Page 45 of Single All the Way

I tried to give Emerson privacy by tuning in to the kids’ talk, but she sat right there in the middle of the living room floor. I couldn’t miss that something had come on the market, and Darius thought she’d want to look at it as soon as possible.

Before ending the call, she stood, paced to the dining room as she asked questions.

I waited until it sounded like her call was over, then I joined her with a questioning look.

“That was Darius,” she said, her face lit with hope. “A three-bedroom house came on the market outside of town, on the road to Runner. He hasn’t seen it yet, just saw it pop up a few minutes ago, but we’re going through it tomorrow morning.”

That was all it took for the contentedness and the what-ifs from under the tree to float away.

“That’s great,” I said, reminding myself it was indeed a step toward her goal.

I needed to be happy for Emerson, not sad that my farfetched pipe dream moment under the tree had been crushed. She’d made it clear what her plans were and that they didn’t include me.

ChapterThirteen

Emerson

Tuesday evening all hell broke loose.

I was nearly finished with Everly Henry’s cut and highlight, my last client of the day. We were running a little late because she’d required extra toning time, so the other stylists had gone home, and I’d told Edith she could go as well.

As I turned Everly to the mirror for the final reveal, she preened and oohed and aahed, and my phone rang. I allowed a few seconds to gauge her reaction and felt the pang of satisfaction when her eyes lit up and her smile widened genuinely.

“Emerson, I love it,” Everly said.

“Excellent! Going one shade lighter really makes your eyes pop. You’re gorgeous!” Finally I pulled my phone out and saw Ben’s name. “I better take this. Give me two minutes, and I’ll get you checked out.” I gave her the hand mirror so she could see the back.

“Take your time,” Everly said, admiring her new do from every angle.

“Hey, Ben,” I said into the phone, pacing away from her.

“Hi, Emerson.” His voice was all business. “I got an emergency house call for a horse. I just got off the phone with Berty, so she knows the change in plans. I’m not going to make it to the play tonight.”

“Oh,” I said. “That’s fine. Berty and I can handle the kids. I’m sorry you can’t make it, but go take care of that horse. We’ll be okay.”

“Thanks. I don’t know how long this’ll take, but I’m still twenty minutes out from the horse.”

“I’m running late myself, but I’m betting Berty’s already got the kids eating.”

“She does.”

“Is it snowing?” I asked him, glancing out the salon’s back window.

“Tiny flakes. Just started.”

“Word is they changed the forecast tonight from flurries to six inches.” Everyone had been buzzing with their take on the weather all afternoon. “Keep an eye on that.”

“Will do. Enjoy the play, okay? Sorry to miss.”

“It can’t be helped. The kids’ll fill you in when they see you, I’m sure.”

We disconnected, and I checked out Everly, hugged her, and said goodbye. I quickly cleaned my station, locked up, and rushed out to head home so I could grab a few bites before the kids, Grandma Berty, and I headed to the high school holiday production.

I’d no sooner turned onto Honeysuckle Road toward Ben’s than my phone rang again. Darius’s name appeared on the dash screen.

“Hi, Darius.”

“Hey, Emerson. I wanted to let you know an offer came through this evening on that property we looked at yesterday. You still good with your decision?”

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