Saving Us(11)

I could sense my father's blood boiling as he spoke of Rick. My dad was upset about the business and the money, where all I wanted was to be free of him. If there was money out there for me somewhere, I would love that, but it just wasn't my first priority. "Dad, at the end of the day, I'm happy now and that is all that matters to me. We can make more money."

He walked up and unexpectedly hugged me. "You're right. We can make more money. I just wish you had it all along. I worked my whole life to provide for my family. I don't want you to have to live with other people."

I pulled away from him and tapped him on his chest. "We can talk about this another time. I'm sure Conner has a plan. He always does."

The locksmith took another hour to finish, but as he left, I was holding new keys to my salon. Aside from a couple women wanting to have their hair done, I hadn't gotten any threatening phone calls. I convinced my father that I was going to be fine thirty minutes after my first client came in. When he left, I felt both relieved and regretful. The sense of security that he offered had left the building and I was all on my own.

By the time lunch came around, I had cut three clients hair and done a color treatment on one of my regulars. When the phone rang suddenly, I jumped before walking over to answer it.

Hello?

I could hear someone breathing...

Hello? Is someone there?

Still nothing...

I hung up the phone and it rang back instantly. I was almost afraid to answer.

Hello?

Blaze, it's me. Can you hear me? My phone is bein' stupid.

Did you try to call me a second ago?

Yeah, could you hear me talkin' to you?

No! I got all scared it was a crank call.

Sorry, babe. I was callin' to check on ya, not scare ya.

It's fine. I'm fine. The locks are changed and the alarm codes are all reset. It's been quiet.

Alright, I better get back to this fence we're reparin'.

Okay, I'll see you around five then?

I might get there earlier if I can. See you in a bit, Blaze.

We ended the call as another customer came in. It was a little old lady that knew more town gossip than I could ever possibly remember. She sat her floral purse down on the chair beside her and got comfortable. "It's about time you reopened. I was thinking that I would have to go back to that Sally woman's establishment. Did you know she has five children by all different men? That's not very Christian if you ask me."

I hadn't asked her, nor did I even want to know. "I'm open for business. We had some electrical problems and had to close until the repairmen could get in to fix them. The weather didn’t make it easy on them."

Sure, it was a total lie, but I didn't want Mrs. Mouth to alert the news or print it in the church bulletin. My business was private.

"Well, do you remember how I like things or do I need to explain it?" What a little white headed spitfire she was.

"I remember. You just sit back and relax. I will have you fixed up in no time."

I started on the little old ladies hair and after five minutes, she began gossiping. "Did you hear about the Taylor boy who drove his truck into the horse corral? They had to shoot one of the horses after the truck broke two of it's legs. I tell ya, all these kids do nowadays is ride around in those trucks drinking. You'd think the parents would have enough sense to keep their kids at home where they belong. Back in my day this type of thing was unheard of. It's a shame when a farmer has to put down a good animal because of mischievous kids."

I rolled my eyes, but continued rolling the woman's hair. "I can see where things are a lot different than when you were growing up."

She nodded her head, even with the hot iron attached to her hair. "Yes indeed. My daddy would have tanned my hide if I brought home a boy like that. He would have chased him down our dirt road with his rifle. You should be glad that you don't have children of your own. I bet that step-daughter of yours is a handful."

"She's all grown up. She lives with her boyfriend now." I knew I shouldn't have given her that information.

Right away, I could see the concern on her face. "Are they living in vain?"

"They aren't married if that is what you're asking."

"Couples that aren't married and live in sin will go to Hell. You need to get that girl hitched and get her saved before it's too late."

I could only imagine what she would say about me being married to someone and pregnant by and living with another. "It was her father's decision. Since the two of us are no longer together, it really doesn't matter that much to me. I appreciate your concern though."

My answer must have pissed her off. She sat in silence until her hair was done. After she paid, leaving me with a whopping one dollar tip, she exited the salon. I let out a sigh of relief as I watched her pull away. After locking the door, I walked over to answer the ringing phone.