by C. C. Brown
"I am helping you get your shit out of these boxes today, that’s taken care of. And, I have been a long time client at Indulgence so--if I say I need another stylist, they will make it happen. You are coming, whether you like it or not. You need to look rejuvenated for your new job and this will do the trick." She got up and pulled me by the hand, leading me back upstairs.
The whole way up I thought about what it would be like to run into Jason while in La Jolla. Every scenario was cringe inducing. I knew I was in the grips of a piranha and I couldn't get away without being bitten, badly.
Chapter 2
Rolling through the streets of San Diego, then onto the freeway, I harbored an empty feeling. Chelsea was blasting music in her sharp Infinity, and normally I'd be singing along with her, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had let her talk me into going to Indulgence, but honestly, I just wasn't ready to venture back into Jason's neck of the woods. The odds of running into him at a women's hair salon were near impossible, but I felt a nagging tug at my stomach telling me to retreat.
We pulled into the parking lot of the upscale salon and stepped out of the car. I took in the breathtaking views of Indulgence tucked up against the lush mountainside of La Jolla. Scanning the lot, I noticed Mila's car, and quickly saw her exit and bound to us.
"Hey, bitches!" she shrieked, but stopped and gave me a long, warm hug. "Pinks, it's good to see you out and about." Her eyes were sympathetic and she smiled in a loving way that was meant to prop up my fragile ego.
"I'm fine Mila. Really, but thanks."
Chelsea grew impatient and loudly cleared her throat. "I have an appointment with Jacques' beautiful hands and you sap birds are holding me up."
We laughed and made our way into the salon where we were greeted by Lily, the pale, porcelain princess who worked the front desk. She was impossibly tall and thin, her platinum blond hair pulled back into a long, sleek ponytail. She smiled a bright smile and, if I didn't know any better, it could have been misconstrued as fake--until I heard her speak.
"Welcome to Indulgence, ladies. How may I help you?" Her voice was high-pitched and was laced with sunshine and butterflies. It made me a little queasy, seeing as though I was still meandering around with a black cloud over my head.
"Chelsea Peters. Appointment at one with Jacques."
Lily looked down at the computer screen, tapped it a couple of times, then led us to the stylist area.
Indulgence was a very posh place. The walls were ice white and covered in pictures filled with turquoise and gold splatters. All of the staff wore black pants and, white button up shirts, with turquoise shirts underneath. Gold accessories were worn by all employees, and everyone wore the same smile that Lily had plastered on her face at the front entrance. A girl by the name of Nina greeted us, took our purses, then led us to our stylists, offering us glasses of champagne while we waited. I took one, but secretly hoped that she had some Jack and Coke stocked away in the back room.
Jacques greeted Chelsea with prim and proper air kisses, and Chelsea laughed as she took her seat. I was introduced to Amber, the fiery red head who was tasked with handling my mane.
"So, Cara, what are we doing today?" Amber asked, in a deeper, but still disgustingly pleasant tone that matched Lily's.
"I don't really know. Chelsea dragged me in here," I dryly replied. I hadn't even thought about what to have done because I'd been dreading this appointment since Chelsea mentioned it.
"Well, we can shampoo and condition and I can give you a slight trim. Just to play it safe."
The word safe was like a dagger. I decided that playing it safe was no longer of interest to me, so I began asking all sorts of questions and, with Amber's help, came up with a plan for my hair. I just hoped that acting impulsively didn't leave me regretting my decision.
A few hours, and a few mindless conversations later, I was done and looking into the mirror with a pleasant smile. Amber had talent, and I was thankful that I had reluctantly allowed Chelsea to drag my pathetic ass into Indulgence. I felt like I was looking at a different person--a person that I was impressed by.
"Holy shit!" Mila squealed. "Damn, Pinks, you look smokin' hot."
I couldn't hide the Cheshire cat grin that had invaded my face. If I had to admit it myself, I did look smokin' hot and I was overly pleased with Amber's work. Chelsea came walking up, her hair slightly shorter, but nothing too different.
