Page 33 of Sunsets at the Beach House

“Are you going to hire her?”

Trina sighed and checked her mirror before merging over. “I don’t think so. Like I said, she has no experience. And I would never want her attitude around clients. Although part of me is curious about her.”

“Do you think Miles would care one way or the other?”

Trina thought about that. “My guess is that he’d probably rather I didn’t. He wasn’t thrilled to see her at the restaurant that night. He said she wasn’t a very nice person. But then again, they did break up, so…”

“Some people stay friends after they break up, you know. If he says she isn’t nice, I’d believe him. She might be up to something more than you realize.”

“I don’t know about that.” Trina shrugged. “But I’m not going to hire her anyway, so it really doesn’t matter.”

“I can’t wait until the salon is open. It’s so exciting.”

“It really is.” Trina smiled thinking about it. “I already told Miles he should let me cut his hair.”

“He should,” Roxie said.

“He’s going to. Tomorrow, actually.”

“Hey, speaking of hair, and not that you don’t have enough to do already, but I was thinking about changing the color of mine.”

“You were?” Trina glanced over at her mom. “To what?”

“Just something softer. Strawberry blond. This red is starting to feel a little…harsh.”

Trina nodded. “Strawberry blond would suit you. Especially since you have a little bit of a tan. Might be more youthful, too.”

“It would?” Roxie sat up straighter. “Have you always thought that?”

“I mean, I guess.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because you love your red hair. It’s not my job to talk you out of something, unless it’s a really, really bad idea. I just do my best to make whatever someone wants work for them in the best way possible.”

“You think this red hair makes me look old?”

“Not old, no way. But the change will be good. I can see it now, a soft rose gold. It’ll just brighten you up and make your eyes sparkle.”

“Yeah?”

“Totally,” Trina said. “Won’t be that hard to do, either. I’ll have to run to the beauty shop and get what I need but I’ve probably got most of it at the house. I’ll just be sure to grab all my supplies.”

“You want to do it that soon?”

“Don’t you?” She glanced at her mom. “You want it before the wedding, don’t you?”

“Yeah, that would be nice, since there’ll be pictures and all. But I don’t want to stress you out with everything else you have going on.”

“It’s no stress,” Trina said. “Truth is, I get antsy when I haven’t done hair in a while. I’m looking forward to this. And to cutting Miles’s hair.”

“Okay.” Roxie smiled. “You’re a good daughter, you know that?”

Trina grinned. “Thanks. You’re a good mom.”

“I don’t mean just because you’re going to do my hair. I mean everything. Driving me back to get my car. Helping take care of your grandmother. Being so sweet all the time. I love you, Trina.”

“Ma, you’re making me tear up. I love you, too. Now quit it.” Trina laughed as she sniffed back tears. It was nice to hear. She loved her family fiercely. She still missed her father. She supposed she always would, even if he hadn’t turned out to be such a decent guy.

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