Page 12 of One of Six

Donna does my hair as usual, much to my relief. She would never cut off all my hair.

"What are we doing today?" she asks, brushing out my hair.

"A trim, please, and do you have any products to keep my hair nice? I have a date later and I don't want frizzy hair."

"Don't worry. I've got you covered." She smiles. "So, who's the lucky guy?"

I wince. "Jason Greenwood."

A frown lines her brow. "Isn't he a little old for you?"

"Totally," I say as Donna leads me to the wash stations.

She leans in close. "Let me guess, this is your father's doing?”

I nod.

"You sit back for me, Beatrice, and relax. I'll take care of this."

The warm water feels soothing, and I really relax as she begins to massage my scalp. She's very good at this.

I close my eyes and see a pair of emerald eyes staring back at me. I frown. They are not Atilio's eyes. Why is Essex in my head? He must get out. Ah, that's it. Atilio's face comes to mind, his brown and gold eyes glowing with joy. My hands reach out and press against his chest. Curious, I slide my palms down and feel his belly quiver.

A loud cough makes my eyes pop open. "I'd like to know what you are thinking about," Donna laughs.

“I’m not thinking about anything," I stutter.

Donna shakes her head and smiles. "Honey, your face is all red."

"Oh."

She giggles. "Follow me."

I sit at her station and notice I’m flushed when I look in the mirror.

If she hadn't distracted me, I'm not sure where my thoughts would have gone, considering I've never touched a guy before. I mean, I read about a quivering stomach in a romance novel. It was explicit and from my mom's hidden collection.

To get out of my own head, I watch Donna cut my hair, blow-dry it, and coat it with product so that hopefully it won't frizz today. I don't think of myself as anything special. Right now, I look pretty.

Donna grins at my surprise. "You are a beautiful woman, Beatrice, inside and out. Remember that, and don't let them get to you."

I wince. "That's easier said than done."

She squeezes my shoulder. "Good luck."

"Thanks, Donna. My mom will pay."

Mama takes one look at me and gives me a sly smile as her eyes trail over my shiny red hair as it flows over my shoulders. It doesn't take a genius to know what she's thinking after our earlier talk.

"Come, Beatrice, one more stop." Mother hooks my elbow and leads me next door.

"My nails look fine." I wince as we both look down at my nails. "Um, okay. They're not the best." I have short and uneven nails that lack care.

"Beatrice, you must look your best to hook a husband."

"I don't think Jason will care whether or not my nails are lacquered."

Mother lets out a huff of air, forgetting about me as she chooses a pale pink polish.

---