Page 62 of The Love Shack

Then Berkley said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

Not so subtly, Lark wiped the tears from her cheeks and drummed up a smile. “Oh?”

“Are you good with color?” To explain that, she lifted a lock of her hair. “I need a refresh, and I usually do it myself, but it’s a whole process, and now I’m so busy—”

“I wouldloveto do your hair.” Thrilled with the distraction, Lark drew a breath and half turned to face her. “Your hair is beautiful, fun and it totally suits you. You have great style, Berkley.”

Her smile looked more like a self-deprecating smirk. “Style wasn’t really my goal when I changed everything. Mostly I just wanted to be different.”

“From other people?”

Berkley shook her head. “From myself, from who I’d been.” Wrinkling her nose, she said, “I was a very mousy girl, somewhere between plain and homely.”

“No way. I will never believe that.”

“It’s true.”

Skeptical, Lark said, “Your bone structure says otherwise. Maybe as a girl you just didn’t know how to feature your assets, like your eyes. You have gorgeous blue eyes.”

With a startled laugh, Berkley said, “Thanks. I think your gray eyes are really pretty, too.”

Lark grinned at her.

“And you always look great.”

She certainly tried. “My style is quieter, sort of soft, but yours is edgy and bold and I’m envious because you totally pull it off.”

Musing, Berkley looked her over. “I’d call your look romantic. I love the way your dark hair rests on your shoulders, and your eyes look dreamy with your pale peach skin and all those dark eyelashes. You don’t even need mascara.”

What wonderful compliments. “You’ve certainly made me feel better.” It was only a partial fib. She didn’t like being down; she much preferred to be upbeat, to be happy and to make others happy, too. Berkley had her well on her way. “Now, let’s talk about your hair. The pink is incredible. I really, truly mean that, but have you ever thought of going with something darker? Maybe red? That’d complement your skin tone, too.”

“Sold,” Berkley said. “When can I set an appointment?”

Surprised by her enthusiasm, Lark laughed. “You can come to the shop if you want, but I’d be happy to do your hair at your place if that’s more convenient for you.” This time she brushed the tears away for real, not caring if she’d just smeared her mascara once more. “We’re going to be friends, right?” She grinned hugely. “What am I saying? We’re already friends. But we could be better friends. I’d like that.”

“I’d really like that, too.” Berkley’s gaze searched over hers. “You’ve got a little... Wait right here, okay?” Popping to her feet, she left the room, went through another door and returned seconds later with paper towels, one of them damp. Kneeling in front of Lark, she asked, “Do you mind?” And then Berkley dabbed at her cheeks. “You got emotional seeing the kittens, something I do sometimes, too, and I didn’t want you to leave here with streaks.”

“It’s the curse of makeup,” Lark said, looking up at the ceiling to make it easier for Berkley to get beneath her eyes. “Babies of any kind get to me.” And damn it, that almost set her off again.

Berkley saved her by fanning another paper towel in front of her face. “Breathe,” she whispered. “I hear everyone filing out, so the class must have ended. My guess is that Oliver will come looking for you any minute.”

“Do you think so?”

“Are you kidding? He couldn’t take his eyes off you during the class.”

Oh, she hoped that was true. “Am I wrecked?”

“No.” Berkley stood, then offered her a hand. “If he asks you about it, laugh it off and blame it on the kittens.”

Er... “It was the kittens.”

Expression gentle, Berkley said, “Okay.”

“You don’t believe me.”

“I do.” Berkley looked down at the mama cat. “You were already looking a little sad, though, and that’s why I brought you back here to see them. It’s okay. Believe me, I have my own stuff I’m dealing with, so I won’t pry into your business. Maybe... Maybe just know that if you ever want to talk, I’d be happy to listen.”

Oliver came into the cat room, looked around, and once he spotted them, he headed in their direction.

---