"Wow!" she yelled. "Is that my Cara sitting in that chair?" She walked over and ran her fingers through my hair. "It looks like her," she swiveled the chair around. "The smile looks like hers… I think my Cara is back! You look hot, doll."
"Thanks, girls. I have to thank Amber for this. She's a whiz."
"What did you have done?" Chelsea asked."
Amber took the opportunity to butt in. After all, she was the magic behind the look. "I gave her a Brazilian Blowout, and cut 12 inches. I think she looks more sophisticated and ready to conquer the world."
"Damn right! You are going to knock socks off, Pinks." Mila had a smile on her face that she couldn't seem to wipe away.
"Thanks, girls. I just decided to go for it. We're moving forward and embracing all things new, so why not go for a new look?" I focused on myself in the mirror and really took in my transformation. Instead of looking at an unruly mess of curls, I was now staring at bone straight hair that was cut shoulder length and layered to frame my face. It felt good--and Amber was right--it did exude a much more sophisticated look, and if I was going to be a big girl as a Marketing Manager, then this look was a welcome change. I also knew that by shedding my old look, I was once again peeling another reminder of Jason away. The more I kicked the remnants of him out of my life, the better off I would be.
We made our way back up to Lily and paid our tabs. I couldn't help but run my hand through my hair because, the more I swished through it, the more I whiffed the decadent aroma of coconuts.
I felt like a rumpled piece of paper on the way into the salon, but now, I felt like a flapping flag in the wind. I felt uplifted, and excited. In a way, I kind of felt as peppy as Lily. Yikes!
<>
Pulling into the lot for Plato's, a Greek café with a beautiful outdoor garden patio, I felt the urge to strut into the restaurant. I had a newfound air about me that I was ready to proudly show off. We walked in and quickly sat ourselves on the patio, nestled between plants and flowers that set a warm and inviting mood.
"So when does the new job start, Pinks?" Mila asked, as the waiter sat lemon waters down for the three of us.
"Wednesday. I have orientation for three days, then I can get to work."
"Well, I'm sure that will be a welcome distraction--" she stopped short of finishing her statement after Chelsea made a not so subtle noise in Mila's direction.
"I don't mind, Chels. It's not like I can go around with my head in the sand, hiding from the big elephant in the room." I wanted to make sure that they knew they didn't have to prance around on egg shells for me.
"I know, but I'm sure you don't want to spend your time talking about Jason, either. I know I sure as hell don't," Chelsea stated, matter-of-factly.
"Well--you know where I stand-- even if it's not what you guys want to hear. I don't think Jason slept with Stacey. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if she slept with his jackass brother," Mila added.
I turned towards Mila, mouth hung open.
The waiter returned to take our order. After ordering a plate of Loukaniki for us to share, and Fig and Walnut salads for our meals, I dove right back in where Mila had left off.
"Jacob is definitely a creep, but do you really think he would sleep with Stacey? After all, he is married to her sister."
"I wouldn't put anything past those bastards," Chelsea said in between sips of water.
"I agree. I never got to meet him, thank the heavens for that, but from what I've heard, he sounds like a slick willy. You said he openly hit on you. Why wouldn't he sleep with her?" Mila said, wrapping her long hair
up in a bun.
That thought hadn't even crossed my mind. I was so consumed with thoughts of Jason and Stacey sleeping together to help mend the hurt over Abby, that I hadn't allowed my mind to formulate any other scenarios.
"It doesn't matter. That’s only part of the problem. What about his infatuation with Heather? The hair, the drinking--everything. I am not about to play second fiddle to his fantasies," I said and dove into a piece of the Loukaniki that the waiter had dropped off.
"Cara, is that why you made this drastic move with your hair?" Chelsea asked eyeing me intently.
"Not completely, but partially. I needed something new and yes, it did help shed a part of Jason."
Chelsea didn't respond. She simply dug into the salad that had been placed in front of her. Mila didn't seem to want to end the topic of conversation, and I knew it was because through everything, she had forged a friendship with Jason. Even though we had been friends much longer, she felt like she needed to go to bat for him.
