you. You look downright distressed. What did I interrupt when I walked up here?” I arch an imperious eyebrow at the young woman behind the counter.
Confidence’s smile dims and she purses her lips. “Oh, I was being a little bit of a diva,” she admits with a sheepish smile. “I wanted to get my hair done. I didn’t make an appointment and they’re booked. I’m terrible at doing it myself.”
“You have an event?” I feign ignorance.
She darts forlorn azure blue eyes back to the young woman behind the small desk before she nods tentatively. “Yes. A beach wedding. At sunset. It’s a surprise, though. So, if you see Hayes please don’t say anything.”
“Don’t you worry,” I assure her. If I see Hayes, all I’ll be doing is moving in the opposite direction.
“I’m so mad at myself, I’ve never been to one of these places, I thought I could just walk down and get a quick blow out.” She bites her lip fretfully. Her hand rests protectively over the small rounded swell of her belly.
I was a pregnant bride, but there was nothing romantic or whimsical about my nuptials. Even in her distress, it’s clear that this is a woman who is in the full flush of love.
My pang of jealousy is tempered by my secret fascination with the idea of happily ever after. It wasn’t in the cards for me, but I love watching it happen for other people, so I make a snap decision.
I eye her cut off denim shorts and white t-shirt with a conspiratorial smile.
“It won’t do for you to become the new Mrs. Rivers with your hair looking like that. Leave it to me.”
Her pretty face is full of confusion. “Leave what?”
I turn back to the counter. “Excuse me.”
The girl who’d been ignoring Confidence smiles genially at me. “Yes Mrs. Landel, how can I help you?”
“This woman is getting married tonight, surely you can fit her in,”
She pales, her eyes widening and darting over my shoulder before returning to me full of dread and apology.
“I’m sorry, but we aren’t taking walk ins.”
I quirk a brow at her and frown, confused. “You took me.”
She flushes bright red and her eyes dart around as if she’s looking for help. When none of her co-workers meet her pleading eyes, she looks back to me with resignation. “Because you’re… you. VIP. And now, we don’t have any bowls available.”
“It’s okay, Regan. Really,” Confidence puts a hand on my shoulder.
“No, it’s not. She can have my bowl. I don’t have anything more than a good book waiting for me. If you can make me an appointment for tomorrow?”
The girl turns to her coworkers and speaks to them in a rapid fire, authoritative voice that sends them scurrying.
“Of course, Mrs. Landel, what time tomorrow?”
“Oh no, I couldn’t,” Confidence protests.
“You must. I insist.” I smile at the young woman. “I’ll call in the morning to see what ‘s available. “
I turn to Confidence, “I’ll just go get my things, so you can get started.”
“Thank you so much, Regan.” She’s bubbly with giddy relief and before I see it coming, her arms go around me in a hug of gratitude.
I’m so surprised, I stiffen. But only for a moment.
In the group of people I call friends, air kisses are the greeting of choice.
But boy…does she give good hugs.
Almost as good as Matty’s.
I’ve been so mad at her, but I wish I’d hugged her like this before she left. I roll my eyes at my own silliness. As if a hug would have healed everything between us.
I miss having girlfriends.
I’m tempted to nestle my head on her shoulder and tell her everything.
I pull away before I do or say something I’ll regret.
Confidence is smiling wide, and in a louder voice she says, “Is your husband here? We’ll be at the beach at 6pm. We’d love to have you.”
At the mention of my husband, Hayes and his brothers in the same sentence, my panic flares.
“He’s not here. And I’ve got a video call with my kids at the same time. I haven’t talked to them for a few days, so as much as I’d love to…” I lie. I wouldn’t love to. “Good luck tonight. It’s quite a feat you’re pulling off.”
“He’s my forever, and I just want him to be happy.” she says with a dreamy sigh that makes my dry husk of a heart wheeze in longing
“Oh, I’m sure he will be.”
She shakes her head in self- rebuke. “It’s ridiculous that you and I