Page 17 of Forever To Me

“Nice to meet you,” I say as Emma motions for me to sit in a chair.

I hang up my purse and denim jacket on a hook by the mirror and slide into the chair. This is like an old-fashioned beauty shop. Like the Dogwood, this place is frozen in time and kept old, but homey. Vintage is the word that comes to mind. Think Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias. I watch in awe as they chat about local gossip and events.

Emma runs her fingers through my hair and murmurs, “Beautiful. Do you color it?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s all mine.” My red hair is from my dad's side of the family.

Her eyes widen, and she smiles. “People pay good money for this color, and the good Lord just gave it to you?” she drawls.

“Suppose so.” I smile. I didn’t always love my hair. As a kid, I was ruthlessly teased. But recently, I’ve been learning to love everything about myself. I’m trying to turn a new leaf.

“What do you want to do today, beautiful? A fresh cut and style?” Livvy asks as she runs her fingers through my hair.

I blow out a puff of air. I’m not even sure. It’scrazy to think that even a decision on my own hair can paralyze me. But I don’t know what I want anymore.

Emma watches my face in the mirror as I’m having this internal battle and asks, “Do you trust me?”

I bite my lip and chuckle. “Sure, it’s just hair. Go for it.”

She smiles and says excitedly, “This will be so much fun. I’m going to clean it up and add in some fun layers.”

I suck in air nervously through my teeth. I hope I don’t regret this. She guides me to the sink and sets me up and proceeds to give me the best shampoo experience of a lifetime. Her scalp massage battles anything I’ve ever had at any salon I’ve ever been to. I’m so glad Maggie brought me with her.

“So, Violet, what brought you to Bridger Falls?” She shields my eyes as she rinses out the shampoo. The warm water feels amazing, and my shoulders relax.

“I came to visit Maggie and fell in love. Decided to stay awhile,” I admit.

“Who’d you fall in love with?” She chuckles as she applies a deep conditioner and massages my scalp.

“Bridger Falls,” I admit.

“She might be working on falling in love with someone,” Maggie counters with a smirk.

“Nope, taking a break on love for a while. I play the guitar and write songs about love, though,” I quip, trying to change the subject.

“She’s also a great singer,” Maggie adds proudly.

“How long have you been playing guitar?” Emma asks.

“Since I was eight. My parents got me a guitar for Christmas, and I’ve been playing songs and singing on any stage that would have me ever since.”

“So, what…ten years?” she teases.

“Twenty-two,” I answer with a chuckle. “I’m thirty.”

“Well, you look so young. I’d kill for this beautiful clear skin and gorgeous hair.”

“Thanks,” I say as I look around at these women all lifting each other up. A breath of fresh air in this salon.

Maggie says gleefully, “I still can’t believe you’re thirty. You’ll always be my young niece, Violet.”

“What’re you saying? I’m old?” I tease.

“I’m turning seventy-one this year, so I think I’ve got you beat on old,” she chuckles.

The door swings open, and a young woman strides in, balancing two trays brimming with coffee cups. Her long black hair cascades over her shoulders and down her back. “What’d I miss?” she calls out, her voice bright and teasing, as she shuts the door with her foot, the bell jingling on it.

Emma takes a tray from her and says, “That's Cami.”

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