by Tonya Kappes
“I’m sorry to hear it.” Beth’s toes danced her chair back around to let the stylist finish brushing on the dye. “Do you think you’ll be staying in Grandberry Falls very long?”
Maggie took another swig. Beth’s voice made her cringe and if she’d known the Hair Pin was the gathering place for gossip, she would’ve stayed at Hazel’s. . .in bed. Plus she knew Beth would go back and tell Wendy and Susie everything she had to say.
“I’m not sure what my plans are.” All eyes were on Maggie. She wanted to make sure everyone heard her correctly, and repeated herself. “Not sure. I’m having a wonderful time visiting though.”
If she was depressed, she had a great poker face, which was one thing that made her a good lawyer. Even though her head and heart were having a battle, she maintained her composure. Her head told her that she should be upset with Grady, but her heart was pulling toward Mitch.
Still, she wanted to rip those cute boots right off Beth’s feet and she didn’t care if the feet came with them.
“I was telling Maggie how we are going to stop in Figure 8 and get some new clothes for tonight.” Belle picked through Beth’s hair checking the coloring. She tightened the foil back in place. “You’re doing a fine job. The color is blending nicely.”
The stylist smiled with pride, quickly turning to get more foil. “I think the extensions are going to look fabulous.”
“Maggie, I look forward to fitting you.” A devious smile crossed Beth’s lips. She owned Figure 8, and it was the only shop in town that carried the latest fashion trends.
This was Grandberry Falls, not Hollywood. Maggie grabbed another flute.
“You better be careful. You’ve got all day and night to deal with curious citizens.” Jenna patted Maggie’s hand before Belle whisked her away to the shampoo chair.
The water was warm, like Maggie liked it. Her hair stylist in New York could never get the water right. Once Maggie’s scalp got scalded and she lost a patch of hair, causing the stylist to keep the water cool. She did get a free haircut out of the deal, only because she was a lawyer and they didn’t want her to sue them.
Belle’s fingers scrubbed like she was cleaning a burnt pan. Maggie winced.
“Don’t you mind Beth. She’s jealous, that’s all.” Belle pumped more shampoo into her hand. Maggie was sure if she looked in the mirror, she’d look like that bathtub filled to the brim with bubbles. “You keep your chin up and we’ll have you looking spiffy in no time.”
Maggie closed her eyes, trying not to concentrate on the pain.”
“That’s right, you go on and relax. I’ll take care of it.” Belle pumped more stuff in Maggie’s hair, rinsed, twisted, toweled it, and put Maggie in the other pink chair next to Beth.
Beth flipped the pages of the latest People Magazine with Hollywood gossip on the front.
It was hard to concentrate on any of the pictures Belle threw in front of her. She was dying for Beth’s boots, but wasn’t about to dare ask where she got them. Who knew meek Beth Harrison would be the fashion queen of Grandberry Falls.
“They are great, aren’t they?” Beth held a boot up in the air for Maggie to see. “Wait until you see the flip flops. I’ll be sure to be there when you come by Figure 8.”
Of course she’d be there. Why wouldn’t she? Maggie Greenlee was the talk of the town. She had a horrid feeling Beth would be telling everyone about her.
“I’m looking forward to seeing your shop.” Maggie said.
“Kill her with kindness,” Maggie repeated Hazel’s mantra over and over.
They were friends once, they could be friends again. Maggie tried to put the yearning to fit in into the back of her mind. Unfortunately, her ego was bruised and needed a little more time to heal.
Why had everyone turned on her? She did repay the scholarship back. Was it wrong she wanted to better herself?
“OH!” Beth swiped the stylist’s hand away and jumped out of the chair, extensions flying in the wind. “Wendy, let me see.”
Wendy Owens stood in the doorway looking like an angel. The grey one-piece short jumper showed off her tan legs all the way up to her ears.
“I love the jumper, but the ring!” Beth gushed holding her hand up to the light.
Maggie strained to see it, but there was nothing on it. Curious, Maggie pretended to look at the magazine, but did all she could to hear what Wendy was saying. She was sure Wendy was getting it resized or polished.
