Read Online A Love of Her Own by Bettye Griffin - Free Book Online Page A

their favorite color is and of course their astrological sign. Hilton’s cool; he’s taking his time. Of course, if Vicky and I hadn’t been here, the two of you probably would’ve settled in for a nice chat.” She wiped the corners of her mouth daintily with a napkin, then leaned back with a triumphant smile. “I knew this was going to happen.”
    Ava stared at her friend, confused. “ Knew what was going to happen, Kendall?”
    “ I knew you were going to meet someone special. The love bug has been going around lately, or haven’t you noticed? I met Spencer, Vicky’s back with Danny and now it’s your turn. Wake up and smell the MSG, girl,” she said before taking another forkful of egg foo yung.
    “ I’m surprised you forgot about him coming by,” Vicky said.
    Ava ’s shrug indicated she was clueless, but she knew precisely why. Each year the days before Christmas were filled with thoughts of the children she couldn’t have…and this year, with one particular troubled child who was going down the wrong path.
    *****
    That child was on Ava’s mind the next day. She had decided not to reopen Beginnings until Friday, the day after Christmas. She wouldn’t be able to work that day herself because of Vicky’s wedding that evening, and Woody wanted time off to be with her family, but Ava’s sister Maria, whose dentist’s office was closed for the weekend, had agreed to open up for a half day, during which all dresses would be discounted by fifteen percent in a special promotion.
    Ava drove up and down Main Street in the rental vehicle her car insurance provided while her car was being repaired, as slowly as she could without holding up traffic, her head turning from side to side in search of a boy wearing a navy jacket and an Orlando Magic baseball cap, but she saw no sign of Marcus.
    On what she vowed would be her last go-round she considered that perhaps he wasn ’t out today, but quickly dismissed that as silly. Main Street was teeming with last minute shoppers looking for that perfect gift in the numerous specialty shops that lined the avenue. Thieves didn’t take days off any more than death did.
    She pulled into the closest available space to Beginnings , but it was Vanessa next door who she wanted to see. Chances were this was a slow day for Vanessa as well. Perhaps she could squeeze in a quick wash and set. Ava hated waiting for the last minute for anything, and she knew that on Friday Vanessa would be busy doing Vicky’s hair and Kendall’s hair, as well as that of Vicky’s mother and daughter.
    Vanessa was working alone with one customer, a middle-aged woman who, judging from the dark gook on the fingers of Vanessa ’s gloves, was getting her gray covered.
    “ Oh, good; you’re not crowded,” Ava said after greetings were exchanged.
    “ I’m glad you think so! Another week like this and I’ll be out of business.”
    “ Oh, you know that’s not what I meant. I was hoping you could do my hair.”
    Vanessa ’s deft fingers continued working the dye as she talked. “Aren’t you coming in Friday morning?”
    Ava shrugged. “Friday’s going to be so busy. Remember, I’m not only in the wedding, I’m running it, and I’ve got things to do. Besides, it’ll hold ‘til then.”
    “ Don’t you need a touch up?” Vanessa’s practiced eye studied Ava’s roots.
    Ava knew Vanessa would have fingered the strands of her new growth if she didn ’t have dye on her gloves. After a brief moment of consideration, she decided she didn’t feel like spending half a day in the chair. “I probably could use one, but for now I think a wash and set will hold me for another couple of weeks. Can you do it today?”
    “ Sure, but you’ll have to wait a bit. I have a color application to complete, then the rinse, shampoo and set.”
    “ I don’t mind. Tell you what—I’ll take a walk to kill some time. But don’t take anybody in front of me, eh?”
    “ Just make sure you’re back here when