by Scott, Lisa
He cleaned up his work area and scowled at the TV, scratching his head.
“Your hair is getting long,” Ellen said.
“Yeah, Dolly’s been pestering me about that too. I haven’t had time for a cut.” He plopped into the recliner.
“Tonya’s probably too busy to squeeze you in now,” Ellen said.
“Maybe I’ll stop by after work tomorrow.”
“Yeah! Maybe they’ll show you on TV getting your hair cut,” Jane said, clapping.
“I certainly hope not.”
“Look! Tonya and Josh are buying antiques,” Jane said.
“Ooh, he got her a really nice necklace,” Ellen added.
“She doesn’t like jewelry,” Tommy said.
Ellen squinted at the screen. “I think any woman would like that.”
“Look at how she keeps smiling at him,” Lorraine said.
Tommy glared at the close-up of Tonya’s wide brown eyes. He remembered that look.
“She’s in love, if you ask me,” Lorraine said.
“She’s practically speechless,” Ellen said. “He’s doing all the talking.”
Now that really doesn’t sound like Tonya. But maybe that was a sign she really was falling for the guy. He wished there was someone else in town who could trim his hair. But he had no choice. She was the only one, and the only one who’d do it right.
***
After Tonya’s final client left and the crew packed up for the day, Tonya sat down and dropped her head back. She’d never been so tired in her life. When these six weeks were up, she’d look five years older. She felt herself drift off when the bells on her door jangled. “I’m closed for the day,” she managed to mumble.
“I was hoping you had time to give me a trim.” Tommy stood in the doorway. “I’ve been waiting for the crew to leave so we could do this in private.”
Tonya popped up from her chair, heart pounding. She was awake now, that was for sure. Tommy hadn’t stopped at her shop unannounced since before the show started.
“I meant to call, but it was a busy day,” he said.
“Tell me about it,” she said, staring at him.
Tommy ran his hand over his hair. “It’s growing out uneven. Dolly’s been giving me heck about it. Thinks I can’t risk looking silly in case they catch me on camera.”
Tonya swallowed hard. So he really was here just for a haircut this time. She walked over to the shampoo chair and patted the seat. “I can squeeze you in.”
Tommy sat down and placed his hat in his lap.
Tonya took a deep breath as she teased his hair with her fingers. She got a whiff of his minty shampoo. Oh, to lay her cheek on his head and feel his soft hair on her skin. She wanted him to take a handful of hers and pull her head back for a kiss like he used to do. She imagined being on top of him, letting her hair fall over them like a curtain hiding them from the world.
She drew back her hand. “It’s getting long. We’re doing a buzz cut again?”
He cleared his throat. “I don’t have time for the upkeep anymore. Just even it out, and I’ll wear it like I used to.”
Tonya nodded. Her throat felt thick. She wanted to crop his hair close to his head and then drag him to the couch. But if there was any question things were over, this answered it. No more frequent touch-ups to his hair. “So I guess I won’t be seeing you as often.”
“Buzz cut’s not working for me these days.”
She nodded. “Sometimes things seem like a good idea until they aren’t.”
“That’s very true. Make that one into a bumper sticker.”
“I just might,” she said. “Lie back and let me get you washed up.”
Tommy reclined in the chair. It would be so easy to straddle him and tell him she wanted him…and let him know everything he saw on TV was a ruse. But that bus had rolled out of town a while ago. Besides, he’d just told her in not so many words what they once had wasn’t working anymore. So she got the water running until it was warm, and wet down his hair.
Chewie bounded down the stairs and rushed over to him. Tommy reached out to stroke the dog’s head. “Hey, baby.”
The dog whimpered as she nuzzled his hand.
I know how you feel, girl, Tonya thought, feeling a bit jealous of her pooch.
“Didn’t think you’d be enjoying yourself on the show quite so much. I recall you hiding behind a tree when it started.” He shrugged. “Maybe you’ll win the hundred thousand.”
Tonya shook her head. “It’s not what it seems, really. The way they edit things makes it all look like something it’s not.”
“Seems like it would be hard to edit in all that hand holding and kissing if it didn’t happen.”
With hot cheeks, Tonya kept her promise to Josh about not admitting the truth. Who knew if a camera might be hidden somewhere. Besides, it’s not as if Tommy would care. He had his family back, now. She pumped a squirt of shampoo in her palm and worked it into Tommy’s hair. Slowly, she massaged his scalp with her fingers. She ran her thumb over his cheekbone to catch a trail of bubbles. The man has fine bone structure, that’s for sure.
“Just don’t let yourself get hurt on this show.”
She snorted. “Trust me, that won’t happen.” She rinsed out the shampoo and towel-dried his hair, chasing away memories of times she’d done this after they’d showered together.
He was quiet, too, and she wondered if he was thinking the same thing. She could hear the clock ticking in the background, and it reminded her of the early mornings watching the sunrise, waiting for him to show up.
“My bumper stickers are selling like crazy.”
“I know. Seems like everyone in town has one slapped on their car. I’m glad. I know how important they are to you.”
“I’m selling them on my website too. Thousands of them to people all over the country. I’ll be able to spruce up this place. Finally get someone to repair that leaky faucet.”
