BRIGHT HOPES by Pat Warren

Author:Pat Warren
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Harlequin Special Releases
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 1992-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

“JUST TRIM A LITTLE off the ends,” Pam said as she settled back in the beauty shop chair.

Tisha Olsen draped the plastic cape over her client’s shoulders, her professional gaze scrutinizing Pam’s thick brown hair. “Even out the back a bit and perhaps thin the crown?” she asked, running her fingers through the strands.

“Yes, that’d be fine.” While Tisha searched through her drawers for the right comb and scissors, Pam looked around the small shop. At seven in the morning, she was the only customer, but she imagined that later in the day and probably on weekends, all four chairs would be filled. The Hair Affair was the only beauty shop in Tyler, so unless a customer wanted to drive some distance, Tisha’s place was it.

The floor was a black-and-white-checkered vinyl, the walls filled with pictures and memorabilia, the red chairs a bright splash of color. The sinks and counters were spotless. A row of hair dryers stood along the back wall, and in the corner a brass coatrack was draped with three colorful feather boas. A comfortable clutter gave the shop a homey feel.

In the mirror, Pam watched Tisha move behind her to anchor the cape about her neck. The beautician was certainly attractive, with her red hair piled high on her head today and her large eyes a smoky gray color. Pam guessed Tisha to be in her mid-forties. She had a well-maintained figure and wore a bright pink coverall over a black sweater and slacks. Her cigarette smoldered in a nearly overflowing glass ashtray.

“So, how do you like living in Tyler?” Tisha asked as she divided Pam’s hair into sections.

“I like it fine. I’ve never lived in a small town before, though, and I’m amazed at the closeknit community friendliness.”

Tisha’s husky laugh rang out. “Nosiness, you mean. That’s Tyler’s favorite pastime, keeping track of everyone else’s business.”

“Have you lived here all your life?”

“No. I was born here and could hardly wait to leave, which I did as soon as I turned eighteen.” Tisha pumped Pam’s chair higher so her hair would be at eye level. Before beginning, she took a long pull on her cigarette.

“Where’d you go?”

“Chicago.”

“My hometown.”

“I know. It’s a real swinging town, or was back then. I was a dancer with big dreams and a small bank account. I played every small club in Illinois, I think. But I never hit the big time.” She sighed heavily. “That was a lot of years ago. Much water under the bridge since then.”

“Bonjour!” squawked a parrot from his cage in the corner.

“Good morning to you, Nouci,” Tisha answered him.

Pam’s eyes found the brilliant green bird in the mirror.

“Your parrot speaks French?”

Again, Tisha chuckled. “He speaks several languages. Nouci’s a big show-off.”

“Nouci’s a big show-off,” the bird echoed.

“Go back to sleep,” Tisha instructed.

“Where’d you ever find him?”

“A good friend gave him to me a long time ago.” Tisha winked at Pam in the mirror. “He was quite a guy, so I named my parrot after him. Do you have any pets?”

“An English sheepdog named Samson.

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