I threw the bag in my pickup truck and peeled out onto the dirt road. I had to say goodbye to the only person in this shit-hole of a town that cared, to the only one who made me happy.
A black hole warped into my heart, leaving it barren. I had to do what I was born to do, to make the changes and the sacrifices necessary for my life.
I parked on the narrow dirt path leading to her family’s tiny red-brick cottage, a cottage old and crumbly, but it gave the place charm. It had a grey slate roof and one small chimney with two little windows at the front. An enormous oak tree stood over the cottage. The massive branches seemed to embrace the tiny building. The window to the left was Evelyn’s room. The lights were off in the whole house, and I couldn’t muster the courage to call, text, or knock on her window like I knew I should have.
Glaring back at me in the rearview mirror was a face more purple and red than any other color. The skin had ruptured above the growing knots on my face. The cut from the bottle was gaping, blood still oozing out.
I sighed. She couldn’t see me like this. I knew Evelyn had a heart of gold. She’d put her life on hold to follow me, and I couldn’t be that selfish.
Without another thought, I pulled out of the dirt path and got on the highway. Every mile I drove away from Violet Ridge, from Evelyn, a knot twisted in my gut.
It was better this way, and I was never coming back.
My salon was a place of connection just as much as it was about the pampering. It was where the community in Violet Ridge went to gossip, vent, and feel good about themselves. People came here to look pretty, but I made sure they left feeling beautiful and confident. I loved what I did. I loved smelling the perfumed air and making life-long friendships with my clients.
Cut from the Heart was my vision of perfection. Ever since I was a kid, I watched my mom cut, style, and dye hair out of our home. I’d wanted to do the same, but on a larger scale. I’d worked my ass off on making it a reality.
The salon was a cute red brick building that took roots in the quaint home of Violet Ridge. Inside was a wide-open space of mirrors and black leather swivel chairs. The floor was polished concrete, and the walls were bright white. One hair washing station sat in the back corner next to the hair drying station. We had a vanity full of makeup products for clients wanting makeup services, and another area that was dedicated to manicures and pedicures. I had hired a sweet older man, Randal, who was able to do just about anything nail related.
I gripped the stainless steel scissors carefully as I snipped away at Magnolia’s long blonde hair. The woman was blonde from root to tip and radiated sunshine to everyone she crossed. “I can’t believe you’re letting me do this.”
Affection glowed in her emerald green eyes as she met my gaze in the mirror. “Lance has been yanking on it every chance he gets. I always have to throw it in a bun. It’ll be a good change. Besides, I’ve never had short hair before.”
I pouted my bottom lip out. “How is he three months old already?”
She remained still as I chopped away at her once thick, waist-length locks. “I know. It’s totally crazy. But Luca’s a great dad.”
I had cut her hair to the length she wanted, level with her collar bone. I began layering it. “He really is. I still can’t believe it’s already been a year since you guys finally got together.”
“He was such a dick.” She chuckled. “But, it all turned out the way it was supposed to.”
I turned her toward me, focusing on the bangs. “Yes, it did.”
A few minutes later, I had finished with her new haircut.
“You look beautiful.” I took a step back and admired my work. The once long golden waves were now at shoulder-length with layered glossy blonde strands.
“Let me see!”
I turned the chair around and watched her bubble over with excitement. “I love it! I was so scared to do this, but since my best friend is the fucking bomb, I knew you would make me look good!”
I chuckled. “I’m just happy you like it.”
“What’s not to like?” Randal asked. “Come, sit over here, and I will do your nails.”
She checked her phone. “I would love to, but Luca’s been calling non-stop. He’s got a shift at the ER, so I have to get home to Lance. Next time?”
He pouted, which was comical in itself. Randal was an older man with squinty brown eyes, ruddy wrinkled skin, and neatly-combed snow-white hair. “Fine, next time it is. But, I will come to find you if you don’t come back. You’re a new mom. You should be pampered.”
“He’s right, you know. Give Lance a big hug from Auntie Eve.” I undid the tie-dye cape from around her neck, and she got to her feet.
“You know I will.” We went to the register and I rang her up before she left.
After cleaning up my station, I toyed with a red curl that hung over my eyes.
“And when exactly are you planning on settling down, Eve?” Randal asked, sitting backward on the chair at his station.
I chuckled, catching my reflection in the mirror. My hair was a natural vibrant red with loose curls. I’d grown it out so it was halfway down my back now. A light dusting of freckles littered my face. Hesitant honey-brown eyes stared back at me behind thick-rimmed glasses.
A year ago, I had escaped from an abusive relationship with Mags’ cousin. Gerald had transformed my life into a world without joy. I had been isolated from my friends, family, and my work. Whatever made
