‘Okay, but aren’t you going to wash it first?’ she asks with a frown.
I raise my eyebrows. ‘No point in washing all that hair when you’re only going to have a fraction of it left.’ I comb it through, plait it and tie it off with bands before reaching for my scissors. I realise everyone in the salon is now watching us. A couple of customers have their phones out and are videoing the event. Cassie winks at them in the mirror. But up close I can see her swallow in anticipation. ‘Ready?’ I ask.
She nods, and her fists clench in her lap. For once, Cassie Barrington is unable to speak. She blows out a breath as I start to cut.
Once it’s done, everybody cheers. Cassie moves her head back and forth, trying to get used to the missing weight. ‘Okay?’ I ask.
‘Yeah. It feels so weird. My neck’s cold.’
‘You’d better invest in some warm scarves then; there’s lots more to come off yet!’ I send her to the rear of the salon to get her remaining hair washed and when she returns, she’s back to her excited self again. I settle her in her seat and start combing and snipping.
‘I just realised, it must be coming up to your ten-year wedding anniversary,’ she says, eying me in the mirror, occasionally glancing at what my scissors are doing.
‘It’s on Friday actually.’ I try not to think about the fact that my planning of it has almost ground to a halt. Madeline still hasn’t got back to me about the cake and the decorations and she was also going to help me with the room layout. I still haven’t put together a playlist, and I need to try on my dress and fit in time for Becky to do my hair. And aside from all that, my trust in my husband is still at an all-time low, despite the fact that on the surface we’ve kissed and made up.
‘This Friday? Nice.’ Cassie pauses and reaches for her glass. ‘Are you doing anything special for it? Ten years is a big deal.’
As she sips her water, I reluctantly tell her about the upcoming party, praying she doesn’t ask for an invitation. If she comes, I just know I’ll spend the whole evening being annoyed that she’s there. Plus, everyone will be gawking at her and she’ll end up being the centre of attention as per usual. I realise my thoughts are mean-spirited and uncharitable, but I can’t help them.
‘Ooh, a party at the Regis. Sounds like a laugh. Is all the old gang going to be there?’
‘Not really,’ I reply, trying desperately to think of a way to change the subject. But my mind is coming up empty.
‘What about Lou Schiavone? And Danny and Will?’
‘Oh, well, yes. They’re coming.’
‘I haven’t seen them in ages.’
‘But that’s about it in terms of school friends. I don’t think you’d know anyone else there. It’s mainly Toby’s friends and family.’
‘Oh, that doesn’t matter. Lou, Danny and Will were always good for a laugh.’
I try to summon up the willpower to resist. But it’s no good. I scream inwardly as I say the words, ‘You know, you’re very welcome to come, if you’re still here by then.’ Please say no. Please say no.
‘Oh, you’re so sweet, but my boyfriend’s down too so I couldn’t very well leave him with Mum and Dad while I go off to a party.’
‘Oh that’s a shame,’ I reply, hoping that puts an end to it.
‘Unless he could come too?’
My heart drops down to my shoes. ‘Um, yes, numbers are a bit tight, but I guess that would be okay.’
‘You’re sure?’
‘I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.’ Although she made it impossible for me not to offer without being rude.
She claps her hands excitedly. ‘You’ll love Lyle – he’s so hilarious. Honestly, he’s the life and soul of the party. I can’t wait to show him the Regis – he’s American and goes nuts over old buildings. It’s going to be so fun. I picked the best time to come home for a visit, didn’t I?’ She sighs. ‘I still can’t believe you’re married and a mum and everything. Our lives are so different. You’re a proper grown-up.’
‘Did you never meet anyone you wanted to settle down with?’
‘No way.’ She grins. ‘I’ve had a few marriage proposals in my time, but I can’t be doing with all that drudge and domesticity. I’m a career girl and I love my social life too much to give it up.’
‘It’s just…’ I tail off.
‘Just what?’
‘Well, I remember when we were younger, talking about how we wanted our wedding days to be, and you always talked about having the biggest, flashiest wedding day ever.’
Cassie snorts. ‘Yes, I did, didn’t I? I think I just liked the idea of a party where I was the centre of attention.’
