Family Ties Read online

  FAMILY TIES

  By

  Lydia Rose

  FOR LINDA ALWAYS

  CHAPTER ONE

  It was another snowy winter day as Jenna Walton opened the hair salon as she done for the last five years. It had been her mother’s salon, but five years ago she walked away. Agnes Walton still collected fifty percent of the profits even though she rarely came around. Most people thought this was a wonderful gift Agnes had given Jenna, but it was only another way for her mother to keep Jenna under her thumb. Jenna’s sister and brother left as soon as they graduated high school and she never heard from them again. Jenna was fifteen years old at the time and she never had the courage they did to leave as they did. Her mother had done a fine job in taking away any self confidence that Jenna ever had by the time she was sixteen years old. Agnes caught Jenna kissing another girl and her mother had been so outraged. Agnes had threatened to send Jenna to a psychiatrist or have her committed. So Agnes threats invaded her life and even though she was thirty five Jenna remained alone. She kept telling herself she didn’t need anyone else to make her happy. Jenna had her own apartment and a tabby cat that she loved. Wasn’t that enough? Jenna asked herself that many nights when she would secretly read a lesbian romance novel on her Kindle. It was only in her dreams that she would ache for what those women had in the stories.

  Today, a new employee would begin working at the salon. It was the first person she hired for the establishment. The rest of the hair dressers were hired by her mother years ago. It was only because Sara Tompkins retired at the age of seventy that a new employee would be filling a chair. The other two women at the salon were between the ages of fifty to sixty. Jenna hired Christina Wilson because she was young. Well, younger than Jenna by three years. The business needed some young new blood and Christina was coming with a strong following. Jenna was surprised when this beautiful woman walked into the salon for her interview. She was about four inches shorter than Jenna’s five foot eight inch height and her blond shoulder length hair had been pulled into a pony tail. Her dark blue eyes held Jenna captivated while they talked and it was for this reason, she almost didn’t hire her. She couldn’t risk being attracted to another woman, but Jenna felt her brown hair and eyes didn’t compare to this blond beauty. Jenna took the risk and hired Christina.

  Jenna turned the lights on and started the coffee. By the time she poured her first cup, Mary walked in the door.

  “Good morning, Jenna.” Mary called out as she walked in the door.

  “Morning, Mary.” Mary was the shops receptionist who kept everyone on schedule. Jenna thought it was because she was a mother with three kids. Her dark brown hair shoulder length hair made her look younger than her forty years.

  Mary poured her coffee and took her seat at the front desk. “We have a busy day today. Your new girl has a full day ahead of her.”

  “Great. We could use the business,” Jenna said getting her station ready for her first appointment.

  “You’re busy all day too.” Mary added. “Amy and Margaret don’t have appointments until this afternoon and then only a couple of people.” Mary flipped the page on the appointment book. “You should think about hiring someone else who has a following.”

  “It was tough enough finding Christina to take Sara’s place.” Jenna sighed. “If you hear of anyone looking to make a change, let me know.”

  “I will, Jenna.”

  Tammy, the woman who washes hair walked in with Christina. Tammy was the youngest of the group. At twenty five, she was hired out of beauty school. Her willingness to help wherever needed worked well in their group.

  “Good morning, you two,” Mary said standing. “Christina, are you ready for your first day?”

  Christina smiled at Mary. “I am, Mary.” She turned to Jenna. “Good morning, Jenna.”

  “Good morning,” Jenna said to the two women. Her eyes immediately left Christina’s face. Jenna prayed she could keep the blush from rising above the mock turtle neck sweater she wore. She watched as Christina’s eyes traveled over the length of Jenna’s body. As her eyes came back to her face, she smiled. Jenna had done the same with Christina, but she had been less obvious. The tight jeans on Christina fit her small frame to perfection. The light blue sweater brought out the blue in her eyes. Her eyes were the first thing that Jenna had noticed the day she interviewed Christina. She had on just enough make-up to accentuate her beauty. Christina’s blond shoulder length hair was loose today. Jenna’s brown hair came just to her collar, but was styled in layers.

  As the first of the customers came through the door, Jenna’s mind went back to the business at hand.

  *

  As five o’clock came, the salon was finally quiet. Mary and Tammy had left moments before and Jenna swept the floor at her station. Christina came out of back with her things.

  “So how was your first day?” Jenna asked without looking at her.

  “Good. You have a nice group of women working for you. I think I’m going to be very happy here.”

  “I’m glad,” Jenna said finally raising her eyes.

  Christina walked toward the door. “Have a good evening, Jenna.”

  “You too. Good night.” Jenna watched as Christina left the shop and released the breath she had been holding. “What a beautiful woman,” she said to the empty salon. And even if she were gay, she wouldn’t have any interest in you. You wouldn’t even know what to do with a woman like that.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The shop had done well in the last two weeks. Christina brought them more business than they had seen in the last six months. Between Jenna and Christina, the shop was finally doing well. Friday evening, the two women found they were the last ones in the shop again. Both of them were cleaning up their stations while Christina softly sang to the music that played in the background.

  The song ended and she turned to Jenna. “Would you like to grab a bite to eat?” She asked smiling.

  Jenna stopped sweeping staring at her. “Thank you, but I have plans,” she said almost believing the lie herself. All she planned on doing was going home to her cat and an empty apartment.

