“Really?”
Her dad chuckled. “Better tell those girls to settle down a bit. ’Bout gave ole’ Misses Anderson a heart attack!” He roared loudly now, then erupted into a coughing fit.
“You okay, Dad?”
His coughing diminished. “Ya. I just aint had my quota of cigarettes today. Couple more an’ I’ll be fine.”
“You gotta quit smoking. Go on the patch or something.”
“Patch my ass! Tell Elvira if she buys that house, I’ll go up and help ’em do something. Maybe supervise.”
Madison laughed. “I’ll tell ’em, Dad.”
* * * *
The next day, work seemed to go by so slowly. Roxy had had been thinking, planning what do to prepare for her interview. She’d had something in mind and getting the extra money from Madison last evening helped her put it into motion. She checked her watch. Tomorrow she would be off. She only needed to show up at three for the interview.
Roxy signed herself off from work and hopped into her car. She drove into town and into the parking lot of the beauty salon. Standing as tall as she could, she took one deep breath before entering.
The aroma of the saloon was a mixture of permanent solutions, brand name hair sprays and a touch of bleach. She walked to the desk and met eyes with a tall red-head. Her make up appeared fresh and her hair style looked like it had been taken right off a magazine cover. Roxy had to stifle a laugh. Why was she here? This was not her!
“Can I help you?”
Roxy gave a quick fake smile. “Yes. I’d like this...” she reached up to her head, letting her blonde/red strands weave through her fingers, “to be a little more conservative. I’d also like a cut and style.”
The young woman smiled; it seemed genuine to Roxy. She asked Roxy her name and wrote it down. “Have a seat. You can look through the magazines for a particular hair style if you’d like.”
Roxy did just that. She flipped through some hair styles she liked and appreciated their uniqueness. Yet, she was wanting a job. If she entered the motel with that hair style, they’d probably send her home and not even let her clean rooms.
She texted Bud. “Sur U will lik whtevr I do?”
A minute later he answered. “What-ev-r.”
“Roxy?”
She looked up, meeting the eyes of a woman about her own age. She seemed friendly enough. “Hello. My name is Sue. Would you come with me?”
Roxy stood up and followed her to a chair. She’d never been in a beauty salon before, but certainly didn’t want to admit that. Before it had been...her mother...or Sunday...who cut her hair. She’d bleached it herself or got help from Madison.
The plastic polka dotted cape was swung around her, fastening at her throat. Roxy stretched her neck out, feeling claustrophobic for a couple of seconds. Sue combed her fingers through Roxy’s hair. “You wanted it colored today?”
“I like the blonde...but I’m applying for this job...and the red...”
She looked at the woman’s reflection staring at her in the mirror. “You’d like something a little more professional, but not...dull?”
Roxy nodded. Sue reached forward and pulled Roxy’s hair softly toward her cheeks, staring intently into the mirror. Roxy’s eyes drifted way from what Sue was doing and gazed at her own reflection. Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Whose the fairest...
* * * *
Roxy left the salon and continued down the walkway of the mall. She passed a store window, catching her reflection. It didn’t quite seem real yet. Her hair, an attractive light blonde. No more spikes, it now parted on the side, wisps of hair framing her face, a touch of bangs. A whisper of pink highlights gave an air of sophistication.
She entered Macy’s, heading toward the dresses. She would only buy one today. She needed to look as professional as she possibly could for the interview. If she got the job she would need to return. There was the consignment shop down the road as well. She flipped through the sales racks, stopping and laying a dress over her arm, searching for a few more before heading to the dressing room. As quickly as she could, she donned one dress after another. This certainly was not her favorite thing to do. The dress she settled on was light blue with short sleeves; tiny white daisies danced on the fabric. The bodice was decorated with a line of blue daisy-shaped buttons from her neck to her waist. It was a little cutsy, however, friendly enough to greet guests. Roxy was sure that Meredith would approve.