I catch her eye in the mirror and we laugh.
‘Did you enjoy your wedding day?’ Cassie tilts her head and gives me an odd look.
I straighten her up again and start snipping at her fringe. ‘If I’m honest, the whole thing went by in a bit of a blur.’
‘Yeah, you did look a bit spaced out.’
‘Thanks a lot!’
‘No, I just meant—’
‘It’s fine, you’re right. I found out later that I was pregnant at the time. Which explains why I felt so out of it. I actually fainted before the ceremony.’
‘You didn’t!’ Cassie’s mouth drops open.
‘Yeah, I fell and hit my head on a desk. I must have got light-headed or something.’
‘What bad luck – fainting on your wedding day! I thought your weird mood might have been something to do with your sister not showing up.’
‘My sister?’
‘Yeah. She was a little troublemaker, that one.’
Cassie’s mention of Dina makes me uncomfortable and I stop cutting for a moment. ‘Why do you say that? I mean, I know she wasn’t the most sociable girl in the world, not after Mum died, but she wasn’t that bad.’ I’m defending my sister, even though I know what Cassie’s saying is true. I just don’t like anyone else criticising her.
‘Forget it.’ Cassie waves away my question with a flick of her wrist.
‘No, you must have a reason. What did she do?’
‘Nothing. It was just a vibe she gave off.’
‘Anyway, I think she might be back in town.’ I start cutting again.
Cassie looks up sharply and I almost stab her in the eye with my scissors. ‘Watch it!’
I lean down to check whether I’ve drawn blood. Thankfully she appears unharmed. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. You need to be more careful with those scissors, Zoe.’
‘Sorry, but you did flinch.’
‘I don’t think I did.’
‘Okay, well, sorry.’
‘That’s all right, no harm done.’ She pats the spot above her eye where the scissors caught her.
My heart is hammering, and I wipe a smear of sweat from my top lip. That was a near miss. But she definitely flinched.
‘What makes you say Dina’s back?’ Cassie asks before taking a few sips of water.
‘I thought I saw her in town the other day. It was just a glimpse, but I’m pretty sure it was her.’
‘Hmm, I doubt that.’ She shifts in her seat.
I try not to let Cassie’s words unnerve me. She always loved to stir up trouble and it seems she hasn’t changed. I should know by now not to take too much notice, but she’s got me thinking about Dina and about her absence on my wedding day. About how my memories of everything back then are so hazy.
‘What would you know about where Dina is?’ I flash Cassie a smile to let her know I’m not accusing her of anything.
She shrugs. ‘Nothing. Just… why would she bother coming back here when she’s off travelling the world?’
‘Same reason as you’re here,’ I reply. ‘Because it’s her home.’
Finally, I finish the cut, blow-dry the remaining damp sections and apply some product. I have to admit that it really does look amazing on her. Almost everyone at the salon comes over to admire how gorgeous she looks. But, strangely, Cassie has gone
quiet.
I spin her chair around and give her a handheld mirror so she can see the back of her head in the main mirror. ‘You look really stunning, Cassie. What do you think?’
She pats the back of her head and pulls a few strands at the front. ‘It really is short.’
‘It is,’ I agree. ‘But it suits you. You’ll definitely cause a stir. Are you going to post an “after” picture on Instagram?’
Cassie checks her phone. ‘Sorry, Zoe, but I’m going to have to go.’
‘Oh, okay. Is everything all right?’
‘Yeah, fine. Just running a bit late.’ She stands and hands me back the mirror, while trying to extricate herself from her gown. ‘I’ve got to meet Lyle.’
Cassie hastily pays, without leaving a tip, and almost dashes out of the salon. I can’t help feeling worried by her sudden departure, but Jennifer is reassuring, telling me that I’m worrying over nothing. ‘You did a great job, Zo. She looks just like a blonde Audrey Hepburn – stop stressing. This will be such good publicity for the salon. I hope she does an Instagram post soon. Did you remind her to tag us?’
‘No, I forgot. I’m sure she will, but if she doesn’t I’ll message her.’
‘Brilliant. Well done, Zoe. I’m buzzing.’
