Hang Tough(64)
“I’ll let GG know. I’d hate to deprive her of a visit to town.” Fool me once . . . Although every one of the Mud Lilies had apologized for the “misunderstanding,” Jade wasn’t going anywhere near them without backup.
“It’ll just take you an extra five minutes,” Vivien said breezily. “And Garnet will be so appreciative. I’ll just text her real quick and let her know you’re picking it up.”
Jade watched as Vivien whipped out her phone, typed out a text and sent it.
A ping sounded.
“Garnet said thank you. So I’ll just wait up by the checkout counter and you can follow me to Bernice’s.”
No manipulation there. But what could she say? More importantly . . . what could she do to get out of it?
Make your own backup plan.
Jade smiled. “I have a couple of other things to grab first.”
Vivien said, “Take your time.”
Jade rolled her cart to the next aisle, pretending to look for something as she pulled out her cell phone and sent a text.
JE: Are you around?
A couple of seconds later, a reply showed.
Yes. What’s up?
JE: How long would it take you to get to Bernice’s Beauty Barn?
Why? Fair warning that I’m not the pedicure type.
JE: Can you meet me there? You said if I needed anything just to ask . . . remember?
Fine. Be there in 20.
After checking out, Jade tossed her bags in her car and followed Vivien to Bernice’s Beauty Barn, secretly snickering that she’d driven a block.
The scents of permanent wave solution and coffee hit her as soon as she walked inside. And what a coincidence; Miz Maybelle, Pearl and Tilda all just happened to be watching Bernice cut another woman’s hair. A gorgeous woman with flowing blond locks who could have had a starring role in shampoo commercials.
The Mud Lilies stood up, one by one, and hugged Jade, as if they were the best of friends.
Bernice removed the cape from her customer with a flourish and said, “All done, sweetheart. In and out in under an hour, as promised.”
“Thanks, Bernice.” The blonde unfolded from the chair—of course her clothes were as gorgeous as the rest of her—and stopped in front of Jade, offering her a brilliant smile and her hand. “You’re Garnet’s granddaughter?”
Not said in a snarky manner at all, so Jade’s hackles came down a notch. “Yes. I’m Jade Evans.”
“So pleased to meet you, Jade. I’m Harper Turner. I used to have a nail studio in the back, so I’ve known your grandma for years.”
“I’ll tell her I saw you. I’m here briefly”—she emphasized the word—“to pick up an order before my groceries melt.”
“The only perishable thing you bought was yogurt. And honey, that stuff could go bad and who would know the difference? It already tastes like sour milk,” Vivien said. “Which is why we know you have time to chat with us for a bit. No need to run off.”
Jade laughed. “I remember how our last chat went, so you’ll understand if I decline.”
Harper’s eyes narrowed. First on Jade and then on each one of the Mud Lilies, who all managed to pull off we wouldn’t harm a fly smiles.
“We’re damn proud of Harper,” Bernice said, putting an arm around Harper’s shoulder. “Hardest-working woman you’ll ever meet. She stuck around this tiny town at the expense of pursuing her own dreams to raise her youngest sister until she graduated from high school. Now Harper owns a clothing company up at the Split Rock—and whoo-ee does she have some nice stuff. So nice she ships it all over the world.”
“And she hooked herself a hot cowboy,” Tilda added.
“I remember when you couldn’t wait to get out of Muddy Gap. You said there was nothing here for you.”
“Sounds like someone else I know,” Jade muttered. She thought her comment went unheard amid the chattering about Harper’s hot husband and even more adorable boys, but Harper looked at her quizzically.
“How long are you visiting?” Harper asked.
Silence as all eyes swiveled to Jade.
“It’s up in the air at this point.”
“You and Garnet should swing by the store. Between that, the ranch and our three sons, my husband Bran and I don’t get out at all anymore.”
“I’m sure GG would love that.”
Harper and Bernice walked to the register. Harper kept trying to sneak looks at her.
Yes, I realize I don’t look like my grandmother or anyone else around here.
But maybe her ethnicity wasn’t the curiosity. Maybe Tobin had mentioned Jade since it appeared he worked with Harper.
As soon as Harper sailed out the door, Bernice rubbed her hands together. “So, Jade, to make up for the ‘misunderstanding’ the other day, I’m offering you a free makeover. Hop in the chair, sweetheart, and I’ll get started.”