“Shit,” he mumbled. “I never did get to that. I’ve been so busy working, and I’ve been putting in a bathroom for Ellen and Jane.”
Tonya sucked in a breath. He hadn’t been able to make the time for a quick fix at her place, but he could manage to build an entire bathroom for his ex. That about summed up where she stood in his world. “The whole experience has been crazy, but not horrible.”
“I’m happy for you. I really am. Are you happy?”
She paused for a moment. “Sure, I’m happy.”
Tommy looked in the mirror, then peered down at his lap. She thought he was going to say something more, but he didn’t. Instead, he stood and pulled out his wallet.
She stepped back. “You know I don’t charge you.”
“Things are different now.” He set money on the counter and walked out the door.
She fought back tears. It was different, all right. It was over. She crumpled up the money and threw it at the door, just as the call sheet for the next day slid underneath the door. She picked up the paper and her eyebrows rose. There was a meeting for the entire cast and crew. She had no idea how the ratings had been. Maybe they were pulling the plug on the show. Finally, a glimmer of hope.
Chapter 11
It was only the second meeting Vinny had called since the show began, the first being that meet and greet. Tonya had no idea what to expect this time. Marisa and Tara looked around nervously while the McClacken twins ate handfuls of peanuts from each of the bowls that were scattered around the O’Hara ballroom. Waiters followed them, filling the bowls up each time Matt and Mack emptied them. No one else was eating anything from the table of goodies. She figured they were all as worried as she was.
“What do you think this is all about?” Tonya asked Josh.
“I don’t know. Some kind of game changer, probably. Obviously something that will affect all of us.”
“I hate surprises.” Tonya fiddled with the bracelets the crew made her wear and looked around the room for a clue as to what was about to happen.
Fi
nally, Vinny came into the room, followed by several cameramen. “Things are about to get interesting,” he said.
“Uh-oh,” Tonya mumbled as other people started chattering and whispering.
“Now, don’t look so upset. The ratings are great, people are hooked on the show, and it’s about to get more fun. We’re halfway through our contest and we thought you could use a little advice at this point. So each of you will be getting a visit from someone in your past. They’ll let you know what they think about your choices so far, and give their advice on what you should do next.”
The crowd buzzed and Tonya cringed, trying to think of someone from her past she wouldn’t mind showing up. Inez had cut Tonya off when she left New York, so that would be a fun reunion. She’d parted on bad terms with all her exes, so hearing from any of them would be a blast. Except for Tommy. He’s the only one she hadn’t severed ties with when their relationship ended.
Damn. It better not be Tommy showing up to give her advice.
“Oh, and one more thing. Whatever advice this blast from the past offers, you have to take, whether it’s dump the person you’re with or stay with them.”
“Uh, oh,” Tonya said. She and Josh had a good thing going. She was ready to ride out their relationship until the show ended.
“You’ll all be meeting your personal advisors over the course of the week. We won’t tell you when, though, it’ll be a surprise. But Marisa, your special guest is here right now,” Vinny said.
A man walked through the door with a rose in his hand. Marisa froze. “That’s my ex. I don’t want to talk to him.” She stalked out of the room, and her ex followed, along with several cameramen.
“I wonder if any of the reunions are going to be happy,” Marge mumbled, nudging Tonya.
“Knowing Vinny, that’s highly unlikely,” Josh said.
***
Days passed, and neither Josh nor Tonya had a visitor yet. She just wanted to get it over with so she could stop worrying about it.
Tuesday morning she was finished with her customers until later that afternoon, so Tonya lay on Josh’s bed, reading a magazine. “I like the time away from the cameras, but they must think we’re at it all the time in here.”
“I’m making a reputation for myself, that’s for sure,” Josh said with a grin. The tabloids had dubbed them Toshya and featured crazy articles about the two of them every week, like they had secretly gotten married, or that they’d been lovers in another life.
Tonya had been appalled, but Josh assured her it was all good. Articles like that would make people more interested in them, which meant they’d be more likely to be voted the winners on the show’s last episode.
“I’m starving,” Josh said. “Let’s grab lunch.”
“Let me use the facilities first,” Tonya said. She slipped into the bathroom, then heard a knock on Josh’s bedroom door.
She wasn’t sure if the cameras had been outside or not. They might not have known she was in there; maybe they were checking to see if they were still alive.
“Grandma!” Tonya heard Josh say.
“My darling,” said an older woman.
Tonya froze, uncertain whether she should come out or stay hidden. She could hear more than two people shuffling around the room, so the camera crew definitely came in with his grandmother.
“I wasn’t planning on bothering you, but those terrible TV people kept pestering me until I gave in.”
Tonya texted Josh. “Should I come out?” She could hear his phone beep as the message was sent.
“Hang on just a minute, Grandma,” Josh said.
Tonya received a text back from Josh. “Stay there.”
She sat on the edge of the tub, wondering how long she’d be stuck in the bathroom. Her stomach grumbled. Big surprise.
“Should we go out to eat?” Josh asked his grandma.
“Yes, I’d love to meet the girl you’re seeing. Think she could join us?”
“I’m sure she can.”