But despite Jennifer’s optimism, I’m more than a little uneasy. I don’t know how my life has suddenly become so confused and complicated. Lately, it seems as if the whole world is behaving oddly. I can’t seem to get a straight answer out of anyone. And after Cassie’s strange comments about Dina, my instincts are telling me that something there is definitely off.
Fifteen
NOW
‘We’ve run out of Cheerios.’ Alice waves the empty box at me.
I slosh boiling water over the teabag in my mug. ‘Who put the empty box back in the cupboard?’
‘It wasn’t me,’ she replies, outraged that I would dare suggest such a thing. She looks pointedly at her brother.
‘I didn’t.’ Jamie’s eyes are wide.
‘Must have been the fairies then.’ I give my children a stern look.
‘What about Daddy?’ Jamie points at his father accusingly.
‘Don’t look at me.’ Toby raises his hands in the air. ‘I think it must have been the Cheerio Monster.’
The three of them laugh and giggle at the kitchen table, while I continue multitasking, making the children’s packed lunches, emptying the tumble dryer and trying to eat a hasty breakfast of tea and Ryvita.
‘Right, you two, go upstairs and bring your school things down.’
No one responds.
‘Alice, Jamie! Get your school stuff!’
‘We’re playing monsters with Daddy,’ Jamie says, followed by a roar.
‘Now. Or we’ll be late.’
‘Do as your mother says.’ Toby ruffles Jamie’s hair and they reluctantly slope off upstairs.
I instantly feel guilty for shouting at them, especially as Alice has been quite gloomy about being left out of Hope’s party. I shouldn’t begrudge them a bit of fun with their dad. Even if it means they’ll be a bit late for school.
‘Everything all right?’ Toby looks up at me. ‘You seem a bit…’
‘Cranky. I know. Sorry.’ I get back to folding laundry, noticing Alice’s sport’s top is still a bit damp. I stick it on the radiator.
‘Anything I can help with?’ He tilts his head, and I wish I could let go of all my anxiety and be as relaxed as him.
‘Just worried about the Cassie thing.’ I leave the laundry for a moment and bring my tea over to the table, plonking myself opposite my husband. I’m not usually the type of person to wallow and feel sorry for myself, but I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. I need to snap out of it.
‘You mean her haircut?’ Toby asks.
‘Yeah, the dreaded haircut.’ I shake my head and suck in air through my teeth. I haven’t mentioned the odd conversation I had with her about Dina. After a night’s sleep, I’m not sure there was anything in it, other than my own paranoia. ‘She was so quiet after I finished the cut. Which was strange after her being so enthusiastic at the start. I shouldn’t let it bother me. The style really suited her, so I don’t know why she rushed out like that.’
‘Maybe it was nothing to do with the cut. It could have been any number of reasons. You shouldn’t worry. I’m sure it’s fine. And even if it isn’t, so what? She asked for the haircut. If she doesn’t like it, that’s not your fault.’
‘You’re right.’ I give a relieved sigh as the children clatter back into the kitchen with their bags. ‘Thanks for keeping me sane.’ I lean over the table and give him a kiss.
‘Any time.’ He grins. ‘Right, better go. I’m late as it is.’
I go through the usual routine of checking Alice and Jamie have everything they need for the day, doling out their lunchboxes and water and making sure they haven’t got any outstanding school letters for me to sign. Finally, shoes and coats are bundled on and we’re ready to go.
We leave the house, hunched against the cold wind and spitting rain, and walk the short distance to school. I have another anxious drop-off, trying to avoid running into Madeline or Kim at the school gates. Luckily, as we approach the building, the sleety rain grows heavier, so I keep my hood up and my head bent low, making my escape as soon as the kids have run inside. Maybe I should face them. After all, Toby is adamant that Madeline doesn’t have a problem with me. But I don’t have the mental energy right now. I wonder what sort of anniversary party I’m going to have with close friends and family ignoring me. I think I’d be tempted to cancel if it wasn’t two days away.
For the rest of the morning, work keeps me busy and stops me dwelling on my mounting worries. Instead, I focus on the haircuts, and on my clients’ chatter, hearing about their loves, lives and holiday plans.