Next, Roxy shopped for shoes. Something she could feasibly wear, standing for most of the day. Tennis shoes were out. A white pair of sandals caught her eye. They even matched the white in her dress. The price caused her to wince. It was almost more than she would make a day at the motel. She tried them on anyway, and found they felt great on her feet, padded for extra comfort and cushy.
Off she trotted to the jewelry counter, checking on the sales. Roxy looked for something light and pretty. Dainty. At a fifty percent off table, she spied a silver necklace, two dangling hearts and earrings to match. She stepped up to the counter to pay for her purchases. A few feet away, a woman was eyeing herself in a hand mirror a sales woman held. The counter held bottles and jars; wrinkle free cream, cleanser, make up remover, along with eye shadows and lipstick. The customer seemed pleased and bought several items.
“Can I help you?” the clerk in front of her asked.
“Oh, yes,” Roxy answered. She continued to eye the voluminous items of makeup, while she handed over her items to the clerk. A minute later, with much less cash in her wallet, she stepped over to the counter and eyed the variety of eyeshades and lipstick. The sales woman appeared to be busy. Roxy picked up a few items and found the price. Killer!
“Is there something in particular you’re looking for?”
Roxy looked up and met her eyes. She could tell the woman probably didn’t want to deal with her, knowing she wasn’t going to be a big buyer, yet, she had her goal in mind. This woman was getting paid to do her job, just like she got paid to clean rooms and make beds. “I’m going to have a job interview tomorrow. I don’t have a lot of money to spend, but I want to make a good impression. Would you do a make over on me like you just did with that lady?”
The woman’s eyes seemed to soften. She smiled. “Why don’t you sit here, and let’s see what we can do.”
Roxy set her bags down and took a seat. The clerk’s badge read “Debbie.” She eyed Roxy, in a similar way the beautician had, and set a few bottles close. She looked as if she was going to say something, but instead handed Roxy a hand mirror.
“Do you want me to work around...”
Roxy looked at her reflection and felt her face grow warm. “I’ll just take these out. Will you hold the mirror?”
Debbie did as she was asked. Roxy took out her lip ring and nose ring, and decided to leave the little diamond stud in her nose and the one small ring by her eyebrow. A bit of the old Roxy had to remain. And...there was nothing she could do about the tattoo.
The next twenty minutes, Roxy sat in the chair and went through a series of creams and lotions, foundations, powder, eye liner, and shadows that sparkled. At the end, she looked in the mirror and wondered who the pretty woman was that stared back at her.
“Oh!”
“You have lovely skin to work with, by the way.”
“Can I come back before my interview tomorrow?” Roxy laughed.
Debbie smiled. “Here’s some samples.” She scooped them into a small bag. “You can try a few out and see what you like. We have sales frequently.”
“Thank you very much!” Roxy picked up her shopping bags and walked out to her car. Once inside, she tilted her rearview mirror. Was that really her? She dialed Bud’s number.
“I know it’s kind of late, but can I stop by for just a few minutes?”
Ten minutes later, she knocked at Bud’s door. Would he like her new look or hate it? Was she trading her soul to be a conformist? Suddenly, Roxy got cold feet and turned to leave when the door opened.
“Roxy?�
�� Bud asked, looking at her back.
“I think I went through a metamorphosis and turned into a Stepford wife.” She turned slowly to face him.
“Roxy? I...always knew you were pretty, but...you look absolutely beautiful tonight. What all did you do?” He took a hold of her shoulders and looked her over. “Your hair... I like it. What else is it...make up...”
Roxy touched her nose. “Anything missing?”
Bud laughed. “You have a totally different look. That’s for sure.”
“Do you think it will make a difference for the interview?”
“Without a doubt. You’ll knock ’em dead.”
Roxy wished she could feel so positive.
* * * *
Madison’s cell phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID before answering.
“Hey, Sunday! What up?”
“I’ve been trying to reach Roxy.”
“I think she’s been at the mall most of the day.” Madison went on to explain about the job interview.
“She didn’t want you tagging along?”