Mitch’s grandmother’s antique ring was simple, elegant, brilliant. Maggie had tried it on so many times before. She loved the filigree design and the simplicity of the stone.
When Grady had given Maggie the five carat ring, disappointment settled in her stomach. She’d always made over the simple antique designs, but he had obviously paid little attention to her desires.
“Hey, Maggie.” Wendy flopped in the chair next to her with a sigh. “Are you coming to the hoedown tonight?”
“Mitch said something about all of the guys going.” Maggie looked over, and noticed Wendy’s fingers were tense in her lap.
Maggie should keep her mouth shut. She bet Mitch hadn’t told Wendy he ran into her.
“When did you see Mitch?” Wendy’s face clouded with uneasiness.
Maggie felt the tension, but couldn’t determine if it was the situation or the players in the situation making Wendy so uncomfortable.
“Yesterday when I came into town. He was at the waterfall.” Maggie wondered what Wendy really thought about Mitch believing in the wonders of the falls.
“Good. I’m glad he invited you because if he didn’t, I was going to. Plus I need help with the Jubilee next week. I expect to see you volunteering.” Wendy jumped out of the chair. “I’ll see you over at The Figure 8. I just got back from the market in Atlanta with some new jewelry that you are going to love.”
“I bet we are,” Belle muttered under her breath clipping away at Maggie’s hair. The more Wendy talked, the more Belle cut, and lots of hair fell to the floor.
Maggie held up a piece. “Please don’t make me bald.” It floated to the ground when she opened her fingers.
Belle swiveled her around to see the mirror. “Don’t you worry. You’ll be the queen of Grandberry Falls before you know it.”
Belle created blunt cuts around Maggie’s face, making it frame her delicate features. Her eyes popped more and her cheek bones stuck out, giving her a mysterious look. Belle quickly added a few touches of eye-liner and gloss completing the package.
“You look great, Maggie.” Jenna took the seat across form Maggie and Beth. “I hope you come out with all of us tonight.”
“I’m not sure what I’m doing.” Maggie needed a drink. That was the only sure thing she did know.
Going to the hoedown with her ex-best friend and all her old girlfriends, where she wasn’t welcome, wasn’t her idea of fun. Especially if they were going to make fun of her.
“Of course you’re coming.” Belle twirled her around. “Let’s go to Figure 8.”
Jenna raised her eyebrows. “New hair cut, new clothes. I’d have to wonder who you’re trying to impress.”
The hair dryers were in full force leaving no room for casual conversation. The line of customers was steady the entire time they were there.
“I’m so proud of you, Belle.” Maggie looked at Belle, whose smile broadened in approval.
There was no doubt that Belle Greenlee was going to make it in the hair design business one way or the other. Maggie was happy to be a part of it today.
“Thanks, sis.” Belle laid her arm over Maggie’s shoulder. “Let’s go find that killer outfit so we can win Mitch Dozier over.”
“Belle,” Maggie shuddered. “I’m not ready for a relationship. Besides, Mitch is getting married to Wendy.”
Belle flung her purse over her shoulder and darted across the street to Figure 8. Her curls blew in the wind. She lifted her face to the sun and laughed.
“We’ll see about that.” She turned and winked.
Chapter 19
Love is the magician that pulls man out of his own hat. ~ Ben Hacht
Another drink might do. The ice cubes clinked on the sides of the glass and slid down once the Jack Daniels poured over them. Mitch hadn’t recalled being this nervous since taking Maggie Greenlee to senior prom—as friends.
There was too much at stake with her in town. He couldn’t risk her finding out about the Greenlee farm under eminent domain, nor let his heart continue to ache for her. Mitch wasn’t good at playing the part. Hell, he’s never had to play the part until now.
Mitch squinted and coughed as the liquor burned at the top of his throat, making it go down a little smoother.
Tommy slammed the empty bottle in front of Mitch causing him to jump back into reality. There was disapproval written all over Tommy’s face.
“Man, you’ve got to get her out of your mind.” Tommy’s eye brows dipped in concern. “If she weren’t dumped, she’d still be there.”