‘Do you want me to blow-dry it straight or wavy today?’
My current client is Jess, a twenty-something medical student home from university for the holidays.
‘Straight please. I can never get it as smooth as you do, so I’m going to take advantage of your skills.’ Jess has thick brown hair that tends to go frizzy. She’s a sweet girl; I’ve been cutting her hair since she was a kid.
‘Straight it is.’ I pick up my comb and unhook the hairdryer.
Jess sighs. ‘But looking at that weather, I’m not sure if there’s any point.’ We simultaneously turn to look through the plate-glass window at the relentless rain. ‘I’m supposed to be going to a party tonight.’
‘You can borrow a brolly if you like.’
‘Thanks, I’ve got one, but it won’t make much difference – that rain is flying sideways. Never mind.’
I’m about to say something sympathetic, but as I’m looking out at the rain, a woman stops and stares into the salon window. She’s standing beneath a black umbrella and wearing a raincoat with the hood pulled up. I catch her eye and I freeze, my breath stopping in my throat. It’s Dina!
I barely have time to blink before she’s moved on, out of my view. This time, I don’t hesitate. I drop the hairdryer, and mumble a half-formed, ‘Sorry,’ to Jess, and race outside.
The freezing air shocks me for a moment, takes my breath and makes me shiver. I’m wearing black jeans, ballet pumps and a black chiffon top, and I’m soaked within seconds. But I ignore my discomfort, frantically glancing left and right in the hope that this time I’ll find her. The high street isn’t busy, but there’s no one around who looks vaguely like the woman I just locked eyes with. Maybe she went into a shop. How will I find her? I head up the road a little way, opening shop doors and glancing in, before moving on.
My teeth chatter as icy rain slides down my face. People are openly staring at me – the mad woman wearing inappropriate clothing in a freezing rain storm.
‘You’ll catch your death, dear.’ An elderly lady puts a hand on my arm as her umbrella strains against the wind. ‘Are you all right?’
‘I’m okay. I’m trying to find my si
ster. Have you seen anyone who looks a bit like me? She’s got an umbrella and her hood’s up.’ I realise I sound slightly manic and that these last two points apply to ninety-nine per cent of the people out today.
The woman shakes her head. ‘Sorry, no. You need a coat, dear. You’re shivering.’
‘I’ll be fine.’ But even as I say the words, I know what I’m doing is ridiculous. At this rate, I’ll make myself ill, and it’s clear that even if that was Dina, I’m not going to find her like this. Meanwhile, poor Jess is back in the salon still waiting for her blow-dry, and I’m not sure how I’m going to explain the soggy state I’m in.
The woman shakes her head and moves on down the road, occasionally glancing back at me. I’m still looking up and down the street in the hope of spotting Dina when my gaze lands on Jennifer, who’s leaning out of the salon doorway beckoning me back inside, her blonde hair being tugged from perfection by the gusting wind. I give one last cursory glance around me before jogging back down the road, heavy with disappointment. I can’t believe I let my sister elude me for a second time.
‘I’m so sorry.’ As I reach the shop porchway, I shiver out an apology to my boss.
‘What on earth are you doing out here?’ she cries with a worried frown. ‘You’re soaked through. You’re gonna get ill. And you just left your client sitting there. If there’s a problem or emergency, you should have told me!’
‘Honestly, I’m really sorry, Jen. I’ll finish her blow-dry now.’
‘Er, I don’t think so, babe. Have you seen yourself? You need a set of dry clothes. I’ve asked Lily to take over for you – it’ll be good practice for her. Told your lady that you’re not feeling very well. You can go round the back, and I’ll let you in that way. Here…’ She hands me a thick parka and an umbrella.
‘I can’t put this on, I’ll get it wet.’
‘Don’t worry, it’s been in lost property for a month.’
‘Okay, thanks.’ I pull it on, luxuriating in its thickness. I take the umbrella and make my way quickly around the block, battling the wind and rain, until I reach the salon’s back entrance. Jennifer has already unbolted the gate, and I close it behind me before hurrying across the bare yard towards the warmth of the staffroom.
The Wife: An unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist Page 10
