “I’ll stay and help.”
Sandy stands and reaches for her backpack. “I wish I could. I have to work. You kids have fun.”
Mitzi scoots her chair closer to Daniel and Claire. “I’m free. I’d love to help if you want it.”
Claire exhales. “Thank you. I want to learn. I’m going to pass this class.”
Daniel rises and strolls over to the counter, gesturing for Claire to follow him. “You’ll be great. Let’s find the colors for mixing. Ella? Carla? Are you two staying?”
Ella looks at her phone. “The kids are at a friend’s house for a while. It would be more peaceful to get my reading done here, if that’s okay.”
I reach into my bag and take out my notebook. “Me, too. Claire, as much as it pains me to say it, Daniel’s the best. If anyone can help you, it’s him.”
Everyone stops and looks my way.
“What?” I glance around and see Ella, Mitzi and Claire sporting big smiles.
Daniel has a blank stare. “Why Carla, I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said about me.”
I refocus on the notes. “First time for everything.”
We work until Rose strides down the spiral staircase with keys in hand. “Sorry, gang. Closing time. You’ll have lots of opportunities to work on application.”
Claire sighs, pushing back her plum-colored hair mannequin that was supposed to be strawberry blonde. “Ugh, there won’t be enough hours in the day.”
“We’ll keep trying. Maybe one of us could volunteer.” Daniel’s voice trails off as he glances to the three of us.
Mitzi coughs and digs in her purse. “Okay, see you in the morning.”
I clear my throat. “Claire, I wish I could. I’m hosting a bridal shower this weekend and then the wedding is later this month. I don’t dare make any radical hair changes.” I look at the doe-eyed beauty. “You know, pictures and everything.”
She nods. “I understand. You guys have been great. All of you.” She rests her gaze on Daniel.
“I’ll do it.” Ella’s so bold speaking up we all do a double take.
“For real?” Claire’s eyes widen.
“Are you sure?” I steal a glance at her wrist, but bracelets cover the entire area.
Ella nods. “Why not? I have a few grays coming in that could use color. I trust you.”
Daniel opens the door as Rose waits behind us. “There you have it. See, Claire, nothing to worry about. Except maybe where to eat? Do you have dinner plans?”
Mitzi pipes up before Claire can. “I’m free. Do you guys want to grab some pizza?”
Ella shakes her head. “I need to get the kids. Have a good night.”
“That sounds good to me. Carla?” Claire asks.
Even though I think Daniel was angling for a dinner date just with Claire, I decide to go because Mitzi is. I’m tired of studying, Betty’s probably in bed, and Will told me he’s working late while Noah’s at Wayne’s. Which gives me another night to procrastinate talking to him and confessing how close I came to losing him.
⌛⌛⌛
Ten minutes later, we’re at the same restaurant where Wayne barged in and sat with Betty and me. This time, it’s easy to shake his memory and focus on the company I’m with.
Mitzi flaps her menu around while talking. “Wasn’t that wild when Ella volunteered to have her hair colored?”
Claire gives a slow nod. “I need the help but I don’t want to mess up her life. I mean, she’s a wife and mom. I don’t want her to have crazy hair or anything.”
Daniel bites his lip and puts his menu down. “I might be imagining things, but I have a feeling Ella’s home life isn’t great. She seems skittish.”
Claire sets her menu to the side. “You’re right. Remember that snowstorm when her husband came in? He didn’t seem very nice.”
Daniel turns to me. “So, former sheriff, what do you think?”
I look around the table. All eyes are on me. “I think we have a right to be concerned. She’s an adult, though, and she volunteered to have her hair colored. The rest,” I visualize the bruises. “I think we need to pay attention. If we see anything unusual, let’s speak up.”
The three promise as the waitress saunters over and takes our orders.
Once she leaves, Mitzi rests her arms on the table and leans in. “So, Carla, tell us your fierce stories as sheriff. You could totally have your own reality show or something. From sheriff to stylist. It’s fascinating.” Her hair bobs in rhythm to her fast chatter.
Daniel chuckles. “I have to admit, I’m curious too. I can’t picture a petite thing like you taking down a perp.”
Claire laughs and Daniel smiles back at her.
Mitzi and I exchange winks, and the other two have no idea.
“Thankfully we have a very safe county. I dealt with drugs, domestic violence, speeding, and the out-of-state hunter that killed a pet and not a deer.”
Mitzi’s eyes grow wide. “For real?”
I nod. “I also had to distract a bear for traffic to pass on Rte. 30.”
Claire slaps her manicured hand on the table. “You have the best life, Carla.”
At first I open my mouth to protest, but I stop. There’s Noah,
Will. The amazing gift where I’m able to go to school and start a salon. I have wonderful friends here and in Speculator Falls. No more beating myself up. No more Pilate deals, as Pastor would say. “Thanks, Claire. I feel really blessed.”
Mitzi leans back in her chair as the waitress brings our appetizers. “Speaking of Will, you two going to get married? Or is he nervous about Noah’s father?”
Okay, I was feeling blessed.
Chapter Nineteen
It’s a hasty exit out of school Thursday evening so I can pick up Betty and head back to Speculator Falls for Jenna’s shower.
“I’ll take notes for you tomorrow.” Daniel promises as I find my keys.
“I’m going to put Claire’s hair color practice on Ella on YouTube.” Sandy winks at me as she teases. At least I think she’s teasing.
“Thanks, everyone. Try not to have too much fun without me.” I lift my Yankees lanyard and jog to the door. The group waves and I realize with the extra day off to prepare for Jenna’s party, I’m going to miss my GBS colleagues.
An hour later Betty and I are heading north for home, my mind reeling with to-do tasks for the shower and the big goal for the weekend: talk to Will. I’m not sure if my hand is shaking from nerves or two energy drinks.
“Make sure you let me help, Carla. I know Shirley and the senior center volunteers have done a lot, but I can be an extra set of hands.” Betty’s calm voice stops my mental checklist.
I glance at her. “You’re a blessing. I hope you know that. The seniors are very proud of Jenna, and if I mess this up, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
She chuckles. “I can’t imagine them doing anything but loving you. After all, Will delivers meals to them each day. They are all fond of you both from what Sara told me.”
Until they hear I nearly decided Wayne was a better choice for a boyfriend.
A light rain prompts me to turn on the wipers. “I appreciate that. And, after this weekend, I hope they’re right.”
⌛⌛⌛
Once we pull in the driveway, Will sprints off the sidewalk and is at my side of the car to greet me. The light mist is now a steady downfall but he seems ambivalent as he opens the door and takes my hand.
Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2) Page 12
