glasses with ice and lemon-flavored water and placed them on the table between the two women. To Gabi, she asked, “Have you chosen a color?”
“For my toes I want that orange color on the end.”
“A Good Mandarin Is Hard to Find.” Erin nodded. “That’s pretty.”
“And appropriate,” Gabi added, before Erin’s shoes caught her attention. “Oh my gosh. I want those shoes. Those are the cutest sandals I’ve ever seen. Where did you get them?”
Conversation turned to shopping, fashion, makeup, and hairstyles while Erin completed Gabi’s pedicure and started on Savannah’s. It was the most girly-girly half hour Savannah could recall, and she enjoyed herself immensely.
As Erin brushed a topcoat onto Savannah’s toes, Gabi said, “Erin, I’ve changed my mind about that manicure. Do you have time?”
The teen glanced at the clock. “I do for a simple manicure. My next appointment is due in fifteen minutes.”
“Perfect. A coat of clear will do me. As much as I love tangerine on my toes, I have to keep my hands looking professional. Especially since I am starting my new job tomorrow. Wouldn’t want my new boss to think I come across as flashy.”
Savannah suspected Gabi would be flashy no matter what. “Where will you be working, Gabi?”
“The sheriff’s office. I’m the newest deputy with the Eternity Springs Sheriff’s Department.”
NINE
As Savannah’s chin dropped, the salon door opened and Celeste Blessing swept inside. “Hello hello! I’m so sorry I’m late.”
Caught off guard by both Gabi’s revelation and Celeste’s appearance, Savannah grimaced. Judging by the other women’s reactions, it must have been a particularly vivid expression. Idiot! You’re here to sell something to Celeste Blessing, remember? Must you always shoot yourself in the foot?
Celeste carried a canvas tote bag sporting the Angel’s Rest logo, and she set the bag on the salon’s checkout counter. “Oh, Gabriella, I love that color. It’s A Good Mandarin Is Hard to Find, isn’t it? That’s my favorite summer orange.”
“I love it, too.” Gabi wiggled her toes.
“And that’s a luscious red you chose, Savannah. So lovely with your skin tone. I’m afraid I can’t wear pretty reds like that. The color just washes me out.”
Savannah smiled, but she suspected it looked sickly.
Celeste continued, “So, Gabi, are you all settled in at Nightingale Cottage?”
“I am. I love it so much you might never get rid of me.” To Savannah she explained, “I’ve rented one of the cottages at Angel’s Rest for the summer. It’s perfect for me. One bedroom with a small living area and kitchenette, which is exactly what I need because I’m not much of a cook. Best of all, it’s steps away from Angel Creek, and nothing soothes me like the sound of a babbling brook. If the job works out and my mother decides to move here, too, I’ll look at getting something more permanent.”
“You’re going to love the job,” Celeste assured her. “Zach is a great guy, and Ginger Harris says he’s a good man to work for.”
“I like Zach a lot.”
Something in her tone caused Savannah to look at Gabi closely. Was she interested in him? After her never-date-a-cop talk?
Gabi continued. “He’s so much like my brother Max that it’s scary. I get along with my brothers as a rule, so I think I’ll work with Zach just fine.”
That didn’t sound like a romantic thing. When Savannah realized that the emotion she felt was relief, she grimaced.
Celeste smiled beatifically. “I predict that Eternity Springs will work its magic on your entire family.” Turning to Savannah, she said, “Shall we adjourn to the Tranquillity Room? I think it offers the best surroundings for your presentation.”
“Whatever you’d like, Celeste. I’m ready.”
Nerves fluttered in Savannah’s stomach as she picked up her sample bag and followed Celeste to the Tranquillity Room, where every feature and item of decor contributed to an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Savannah took a moment to study the square-shaped waterfall that fell in thin lines from the ceiling to a fountain in the floor. “Oh, that’s nice,” she said. “The entire room is simply lovely.”
“Thank you. Our favorite landscape architect did the design for me. Gabe Callahan uses water in his designs extensively, and when he suggested this fountain for our Tranquillity Room, I had to have it. There is so much symbolism in water, don’t you agree? Cleansing, renewal, rebirth. Plus the sound of falling water brings me peace.” Winking, she added, “And makes me want to pee.”
That startled a laugh out of Savannah.
“The ladies’ room is right through there if you need it.”