“No, as a matter of fact. She was adamant she wanted to do this all on her own. I think she wanted to make her own choices and not be swayed.”
“Like you would lead her down a dark path?” Sunday laughed. “Is she getting a new wardrobe?”
“I’m not sure. She seemed a bit secretive.”
“Do you think she’ll get the job? I mean, I love Roxy and I know she is smarter than she thinks she is, but I don’t know if the management there realizes it.”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to guess. She’s coming over after the interview tomorrow. We are having a champagne toast, no matter what the outcome will be.”
“Sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll crash the party.”
“Please do. Roxy would enjoy that. I should call Jacki and Elvira too.”
“Are they back together?” Her voice sounded urgent, excited.
“Yes. I think they’re supposed to sign papers on the house in a couple of days.”
“They’re really getting that old house?”
“Yes and very excited.”
“Good for them.”
“See you tomorrow, about six?”
“Sure.”
* * * *
Later that evening, Sunday fixed a salad for dinner. Duffy was coming home a little later and planned to grab something to eat in town. She was fine with that. Her thoughts kept returning to their romantic time in Hawaii. She wondered if she should bring up the prospect of a baby tonight. It seemed rather soon, having just returned from their “second” honeymoon, yet she was elated thinking about it. Finally! Their own baby. Duffy had changed. He was more attentive to her than he had been the last few years. He pampered her on the trip. They had another counseling session scheduled for next week. She hoped Duffy would continue to want to make changes, although, God knew, she had her own issues as well. She wasn’t perfect!
Sunday was curled up on the sofa, nearly asleep, when she heard Duffy come in the door.
“Hello, Babe. Still awake?” he asked. He sat down beside her and rubbed her back softly.
“Almost asleep. Glad you’re home.” Sunday could smell the alcohol on his breath.
“I’m ready for bed.” He got up, and staggered slightly.
Sunday stood up and followed him into the bedroom. Duffy undressed, complaining about work and what had happened during the time he’d been gone. Who had screwed up what.
Sunday turned off the bedside lamp and climbed under the covers. “You knew there would be some problems while we were gone.”
“I know,” he growled. “I told Joe to call me though. Call me, if there was a problem. But no, he just decided to do what he damn well pleased. I ought to fire his damn ass.”
Sunday rolled over and wrapped her arm around him. “He does a pretty good job for you most of the time, doesn’t he? You usually brag about him.”
“Humph.” He rolled over and turned Sunday away from him, yet pulling her close enough to “spoon.”
“I’m so happy, Duffy. I love you.”
He squeezed her to him tighter. “I love you, too. You must know that.” His voice was thick from the effect of the alcohol. He whispered in her ear, “You must never try to leave me again. It almost killed me, seeing you trying to run off. I’d never let you do that to me again. I’d have to kill us both before I’d let that happen.”
The words rang a fear through Sunday. Her body stiffened from the tension, but Duffy didn’t know. His breath turned to a heavy snore. The noise alone could have kept Sunday awake; however, she had withdrawn into her mind and her heart; she paid no attention to the noise. Her thoughts were remembering the hope that had grown inside her in the last couple of weeks. The hope for their love, their marriage, their bond. A hope of a baby to complete their family. It was as if his words sliced part of her heart out, leaving a hole; a dull, heavy ache. She hurt too much to cry. The agony she felt rippled through her. Her body began to shake and tremble from the shock of his words and what they meant. Duffy was too intoxicated to notice her trembling. He snoozed on, in his drunken stupor, while Sunday lay there, weighing her options of survival.
Chapter 35
Roxy entered the motel office. She was a few minutes early for the interview and no one was there at the moment. She walked to the wall where posters hung, advertising the local summer events.
“May I help you?” Meredith’s voice rang out.
Roxy turned around and faced her boss.
“Roxy?” Meredith’s mouth dropped open for a second before she caught herself. “Why, you look...I mean... Goodness!” She laughed; her face grew red from embarrassment. “Come on in to the conference room.”
