Lost in Silence (The Lost Series Book 1)(40)

Bobbi’s eyes widen and I see a twinkle in their depths as she regards me. She reaches for my hand and pulls me closer. Her hand gently touches my chin, lifting it higher and she studies me carefully.

“I see,” her voice is soft. “Missy this one here is perfect for our boy. Nothing like that trailer trash Crystal he married.”

My eyes cut towards Missy, panic ensuing. I expect her to correct Bobbi, explain I’m not for her brother. That we’re just friends. He’s helping me out until I figure out what I’m going to do next. She doesn’t though. She doesn’t even look my way.

“Isn’t she?” Missy’s voice is light and airy, her smile soft. When she finally looks over at me, the panic I felt is gone, replaced with understanding. I know she thinks I’m good for her brother. That’s what this was all about, the spa day, the shopping, making sure I went to this dinner with Hudson. She’s trying to play matchmaker. I’m flattered but I’m not right for him. If she knew the truth about me, I know she would agree.

Yes, I’m attracted to Hudson. I know he’s a good man inside and he’s fighting his own way out of the darkness. I’m not going to lie and say the thought hasn’t occurred to me but it’d be wrong. He deserves someone the opposite of me and he made it clear last night I’m not who he wants. Regardless of the note and his apology, I’m not going to let him fool himself.

Bobbi gasps, her eyes go wide again and she brings her hands to her mouth, utterly perplexed. “You must think I’m completely rude, going on about you like your aren’t here. Please forgive me.”

I give her a weak smile because truthfully I didn’t find her behavior rude. I’m used to people talking about me like I’m not there. I experienced it my entire life, more so during my captivity. She didn’t know that of course, how could she? I glance over to Missy, hoping she reads my thoughts and pulls Bobbi’s attention away from me.

“How about those pedicures?” Missy clears her throat.

Bobbi’s gaze flicks between us before shaking off the awkwardness, “Of course, Carla and Beth are just finishing up. You ladies pick out something fabulous for those toes and I’ll let them know you’re waiting.”

Missy nods and points me in the direction of what can only be described as a rainbow wall. There are shelves of nail polish all neatly lined up, ready for someone to come along and be inspired. I feel a sudden rush of excitement, the idea of having my toes painted is something I love. Pampering myself was something I enjoyed doing after I moved out of my parents home, before things went south with Erik. Missy giggles as she picks up a cherry red bottle and hands it to me.

“Hudson’s favorite,” she whispers before stepping away from the wall, pulling me in tow.

My hand closes over the small bottle and its cool glass warms under my touch.

Dare I?

*****

I sit staring at the reflection before me, unbelieving.

Is the woman staring back really me?

“Alice,” Missy whispers as she stares at me in awe. “You look beautiful.”

I blush and look away from the reflection staring back at me. Gone are the long locks of brassy blonde, replacing it is a short dark bob, styled perfectly to be casual yet complimentary to my creamy skin and small features.

“Honey, you’re the prettiest brunette I’ve ever seen and I’m one myself,” Marjory says as she steps back studying her creation in the mirror. She really is an artist at her craft. Even I have to admit I look amazing. I barely recognize the woman staring back at me.

“Marge, you outdid yourself but clients like her make our job so much easier. Natural beauty,” Bobbi walks up behind me and places both hands on my shoulders, squeezes gently. She looks down at my hands and notices the nervous twitch of my fingers. She gives me a friendly smile. “Cherry red? Very lovely, fits you perfectly.”

She looks up. Her eyes meet Missy’s in the mirror. Something passes between them. My guess is Bobbi knows what Hudson’s favorite color is and she guessing Missy chose it for me.

“What are you girls doing later?” Marjory asks, her smile is a dazzling white against her caramel skin. “I was thinking about hitting the town and having a drink or two.”

“Actually, Alice has a date,” Missy glances at me, our eyes connect in the mirror. She winks at me. “With Hudson.”

“Are you kidding me?” the woman seated in the chair behind me yelps. Batting away her hairdresser, she manages to turn her chair and face us. She scowls heavily and purses her lips, giving me a once over. “Tell me you’re not the reason that hot piece of sex on a stick stood me up last night.”