"Pinks, just hear me out. I know everything you heard really shook you. Hell, it would shake me too. But, I know Jason loves you. Give yourself some time to simmer down and then face him."
"Um, how about fuck no?" Chelsea shouted. "Mila you might be friends with him, but Cara has been through enough."
"Look, he's texted me since all of this shit went down. I'm telling you this because I know that you love him, Pinks. He is truly heartbroken and missing you and the fact that you won't return his text or calls is killing him."
I looked at Mila's sympathetic eyes, but couldn't allow myself to feel the same amount of longing that she was feeling. She was not the one who had her heart ripped to shreds in one of the most embarrassing situations known to man.
"Look. I understand he's hurting, but he brought it on himself. Does he know how much I'm hurting? How he could have spared me from that? That's where the focus should be." My anger was starting to resurface and my retort came across as snippy and bitchy, which was completely unintentional, but I wasn't going to sit up and listen to the Jason pity party when I was hurting just as badly. Probably worse.
Chelsea chewed on her salad and smiled. "There you are, tiger. I was wondering when it was going to come out." She laughed
"Shut up, Chels," I said, trying hard to stifle the laugh desperately trying to creep out of me. "Besides, there are too many fish in the sea."
"Like Chase?" Chelsea blurted out, her eyebrows raising in a faux seductive manner.
"Ok, now I have to call a fuck no," Mila chimed in, throwing her hands up in an overly dramatic fashion. "You're not dating him, are you?"
I couldn't do anything, but laugh. These two, who were quite content and happy in their relationships with Hunter and Ryan, were trying ridiculously hard to get me to join their party. The only problem was, I didn't want what either of them was offering.
"No, I am not dating Chase. He's a friend, a good friend."
"Thank God. The thought of having Chase for a brother in law would be like falling face first into concrete," Mila said, her face scrunched and full of disgust.
"Brother in law? Something you aren't telling us Mila?" Chelsea asked, her eyes wide, and I immediately reciprocated.
"Noooo…" Mila crooned, and laughed wildly. "But I see us headed in that direction-- and I'm thinking long term. I don't want to have to spend all of my beautiful holidays with Chase."
I shook my head at her and Chelsea followed suit. Mila was still going strong with Ryan and Chelsea and Hunter were still the epitome of opposites attracting. A little over a week ago, I thought I was happy like the two of them were. Unfortunately, because I was stupidly dating the world's biggest asshole, I was now alone and heartbroken.
"Well, Mila, I am not dating Chase, but it's nice to just have a normal guy to hang out with. I'm not flooded with secrets and jealousy."
Chelsea nodded her head in an obvious show of approval. Our light and friendly lunch conversation had turned into a Jason fest, which normally would have made me lose my appetite, but instead, it fueled my hunger. I chomped on my salad, finishing it in record time.
"We better hurry up. Hunter is coming to the condo to pick me up for a dinner date, and I need to get ready," Chelsea said, trying to change the subject and hurry us along.
"Yeah, Chase is coming over to see the condo, so we need to get going," I added, then sipped the last of my lemon water.
"Ugh," Mila groaned, but didn't add anything further.
I took the opportunity to set my newfound boundaries. I didn't want to stay on the path of Cara the doormat. With a fresh outlook on my life, I figured putting my friends in their respective places was something that had to be done.
"Look, I love you both, but I don't need either of you telling me who I should or shouldn't be with. It's hard enough with the millions of thoughts swirling around in my head, but when you guys toss your two cents into the ring, it makes things worse--" Chelsea was ready to jump in, but I held up my finger to silence her, "Jason, Chase, or dream man down the line--I am going to have to figure things out for myself."
"We're just looking out for you," Chelsea hurriedly said.
"I know. But trust me, experience is the best teacher."
"So hooking you up is off limits?" Mila asked with a pouty face. "Because even if you won't go back to Jason, you can't expect us to not try and set you up. That's just cruel."