“Good. But first I want to have a word with you.”
“Right. You’re supposed to be giving me advice. Tonya’s great, isn’t she?”
“She seems like a lovely girl, but….”
But? Tonya wondered. She’d been the perfect boring girlfriend. What could be a “but”?
“What, Grandma?” Josh asked.
“She doesn’t seem right for you.”
What does that mean? Tonya wondered. Not good enough?
“I think she’s perfect. What’s not to like?” Josh asked.
His grandma sighed. “How do I put this…I don’t think she’s your type.”
“How so?”
“Josh, I know you. This doesn’t seem like the kind of person you really want to go out with. Do you understand what I’m saying?” his grandma said slowly.
Yikes, thought Tonya, biting her knuckle to keep from piping up. Maybe Josh’s secret wasn’t such a secret after all.
Josh blew out a loud breath. “What do you think I should do? Are you telling me to break up with her?”
No, no, no, thought Tonya.
“I want you to follow your heart. Go after what you truly want.”
He paused for a few seconds. “I will, Grandma.”
“Good, now let’s go to lunch.”
“Let me text Tonya and tell her where to meet us,” he said.
Tonya got the message to meet them at Scalia’s. She waited for them to leave his place before she came out of the bathroom and hurried to her car. Luckily, the cameras had followed Josh and his grandma, so no one saw her leave.
Tonya zipped home and touched up her hair and makeup. She was surprisingly nervous to meet the woman who raised the man she was pretending to love.
The cameras followed Tonya as she made her way to the table at Scalia’s. Josh stood, and kissed her cheek. Squeezing her hand he said, “Grandma, this is Tonya. Tonya, this is my grandmother, Elaine Brown.”
Tonya reached out and shook his grandmother’s hand. “So nice to meet you Mrs. Brown. You raised a wonderful boy.”
She smiled. “Thank you, dear.”
Tonya sat down and clenched her hands in her lap.
“So, you think you’re in love with my grandson?” she asked.
Tonya’s eyes bulged. Neither she nor Josh had used the word love during their charade. She took a sip of her water before answering. “It’s really too early to say, but I’m quite fond of him.”
“You’d probably be quite fond of that one hundred thousand dollar prize, too,” his grandmother said.
Tonya was speechless.
Josh spoke up. “Grandma, we care about each other. That’s not what this is about.”
“Well I don’t like this. I don’t like any of this,” his grandmother said. “You don’t find love on a television show.”
Tonya felt like jumping up and saying, “Exactly!” Instead, she looked down at her lap.
“Seems like you latched on to him real quick,” Elaine said.
“The show has been edited to make things appear a certain way,” Josh said.
“So you’re not falling for this girl?”
Josh paused for a moment. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Elaine opened and closed her mouth. “Is there anything you want to tell me? Anything you’ve wanted to tell me?”
Josh looked down and blew out a breath. “No, Grandma. There isn’t.”
Elaine tipped up her chin. “Very well, then. I won’t tell you whether or not to break up with Tonya. Just be sure you’re being true to your heart. I was told to give you advice, and that’s my advice to you.”
“Thank you,” Josh said. “I will.”
When the waitress came around, Tonya ordered the lasagna but ate very little of it. When it was time to say goodbye, she shook Elaine’s hand.
Elaine folded Tonya’s hand in hers and patted it. “He’s a good boy. If he chooses you, then take care of him.”
Tonya nodded.
�
��I’m going to visit some antique shops and give you two time to talk,” Elaine said. “I’m flying back home tomorrow. Will you stop by and see me before then? I’m at the Be Wright Inn.” She pointed at him. “Just you.”
“I will,” Josh said.
Josh drove Tonya back to her place and they headed for her apartment, a cue for the crew to leave them alone.
“Wait, we need more of your reaction,” said Michael, the crew’s producer.
“Later,” Josh said, handing over his wireless microphone.
Tonya did the same.
She went upstairs and sat on her bed. Josh settled next to her. “I think your grandmother knows the truth about you,” Tonya said.
Josh planted his elbows on his thighs and pressed his hands together in front of him like he was praying. “It sure seems that way.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“She caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting to ‘come out’ on camera today. Maybe if the crew wasn’t there I would’ve told her. I’ve got to talk to my manager about this.”
“Do you think you should talk to your grandma before she leaves? When the cameras aren’t around?”
He exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Honestly, I never thought we’d have that discussion. I thought I’d be in the closet until my grandparents were in their graves.”
“What are you afraid of? She sounded like she’s okay with it.”
He shrugged. “Who knows? I just hope this doesn’t change anything between me and my grandparents.”
Tonya rested her hand on his shoulder. “It might bring you closer. They’ll know the real you.”
Josh nodded. “You’re right.”
“What will this mean for the show?” she asked.
“I don’t know. But for now, we’re still together. Sound good to you?”
“Yes, whatever you need to do.”
Josh left, and Tonya wondered who would appear from her own past. She had no delusions her visit would be a positive one.
Chapter 12
Tonya finished up Pansy Parker’s blow-out and was waiting for the crew to leave. “That’s my last client for the day,” she told them.
No one moved.
“Guys, you can clear out,” she said.