Page 2 of Fake Daddy

“Twelve years ago,” I whisper in horror. Not that there was anything wrong with Cort, he was always kind to me, but he wasn’t around for long.

“That’s right. I think we only met a time or two. You have grown into a gorgeous young woman.”

“Thanks,” I murmur, dreading the rest of the afternoon now.

“Hey,” Mary says softly. “I didn’t mean to dredge anything up. Ignore me. I’m just a silly woman who’s shocked to remember anyone from so long ago.”

“Thank you,” I reply, quietly continuing my work but hating myself for shifting the mood.

I apologize to her after finishing the colouring and wrapping of her hair before taking her to one of the heat machines. “It’s not you or Cort. He and your boys always treated me well. I’m just in shock, is all.”

As we stand face to face, Mary grips my hands in hers. “The boys always had wonderful things to say about you, too. They were sad when they didn’t see you anymore.”

I nod in response because I don’t know what to say, and then I lead her over to one of the dryers to continue the process.

“Can I get you anything to drink or a magazine?” I really need a minute to breathe. I hadn’t expected my past to come back for me.

“A coffee would be lovely, dear. Just black is fine for me.” Her smile is still so kind and genuine that I feel like an ass for being so edgy.

“You got it. I’ll be right back.”

After double-checking that the timer is right and her hair is all tucked in, I head to the kitchen in the back for her drink. Thankfully, Linda had the forethought to start a fresh pot, and it’s just completed brewing as I grab a mug.

Once I’ve got Mary settled, I take a dip out back to breathe and try to quell the mounting anxiety. I don’t understand why I’m so unsettled about seeing Mary. The Baker family was genuinely kind to me for the short time I knew them. Maybe it’s because that was the last time I felt any sort of love in our house.

Cort and Mary were always friendly with each other, a contrast to my parents, and I envied it so much. I wanted to be loved. Not just by my dad, but in the romantic sense.

I want the husband, the kids, the white picket fence, and a dog. I want it all. I’m just terrified I’m too broken to achieve it.

“You want to tell me what’s going on?” Linda asks as she walks up behind me in the alley.

“Mary’s ex-husband is also my mom’s ex-husband. I wasn’t expecting a blast from the past today.” Or the way it would make me feel.

“You seemed congenial.”

I lift a shoulder casually. “She was nice to me. No reason not to be.”

Linda nods, her eyes acknowledging my internal freakout. “Look, Darling, I know you work for me, but you can always talk to me when you’re having a hard time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Linda.”

She’s gone again, and I head back inside to grab a bottle of water and a granola bar before checking on Mary again. Afterwards, I clean up my station so I can get her washed, styled, and out the door without any more meltdowns on my part.

By the time I finish up, Mary’s timer has gone off, so I take her to wash her hair and then back to my station for a blow-dry and curl.

“What do you think?” I ask when I’m done, and she can really notice the multi-hued highlights.

“Wow!” she gushes, turning her head left and right to take it all in. “You are incredible. This is stunning.”

She stands up, gives me an impulsive hug, and I freeze before allowing myself to relax and reciprocate the gesture.

“Thank you, Mary. I’m pleased you’re so happy.” I truly am. It’s gratifying to have a client leave with a smile on their face.

“Would it be alright if I brought the boys by for haircuts? Evan has been dying to colour his hair, but I wouldn’t know where to start. Maybe you can give him some guidance so we can come back when you have time in your schedule?”

She’s so hopeful that I have difficulty saying no.

“Sure, Mary. Let me check the calendar and get them on my schedule.” After processing her payment and the way-too-generous tip, I peruse my calendar. “I have time for the two on Saturday if that’ll work for them?” She agrees, and I schedule them for cuts and a consultation first thing in the afternoon before saying goodbye.

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