Page 10 of Weatherman

“You okay to ride?” the big man inquired as he descended the back steps with his boys into the thick grass of the yard.

Weatherman nodded. “Half a beer won’t be a problem.”

“I meant the other sh… stuff in your head. You clear enough?”

Weatherman understood the implied invitation to crash overnight if needed. More beers, more small talk, more distraction. It meant a hell of a lot to have that kind of support from the person who acted more like a big brother than a friend. “I’m good. I’d feel better getting back tonight rather than dashing tomorrow morning. Thanks for everything. I’ll see you soon.”

He gave Lori and Angel a quick hug. The boys continued wrestling with their dad and opted for waves from the yard.

As he walked to the driveway, he couldn’t help but play one more round of peekaboo with Pearl.

CHAPTER 6

“I sawthis ad on Facebook ’bout a new cream that treats cellulite. I’m thinkin’ ’bout orderin’ some.”

“Hmph. You know all that mess is nothin’ but a scam.”

“My son is a starter on the football team. I swear he’s doubling my laundry.”

“The marching band rehearses three times a week after school. I gotta take snacks over for them next Wednesday.”

I lifted another section of hair from the client at my station and swiped the mahogany color on it. The salon buzzed with gossip this late afternoon. September was in full swing, and the women had shifted to fall mode. Classes, teachers, football games, and an upcoming community-wide Halloween party that the Dragon Runners sponsored. That event was a long time away as far as I was concerned, but I got the impression that it was a big deal.

Tambre came over to my station. “How are you, Agatha? Is your husband coming in for your birthday?”

The woman in my chair nodded her foiled head. “Yeah, he got his leave approved. It’s hard sometimes, and the boys and I miss him, but if all goes well with this promotion, he’ll get anassignment stateside, and we’ll move to where he’s stationed. Fingers crossed that it’ll be soon.”

“I hope he stays safe out there.” Tambre touched a wrapped foil to check it. “Loving a military man ain’t easy, but you got yourself a good one. Opal here is one of the best colorists I’ve ever seen. She’ll get you ready for the reunion.”

I preened a little at the compliment. It meant a lot that Tambre trusted me with the people here in the shop. This was the second time Agatha had been in my chair and the first time I’d colored for her. “Always glad to help. Where are your boys?” I asked.

She smiled as she held still for the next section to be painted. “Chad is in the first grade, and Tori is in preschool at my church until one. This is my only free time for shopping, haircuts, personal doctor appointments, and all that happy stuff.” She laughed out loud, making the foils rattle. “I swear, I live my life by Google Calendar.”

I laughed with her. I figured us to be around the same age, roughly twenty-six, but she seemed far older. Probably because she had two kids, a husband, and a house. We chatted about kids, daycare, nighttime routines, and other parenting tips as I worked.

I thought about it as I set the timer. Many of the women here had children and spouses, and I heard hours of their complaints.

“He never listens to me.”

“Spends all his free time in the garage or in front of the TV.”

“We never go anywhere or do anything.”

Perhaps being single wasn’t a terrible thing. Did it bother me? I paused at the thought as I entered the break room to get my water bottle from the fridge. I had the beginnings of a great career in a skill that would never grow old. I had my daughter to raise. I had friendships developing in this small town. Yes, I admitted, I did get lonely from time to time, but for the mostpart, I was good with my own company. Did I need a man in my life? Not really.

Did Iwanta man in my life?

That question I couldn’t answer.

The timer buzzed a short time later, and I smiled at Agatha’s grinning face. The foils came off easily, and I piled them into a shiny mountain on the working tray. A quick shampoo and conditioning later, she perched in my chair and grinned widely as I picked up my comb and tools.

“Oh my, that color came out really nice. I love it!” She beamed as she tilted her head from side to side. “Do you have any recommendations for a new look that fits me?”

I regarded her reflection in the giant mirror at my station and pondered for a moment. “Since you like shorter styles, I’d do a reverse bob with a long side sweep. It draws the eye upward and slims the face.”

Agatha laughed and tapped her rounded chin. “I need all the help I can get. Let’s do it.”

I smiled back. “You bet.”

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