Kendall drew a deep breath and paused by the first station. “Excuse me. Can you direct me to the owner or receptionist?”
“That’d be me.” The stylist, a woman with a bouffant hairdo reminiscent of the fifties, turned to face her, teasing comb in hand. “How can I help you?”
Kendall smiled. “I’m Kendall Sutton and I’d like to make an appointment.”
The stylist didn’t have a chance to answer. A customer seated in her chair leaned over, speaking in a stage whisper to another woman with rollers in her hair at the neighboring station. “It’s Rick Chandler’s new girlfriend,” she said, exercising her lungs.
The information traveled from the two manicurists sitting a few paces away and in seconds silence descended in the shop as all eyes looked at Kendall and none appeared friendly. The hope she’d held for winning over the store owner evaporated along with her positive mood.
Kendall had spent a lifetime as the new girl. She’d entered many a schoolroom or situation knowing no one, set apart from the crowd, and had learned early in life that she’d never be around long enough to let the opinions of others matter. As long as she felt happy and secure, as long as she lived an honest life and could look at herself in the mirror, that’s what counted—more wisdom imparted by Aunt Crystal, and words Kendall took to heart and carried with her always. Wisdom that never failed to buoy her spirits.
Until now. A strange feeling of discomfort enveloped her. Odd for someone used to being the outsider.
“Her hair’s pink.” The statement sounded like a shout in the otherwise silent room.
As half a dozen wide-eyed, curious women continued to stare, Kendall clenched her hands into a fist to prevent herself from lifting a finger to the strands. Her stomach cramped and self-consciousness set in. Another unfamiliar sensation for someone who’d never before cared what others thought of her.
She forced a grin and ran what she hoped was a carefree hand through her hair. “That’s what I came here to have fixed.” Though these people rattled her, she refused to let the insecurity show.
“Everyone go back to your gossiping and quit staring at the girl.” From the back of the shop, an attractive redhead came into view and strode to where Kendall stood. “You ignore these people.” She shook her head in disgust. “I’m Pam. I’m co-owner of this place, and the lady standing next to me with her mouth hanging open is my mother, Luanne.” She jabbed her mother lightly with her elbow. “The other owner, and one who’s usually a lot more polite to her customers.”
“Forgive my poor manners.” Luanne held out her hand and Kendall shook it. “Everyone was talking about Rick’s new lady friend and then I looked up and there you were.” Luanne lifted a hand to her mouth. “I’ll shut up now.”
Pam shook her head. “Good idea, Mom.”
“It’s no problem, really. Besides I’m sure this pink hair attracted the most attention.”
Pam placed her hands on her hips and studied her. “You really don’t know.” She shrugged and leaned closer, whispering as she spoke. “Mom’s serious. It’s not your hair, it’s your status that’s got them talking. Do you have any idea how many of these women tried to land Rick Chandler for just one date and failed?”
“I’d heard rumors . . .”
“Not rumors. Fact. I’m probably the only single woman in this shop right now who hasn’t made a play for the town’s favorite cop. I prefer light-haired men, but most women in this town aren’t so fussy. They just want the gold ring.” Pam waved her hand Kendall’s way. “Not that I think you’re after such a thing. I just met you. I wouldn’t know. But you get my point.”
Kendall nodded, dizzy from Pam’s speech. Used to big-city solitary living, Kendall wasn’t comfortable sharing intimate information with a stranger. But obviously nothing was too personal to discuss when in a small town. “Can I make an appointment for my hair?” Kendall asked, changing the subject.
Pam smiled. “Lucky for you, I’d taken the morning off to run errands and I got back here early. I’ll take care of it for you since—” She leaned closer again. “You don’t want my mom changing you from pink to blue. Mom specializes in the blue-haired set.”
Pam chuckled and Kendall found her light laughter infectious. “I’d appreciate your services.”
“Then come with me.”
Kendall followed Pam to the back room, doing her best to ignore the continuing stares, though she couldn’t help but feel some of the women were actually glaring behind her back.
Pam seated her in a salon chair and wrapped a black cloak around her neck, covering her from head to toe. “Ignore them, honey. This morning’s group of customers isn’t representative of our town as a whole, I promise.” Pam patted her on the shoulder. “Now, you want to go back to blond?”
Kendall nodded. “As close as possible.”
“Okay, we’re going to have to do some serious stripping before adding back some color.” Pam headed for a small closet like area, talking as she worked. “You may still have red tones even when we’re through. Red’s the hardest color to take and the most difficult to get rid of—unless you don’t mind going green.”
Kendall’s eyes opened wide and Pam chuckled. “Just kidding. I only want you to understand what we’re up against. It may take a few tries over a few weeks until the new color sets and takes.”
Kendall doubted she’d be here that long but why get into that conversation with Pam. “Subtle red tones are fine. Anything more natural-looking than what I’ve got now,” Kendall assured her.
“Cut?” Pam poked her head out of the
