Read Online The Chocolate Garden (Dare River Book 2) by Ava Miles - Free Book Online

freedom. Her work attire was different, of course, but even then her style was more New York chic than Southern debutant.
    Tammy didn’t think she could pull off Amelia Ann’s look, but perhaps she could find something that would suit her better than starched linen dresses and conservative ladies’ suits.
    By the time Tammy’s hair appointment dawned, she’d done some serious shopping. The women in the boutiques had been helpful, suggesting an array of clothes, as if sensing she was on a buying binge. Rye had given her a credit card months ago, encouraging her to buy anything she wanted, but she’d only used it for the kids and the house up until now, never for herself.
    Shopping for herself had never felt so good. Taking the bull by the horns, she walked out with her newest outfit on—white Capri cotton pants and a turquoise cotton top with a bias cut. Her high-heeled gold sandals paired well with it, but she already planned to go shoe shopping to match her new style. It would be something special for Amelia Ann and her to do together. She shoved the bags in the car with a smile and breezed through the door to the salon.
    The woman at the reception desk’s brows shot up to her highlighted hairline. “Someone’s been busy.”
    “It’s time for a change.”
    Like summer edging out spring, she was stepping into a new season.
    Before she knew it, she was sitting in the hairstylist’s chair with wet hair. Marie ran her hands through Tammy’s long blond locks. “So, what are we going to do today? A trim?”
    The woman probably hadn’t known what to make of her French twist. Who wore that style on a daily basis? No one except for her and Mama and Meade’s conservative ladies guild.
    “No, I want something different.” Was that desperation lacing her voice? “Something shorter maybe. Oh, I don’t know. What do you recommend?”
    Marie’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she studied Tammy. “Shorter would look good with your cheekbones, but are you sure? It would be really different than your current hair style. You won’t be able to put it up.”
    She gripped the arms of her chair. Good. Then she couldn’t go back to old habits. “Okay.”
    “Did you break up with your boyfriend or something?”
    A bubble of laugher squeaked out. A boyfriend? Wasn’t that funny? “No. I just want a new look. Whatever you do, please don’t make it all one length. I’ve had that look for years.”
    “Okay, if you’re sure.”
    She wasn’t, and it was hard not to wince when the scissors sheared through the first lock of hair. As it fell to the floor, Tammy felt like Samson undoubtedly had when Delilah began his haircut.
    Marie took her time, chattering away about the weather and asking about Tammy’s children after she learned about Rory and Annabelle. After a while, the stylist’s obvious precision calmed her, and she released her death grip on the chair and stopped staring at the wet strands falling to the floor. Marie took her time blowing out her hair, using a large brush to roll the short curls. When the blow dryer stopped, her mama wasn’t looking back at her in the mirror any more.
    No, the new Tammy Hollins looked more modern, approachable. Short layers framed her face, softening her enough that she looked vulnerable. Her hands shook as she touched the bangs—something Mama swore only loose, big-haired women wore.
    Marie rubbed her tense shoulders. “What do you think? It really changes your look. Honey, I know you’re young, but it’s still taken years off you.”
    Tammy touched her bare neck. It was different, and Marie was right. She felt years lighter. It would be an adventure, getting to know the new person in the mirror. And it would be another way she could teach her children to never become trapped in an identity that no longer supported them.
    “It’s perfect.”
    She kept looking at her image in the rear view mirror on the way home. When she pulled into the driveway, she grabbed her bags out of