Roxy walked ahead of Meredith and Charles sat at the end of the long table. He glanced up, and quickly did a double take. Meredith laughed, watching the reaction her husband had. Charles glanced quickly at his wife, a quizzical expression held. He stood up. “Roxy.”
“Yep, it’s me.” Roxy took a seat. She set her hands in her lap, wishing she had been able to afford a manicure. Still, they seemed pleased with her new look. Surprised, at the least.
Meredith grinned, seemingly to herself. “I see you are taking this position seriously, if that’s what this big change is about.”
Roxy smiled. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. I’m positive I can do the job. I realize there are many things I need to learn, but I am teachable.” God, I hope that’s a word. “I do not want to be cleaning rooms my whole life. I have goals and dreams.”
A look passed between Charles and Meredith. He spoke first, shuffling a few papers in front of him. “Well, then, Roxy. Let’s dive into the interview questions.”
* * * *
Roxy couldn’t concentrate on the book she was attempting to read. Her mind drifted to meeting with the other women tonight, what would their reaction be...to her looks... She would know in a few days if she got the manager position. She felt she had as fair a chance as any and smiled to herself, remembering how surprised both Charles and Meredith were at her new look. If she did get the job, she’d have to get a start on new clothes. Maybe she would need to keep her second job for a while to help with those expenses. And Bud! He seemed very pleased! She glanced at her watch. Time to go.
Minutes later, she stood outside Madison’s door. I hope she likes it. She grabbed the knob and turned.
Princess barked at the noise and ran to meet Roxy. She jumped up to her, evidently not minding her new look. Roxy bent down to pick up the little dog.
“Oh, my God! Roxy!” Madison exclaimed.
Roxy looked up. “You like?” She grinned, placing her hand behind her head like a Marilyn Monroe pose.
Madison turned Roxy around. “It’s...really cute.” Her eyes scanned her face. “Make up...less piercings...”
“Hey! See, I still have a couple,” she exclaimed.
“Oh, yes!” Madison laughed. She met Roxy’s eyes. “Do you like it?”
&n
bsp; She nodded. “I think I do. I mean...sometimes I wonder if I’m selling out the old Roxy...but on the other hand, I’ve had so many things happen this year. Ned dying, and I think I worked through some of the old trauma... Being able to let some of that go... Accepting that Mama isn’t ever going to change, and that’s okay for her. I want a better life! You’ve helped me with my finances, and just that, made me feel...like I could accomplish something.”
Madison still stared. “Has Bud seen the new you?”
Roxy nodded. “He said he liked it.”
A knock sounded at the front door. Without waiting for a reply, Jacki walked in, followed by Elvira. Jacki screeched at the sight of Roxy.
* * * *
An hour later, the women sat around Madison’s kitchen table drinking wine, laughing, and celebrating.
Sunday piped up. “When is your next day off?”
“Tuesday.”
“I’m taking you shopping.”
“I won’t even find out about the job until Wednesday.”
“I don’t care. I want to take you shopping. The new Roxy should be in total agreement.”
Roxy rolled her eyes in response. “Okay.”
Sunday smiled. She hadn’t said anything about Duffy’s comments the night before. Today was about Roxy. It needed to be a happy time. When asked about Hawaii, she wore a smile she did not feel and answered in a happy tone.
“Where’s Justin?” Jacki inquired of Madison.
She frowned in response. “He’s getting his things in order before he leaves. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay...” Jacki replied, glancing at Elvira who responded by grimacing.
* * * *
Tuesday was a whirlwind of going from store to store, trying on different outfits. Roxy dressed and paraded in front of Sunday, who looked her up and down, sometimes giving the material a slight tug. By noon she was tired.
“I think this is more work then cleaning toilets and making beds!”
Sunday laughed. “Hopefully, that career will end soon.”
“I hope so. I’m excited but at the same time scared... What if I can’t do it? What if I get fired?”
(Don't Mess With) Clear Lake Women Page 20