“Fate.” Mitch whispered loud enough for Tommy to hear.
Tommy burst out laughing, swinging his hair to the side. “Fate? Don’t go all sensitive bullshit on me, Mitch.” Tommy filled the peanut bowl to the top and threw some in his mouth. He muffled, “its reality, and Wendy Owens was one hot chick that was willing.”
Willing? Mitch didn’t want willing. He wanted Maggie. He had an obligation to this town, and to Hazel Greenlee. Not to Maggie. But had obligation ever overruled the yearning in his heart?
“Wendy broke it off.” Mitch threw back another shot.
He didn’t understand why she hadn’t told anyone yet. Mitch certainly wasn’t the kiss and tell kind of guy, so he left it up to her to tell the community what she wanted to. Truth or not, she’d always been an honorable gal.
“Do you blame her? Look at you.” Tommy shook his head and headed down the bar to get a drink order.
The Thirsty Turtle would definitely be hopping in a couple hours. The hoedown ended at the Turtle with the same rowdy group every year. His group. This year he’d have to watch his step, being mayor.
The crowd was beginning to gather around all the tables and the smell of the roasting pig, set up in the square, was filling the air. His stomach rumbled to life.
“I’ll be back.” Mitch dropped some cash on the bar. He had to go out to the waiting public. If he had another drink, the waiting public would see their mayor three sheets to the wind.
People milled about with mason jars filled with Hazel Greenlee’s sweet tea. He glanced over at the Greenlee booth and smiled. Hazel didn’t disappoint. The line was worth standing there just to get a taste of the delicious concoction. She greeted everyone with a hug and a bit of superstition tales to add to the sweet flavor. The bangles on her wrist rang over the crowd’s laughter as she clapped her hands in amusement. Hazel was the only one at the booth. Seeing this gave him a little relief. He wasn’t prepared to see Maggie there. Maybe she wouldn’t come.
“Hi.” Wendy yelled from the other side.
Mitch nodded. Wendy bounced across the street, her blonde hair bounced with every step. Her ice blue eyes shone with delight as she got closer.
“Well.” Wendy spun around on her heels. “Have you seen Maggie yet?”
“No, Wendy. Maggie is the last person on my mind right now.” Mitch felt he needed to tell a little white lie to spare anyone’s feelings, even though Wendy didn’t want him either.
“Mitch,” she said, taking him by the hands. “Maggie is a once in a lifetime love. Don’t let her slip through your fingers. You haven’t told her have you?”
“Told her what?” Mitch caught a glimpse of Maggie and Belle walking toward them. He pulled his hands away from Wendy.
“That we aren’t engaged.” Wendy stood with her mouth wide open. A little shocked.
“Hey.” Maggie walked up beside them.
Mitch shot Wendy a look.
“You look nice, Maggie.” He made sure his tongue was still in his mouth.
The short white shorts looked amazing along with the red and white checked button down. The red cowboy boots and scarf topped off a New York look to die for. It only made Mitch want another drink. Need another drink.
He swallowed hard. The only way to get Maggie out of his head was just that—get away.
“Mitchell,” Maggie’s eyebrows dipped, and laughter sparked in her eyes. “Have you been drinking whiskey?”
There had been two times Maggie had seen him drink hard liquor and both times was about her.
“Yee haw!” Belle screamed and waved her hat in the air. Wendy followed after.
“Yes. I’ve had a couple shots.” He tried not to stare, but couldn’t take his eyes off her. “I must say, I didn’t realize how much the mayor had to do with this hoedown.”
“Blame it on the hoedown.” A smile curled up one corner of her mouth. “Wonder what the President drinks.”
He loved bantering back and forth with her. It felt like old times.
“You think you should go out and dance with Wendy?” Maggie gestured toward their group of friends that had already taken over the street, using it as a dance floor. Right in front of the band—of course.
He should tell her, but tonight wasn’t the night to bring up anything.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go grab some of Hazel’s sweet tea before it’s all gone.” He nodded over to the makeshift line that was now wrapped around the booth.