I just laughed. What else could I say to her? Mila and Chelsea, for all of the love that they provided, were still ridiculously overbearing and opinionated.
We paid the bill and made our way back to the parking lot. I gave Mila a warm hug and told her to give it to Ryan, since she was on her way up to North County to spend some time with him. Chelsea and I hopped into her car and took off in the opposite direction.
"I know you want guy space, Cara, but seriously, do you feel anything for Chase?" Chelsea asked, obviously unable to leave the guy conversation alone.
"Chels, I just had my heart ripped into a million pieces a week ago, I don't even want to think about a guy right now."
"Understandable. I just hope when you recover from all of this, Chase is still around. He is a great catch Cara."
"Chase has his issues too. Just like every other guy. We know first-hand," I reminded her. I looked out into the side mirror, still admiring the new me.
"Yeah, but he has been a rock for you. Sometimes you just have to start slow and work your way up."
I gave her an irritated look, and she smiled guiltily. For all of the words in the world, Chelsea was not one to adhere to boundaries that she felt didn't apply to her. Part of keeping my sanity would be working overtime to avoid her suggestions and prodding, and to make myself heard in her overbearing presence. I loved her, but she needed to back off. If it came down to it, I'd have to out a side of me that Chelsea wasn't used to seeing, and I definitely didn't want to do that.
Chapter 3
We rushed home so Chelsea could spend hours getting herself ready for her date. The dinner date she was going on was to celebrate the anniversary of her first date with Hunter. Although Chelsea and Hunter had been dating for the past four years, they never overlooked the small things. Date nights were just as important to them now as they were when they first met. That was probably a good reason why their relationship was so alive. They took the time to invest in one another and didn't allow complacency to be a factor.
After showering, powdering, primping, and curling, Chelsea looked like a million bucks. She was in a strapless silver dress that stopped just above the knee, and silver wedges to match. Her long, sandy colored hair was down and curled, and her make-up was flawless. She looked like a San Diego sophisticate with her smoky eyes and pale pink lips.
"You look great, Chels," I told her, but felt great just wasn't a strong enough word.
"Thanks, Cara. Can you hand me that silver necklace with the black pearl hanging on my jewelry rack?"
I handed her the necklace. I couldn't recall ever seeing her wea
r it. "Is this a new piece?" I asked, handing it over to her.
"No. Hunter gave me this on our first anniversary, so I wear it every anniversary."
"It's beautiful," I chimed in, watching her put it on to complete her ensemble.
"Thanks, doll."
The doorbell chimed and Chelsea's eyes grew large.
"Damn. Get that, Cara, I'm not ready yet," she said, and quickly ran into her bathroom to do who knows what.
"You look ready to me," I threw in, laughing at her in the process.
"Well, I'm not. Just tell Hunter I'll be ready in a few minutes."
I shook my head, but made my way downstairs to open the door. I thought it was cute that after four years, she still acted like it was her first date with Hunter. He had seen her at her worst, and yet, she still felt compelled to look like a super model to go out for a celebratory night with him.
Opening the door, I saw Hunter and Chase standing together. Hunter looked impeccable with his blond hair, freshly cut, and wearing what I believed to be a designer label suit. They both looked at me in awe, and Hunter gave me a hug and walked in. Chase also gave me a tight hug and lightly kissed my forehead before backing me up and looking into my eyes.
"Are you the same Cara Pinkston?" he asked, a wicked smile spreading across his face. There was a twinkle in his eyes. He stood mesmerized, unable to take his eyes off of me.
"It's me. Come on in," I replied, turning so that my hair moved briskly.
I walked the guys into the living room and offered them a drink. They politely declined and took a seat on the couch, making small talk while they watched TV.
"That's quite a change, Cara. Looks great on you."
"Thanks, Hunter. I have to thank your overbearing girlfriend for dragging me to the salon."
"It’s a great fit. Nice and fresh, I love it on you," Chase said, still staring in amazement.
"Thanks, friend. I happen to like it too." I purposely threw in the word friend so that Chase would be aware that we were still in the friend zone.