Page 46 of Waiting for a Prince
“She’s behind me, isn’t she?”
Sonia smirked. “Uh-huh, but never mind. Concentrate on what you’re doing.” She handed Mark another foil, her eyes focused on his hands as he applied the hair dye evenly and folded the strand of hair into the foil, crimping the edges securely. “You’re doing a great job,” she said in a low voice, and then leaned forward to whisper in her customer’s ear. “Isn’t he, Kathy?”
The lady in the chair giggled. “Mark, you’re doing fine.”
Mark had to smile at that. He was hyper-aware of Marie’s presence, which made it much more difficult to focus, but he took several deep breaths and pressed on. It was his first attempt in the salon at colouring hair. Sonia had taken on the role of mentor, and despite Marie’s obvious initial misgivings she’d let Sonia get on with it.
What a difference a month had made.
Mark was finally beginning to feel comfortable at work. Sonia’s decision to let Mark cut her hair had proved the catalyst.A lot of the girls had jumped on the bandwagon at the thought of a free haircut, and Mark had found himself faced with demands that he do their hair too. He had risen to the challenge. When Marie finally offered him some dry words of praise, Mark knew he’d turned a corner.
Finally.
The last of the foils in place, Mark adjusted the timer accordingly and leaned forward with a bright smile to address his customer. “That’s going to be about twenty minutes. Now, can I get you a cup of tea or coffee?”
Kathy beamed. “Ooh, a coffee would be nice.”
Mark gave her a grin. Kathy had been a regular throughout his time at the salon, and it had been Sonia’s idea to leave Mark in charge this time. Nevertheless, he’d been grateful for Sonia’s reassuring presence throughout. He gave Kathy’s shoulder a quick squeeze and after handing her a selection of magazines, he headed for the kitchen. As he stood waiting for the kettle to boil, his phone chimed in his pocket. He grinned when he saw the screen.
It was Sam.
“I know that smile.” Sonia winked at him from the doorway. “What are you two up to this weekend?”
Mark opened the message.
Not again.
This was getting beyond a joke.
He frowned. “Nothing, apparently.” He puffed out his breath in exasperation. “Rebecca says she hasplans.” That would make the third Sunday in a row Sam had cancelled on him, and each time it had been something to do with her.
Sonia gave another smirk. “Hasn’t she worked out yet there arethreepeople in this relationship? That’s very inconsiderate of her.” Mark stared at her open-mouthed and she laughed. “Oh, come on, Mark. You and Sam spend time together every Sundayand Monday, not to mention meeting up on weekday evenings occasionally. You’re inseparable.” She winked. “I think it’s kind of cute.”
“It’s not funny,” Mark groused. “She tells him they’re going to be doing something, then changes her mind at the last minute, only by then it’s too late for us to do anything.” If he didn’t know better, Mark would swear it was deliberate. Sam promised him it wasn’t, however.
He poured boiling water over the instant coffee and stirred it briskly, trying not to let this new development spoil his good mood. “We were going to go for a walk along the coastal path near Whale Chine,” he said gloomily. Sam had suggested packing a picnic lunch if the weather allowed. The western side of the island was less inhabited, and its beaches less frequented. The plan had been to leave the car at the viewpoint above the theme park at Blackgang Chine and walk along the path as far as Brook village, have their lunch on the beach and then walk back. It would have taken up the major part of Sunday.
Sonia came fully into the kitchen and closed the door behind her. “Mark, I’ve been wanting to say something for a few weeks now, but I’ve kept putting it off.”
Mark’s forehead furrowed. “That sounds kinda serious. What’s up?”
“Sweetie, are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
He stiffened and gave her an incredulous stare. “What do you mean?”
Sonia sighed. “The amount of time you two spend together. Now, don’t get me wrong,” she said, holding up her hands as Mark took a step back. “I think it’s great you have such a good friend.” She moved closer and took hold of his hand. “But sweetie, you talk about himall the time. You should listen to yourself. It’s ‘Sam did this’ and ‘Sam said that,’ several times a day.” She gazed at him intently. “If I didn’t know any better, I’dswear you were in love with him.” She gave Mark a keen glance, finally falling silent.
Mark cringed.Damn her. He sucked in a deep breath, not trusting himself to speak.
Sonia’s hand flew to her chest. “Oh hell. I hate being right all the time.” Her voice was soft.
Mark shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know what you mean.” He ignored the sudden dry mouth and the tingling in his stomach. Sonia leaned forward and grabbed his hands.
“Mark, this is me you’re talking to. You know, Sonia, the woman who sees right through you?” Her eyes were kind. “You’re in love with him.” It wasn’t a question.
Mark closed his eyes. “It doesn’t matter whether I am or I’m not. He has Rebecca.” His chest felt as though an iron band had been tightened around it, limiting the flow of air into his lungs. A lump formed in his throat. Tears pricked his eyelids as Sonia pulled him to her in a warm hug, her arms tight around him.
“It’ll be okay, sweetie,” she whispered into his ear. He rested his head against her shoulder, taking comfort from her solid presence. Tears slid down his cheeks and soaked into her pink cotton blouse.