Chapter 20
You can kid the world. But not your sister. ~ Charlotte Gray
“This was not a good idea.” Maggie walked over to Belle. “Did you see Wendy’s face? Maybe I should go back home.”
“No, you stay right here.” Belle patted Maggie’s leg. “Let’s get some food.”
Many people that Maggie did recognize were already line dancing in front of the stage. The band continued to play old favorites to keep everyone on their feet. The line to the food was getting longer by the minute and they were no closer than they were a minute ago.
Maggie glanced out of the corner of her eye to where Mitch was sitting. The old gang had gathered toward the back of the picnic tables farthest away from the band. Maggie cringed following behind Belle as they made their way over to the table.
Mitch didn’t look at her when she sat across from him. She smiled at Wendy, noticing the distance between her and Mitch.
“What’s your plan?” Wendy leaned across the table looking at Maggie. “How long are you in town for?”
She wasn’t sure how to answer Wendy, so she did it truthfully. “I don’t have any plans. I have no place to go. Grady owned the apartment I was living in. And Van Meter Law fired me because I didn’t make it to a meeting.”
Susie flung her loose curls out of the way. “Did you say Van Meter?”
Mitch threw a look Susie’s way, causing suspicion to swell in Maggie’s chest.
“Yes. Have you heard of it?”
Susie paused, wrestling to find the right words. “I…think Hazel said you worked there…when I asked her how you were doing. Yes. Hazel.”
“I have an idea.” Belle clasped her hands together in delight. “Why don’t we plan a girl’s spa day next weekend and Maggie can be the guest of honor.”
Mitch stood up. “This is my cue to leave.”
Wendy chirped, “Yes, why don’t we? Maggie?”
“Umm.” Maggie couldn’t use checking her schedule as an excuse. She didn’t have a calendar to keep anymore. No more deadlines, no more gown fittings. Just time. “Sounds like fun. And I also have your wedding shower presents to give back.”
Maggie had never had the chance to unpack the gifts from her car when she went back to New York, so they were still in her trunk.
“No!” Susie belted out. “You keep those. You are going to have to get a place if you stay here with the mall…”
“We might get our own place.” Belle interrupted and shot Susie a look of death.
Maggie took note of both times Susie was hush
ed tonight. Susie was Mitch’s assistant and Mitch sent Hazel the envelope, there had to be a connection. Maggie was determined to get her hands on one of them to make them spill their guts.
She knew Mitch would sing like a bird if she got some more alcohol in him. The street was getting crowded and there wasn’t a free inch on the sidewalk. Maggie rolled up on her tip-toes to see if she could find Mitch.
She recognized so many people and made a mental note to greet each one. The line for Hazel’s sweet tea was still long, if not longer. Hazel took time to greet and talk to everyone in her line.
Belle, sitting on the picnic table, tugged on Maggie’s shirt. “What are you thinking about?” She craned her neck in the direction of Hazel’s tea stand.
Maggie rolled back down on the heel of her cowboy boots, and caught a glimpse of Mitch walking around. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Wendy and the gang watching her and Belle.
Maggie motioned for the gang to follow her to the front of the band. “No way! I love this song!”
She led the way to the front of the line dancing group, who parted to make way for them. They all laughed at the cat calls from the crowd and did the best Tush Push line dance. Mitch caught Maggie’s eye. A small crowd gathered around the girls, clapping and coaxing them on.
Mitch’s eyes wandered over Maggie’s way, making her put a little more heel tapping and bouncing in her dance. Wendy wasn’t as coordinated as Maggie and she knew she had them all beat with the Tush Push.
For a moment, Maggie’s eyes locked with Mitch. They twinkled exactly like they use to when he looked at her. Her smile faded when he quickly walked away.
“Excuse me for a second.” Maggie lifted up her hair and fanned her neck with her hand.
She wasn’t hot, but she needed an excuse to find Mitch and see what the big secret was all about. Susie, Beth, Wendy and Belle brushed her away and continued to heel, toe, and do-se –do’s. Maggie slipped into the Thirsty Turtle.
Chapter 21
Love is an ocean of emotions. ~ Lord Dewar