Page 3 of Dependable Cowboy

“As you see, we have a kid’s corner right over there.” Christine pointed to the aforementioned corner where a box of toys, children’s books, and even one of those colorful puzzle piece mats resided by some waiting room seating.

For a second, Joy felt compelled to pull out her phone. She only had until three in the afternoon to register Kara for the third grade, which started next month. She’d also planned to do some apartment or rental house hunting.

Last night had been spent with her and Kara in her childhood bed together, a trippy experience since her parents hadn’t changed her room at all since her high school days. They still had her school pennant and a glossy eight by ten of her senior picture up on the wall.

It’d felt like going back in time, only more bizarre than nostalgic.

Regardless, she needed this job, so she gave in. “Hey, sweetie, do you want to sit over there and read a book or play with the toys?”

Kara nodded eagerly. “Yep.”

Joy let out a breath of gratitude and planted her daughter in the children’s area. Since Kara seemed perfectly willing to go along with this plan, Joy did her best to come across as business-like as she could under the circumstances.

Christine outlined a few details of the position and Joy’s eyes brightened. The way Christine described her expectations, itseemed like a good place to work. The hum of a hair dryer provided a familiar backdrop to their conversation.

"So, you'll be working Tuesday through Saturday, with Sundays and Mondays off," Christine explained, her manicured nails tapping the schedule sheet. "We offer a base salary plus commission on any products you sell. How does that sound?"

Joy nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds great.” She felt like she should say more than that, but she couldn’t think of anything to add that wouldn’t seem like she was a chatty Cathy. The thought did flash through her mind that this is a small town beauty shop and chatty Cathy’s are not unusual, and that made her want to laugh. She really did need to keep her head in the game and focus on getting this job.

Joy could already picture herself at one of the styling stations, transforming clients and building relationships. Visualizing something actually happening was a positive thing, wasn’t it?

I won't be making as much as I did in the city, Joy mused silently, but then again, I won't be paying city prices for rent and groceries either. She pushed the thought aside, paying attention to Christine as she shared more about the job. Just getting some money coming in would be big steps forward.

"Any questions so far?" Christine asked, pausing in her explanation.

Joy shook her head, feeling a surge of optimism. "No, it all sounds wonderful. This place seems like a great place to work."

As they continued chatting, Joy couldn't help but feel that somehow, one way or another, everything would work out just fine. She’d had too many things go wrong and some good luck had to be coming her way right about now.

Then, Christine leaned forward just as the other lady, who the owner referred to as Bonnie, meandered over to join them. Joy at first thought she was about to be formally introduced to a possible coworker, but that wasn’t how it went.

“The best part of living and working in Rocky Ridge is all the cowboys,” Bonnie explained with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Montana is full of them, but here especially the men are a sight to behold.” She even made an audible smacking noise with her lips.

Joy nearly gaped at her. Such attitudes were very common in LA, but she’d never expect such talk in a small town like Rocky Ridge.

She, Christine, and Bonnie continued to have a discussion, but a little to Joy’s chagrin, it had devolved into mostly gossip. At least the salon was climate controlled and cool, and the other women kept their voices low enough Joy didn’t think Kara could overhear them. Finally, after almost a half-hour of her on the spot “interview,” she tried to wrap it up.

“I’m so delighted to interview with you. Salon 406 is lovely.”

“Oh, thank you, Joy. I think you’ll make an excellent addition to our team,” Christine said, Bonnie nodded in agreement. Had she just been hired? “How about we make your first day next Tuesday?”

“Really?” she asked, still in shock.

“Really.” Christine’s grin was contagious.

After effusive thanks, she collected her daughter and headed for the door. They were definitely getting a smoothie now. She might even splurge and get one for herself, too.

She and Kara had just turned left out the door when she bumped into someone on the sidewalk. The scent was what struck Joy first. Birchwood cologne of a very specific blend that only one person she’d ever known had worn. A person who’d once been not only her best friend but her first ever boyfriend, Aaron Hunter. He paused, did a double take, then spoke in a stunned voice.

“Joy, is that you?”

CHAPTER TWO

Aaron blinkedat the person in front of him as if she were a mirage. But he could swear Joy Taylor, the only woman he’d ever really loved, was the one standing right in front of him. He even almost reached out to touch her face to be sure but didn’t. Sure was tempting, though.

“Um, Aaron… hello. Yeah, it’s me. And this is my daughter, Kara.”

Daughter.

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