  Christina looked at Jenna before speaking. “Well, maybe another time.”

  Jenna didn’t respond as she continued sweeping the floor. Christina put away the broom and collected her things.

  “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” Christina said at the door.

  “Good night, Christina. Have a good evening.”

  “You two,” she said and then she was gone.

  “Why did you say no?” Again speaking to the empty room. “Afraid of mommy?” Yes, I’m afraid of her. She could take my livelihood away from me if she thinks there’s something going on with her and Christina.

  *

  Jenna’s first appointment today wasn’t until ten and she was happy for the extra sleep time. She rolled over and saw Blondie, her cat sleeping on the other pillow. “Good morning, baby,” she said rubbing the cat’s head. Blondie stretched and yawned in her face. “Time to get ready for work.” Jenna threw the blankets off and walked toward the kitchen. As the coffee began to brew, she jumped in the shower. Jenna was standing by the closet trying to decide what to wear. The light grey slacks called out to her and she put them on. Jenna then reached for the azure cashmere sweater and looked at herself in the mirror. The rest of her staff dressed casually, but Jenna always dressed up since she never got the opportunity to dress like that anywhere else. Coffee in her travel mug and Blondie fed, she put her coat on and went to the door. “Be good, baby. I’ll see you later.”

  “Look who finally decided to come to work,” Amy said as Jenna walked through the door.

  Jenna ignored her and said to Mary. “Thanks for opening this morning.”

&nbs
p; “No problem, Jenna. I’m glad you had some time to yourself.”

  As Jenna walked toward the back to hang up her coat she called out. “Good morning, everyone. Except you, Amy.” Amy’s long black hair and scowling face always made Jenna wonder if the woman was ever happy.

  “Gee, so touchy this morning,” Amy said going back to cutting her client’s hair.

  Jenna was washing out her travel mug when Christina stepped up beside her.

  “Why do you put up with those two?” Christina nodded with her head.

  “If it had been up to me alone, they would have been gone a long time ago.”

  “It’s your salon,” Christina said with her hands on her hips.

  “Mine and my mothers.”

  “Oh yeah. You told me that when I was here for the interview.”

  Jenna walked past her. “Hello, Cathy,” she said as reached the sinks. “You can come up front when you’re done.”

  “How are you, Jenna?” Cathy asked raising her head slightly to look at her.

  “I’m good. How are you and Stacy doing?”

  “We’ll talk,” she said with a giggle.

  Jenna nodded and waited up front. She thought this can’t be good. Cathy had been dating Stacy for the last two months, but it sounded like things might have changed.

  Cathy sat in her chair and said. “I want something different.”

  Jenna’s hands rested on Cathy’s shoulders. “How different?”

  “Bring the length up to my shoulders.”

  Jenna’s eyes opened wide. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I need a new look and I’m starting with the hair.” Cathy looked at Jenna’s reflection in the mirror. “Stacy’s history. She was seeing someone else when she was dating me.”

  Jenna reached for the scissors and comb. “I’m sorry.”

  “Hey, what are you going to do? There just aren’t any good women out there anymore.”

  Jenna started cutting and let Cathy drone on how she was going to stop dating. She had heard it all before and knew that by the next time she came into the shop, Cathy would be seeing someone new. “You just haven’t met the right woman yet, Cathy. Don’t give up.”

  “You mean like you have?” Cathy said staring at Jenna’s face.

  Jenna hated that Cathy had been her first client and knew her so well. “That’s different.” She answered.

  Cathy began to shake her head.

  “Don’t shake your head unless you want me to screw up your cut.” Jenna reprimanded.

  “I’m sorry, but you are too beautiful to sit on side lines. I’d ask you out if I thought you would accept.”

  Jenna laughed. “You’re such a goof, Cathy.”

  “I’m not joking.”

  Cathy’s chin was on her chest and she couldn’t see the look on Jenna’s face. “Can we talk about something else?”

  “If you insist,” Cathy said finally able to lift her head. “How’s your mother?”

  Jenna rolled her eyes. “Try another subject.”

  “How’s Blondie?”

  “Running the apartment as usual. I was thinking about getting her a playmate.”

  Cathy laughed. “You’re too young to turn into the cat lady just yet.”

  “Keep quiet and let me finish your hair.” Jenna joked.

  Christina was catching every word on their conversation as she cleaned up the hair from her last customer. She wondered if Cathy had just outed Jenna or if she was kidding when she said she would ask her out. Christina greeted her next client and couldn’t continue eavesdropping on Jenna’s conversation any longer.

  Amy walked over to her at the end of the day. “I spoke to your mother last night. She said she hasn’t heard from you this week.”

  Jenna ignored her. She was tired of hearing from the employees how often she should call her mother. Her mother never called her except to complain about something. Like how come she hadn’t called, how come she doesn’t come to visit, how come she doesn’t get along better with Margaret and Amy? “Thanks for the information,” she finally said to Amy.

  Margaret walked over wearing her coat. Her bleached blond hair no longer went with the wrinkles on her face. “Your mother gave you half of this place. The least you can do is call her.”

  Jenna wanted to tell them that her mother collected half of the income from this place without lifting a finger. Instead she glared at Margaret and bid her good night as she walked away. By the time she came out of the bathroom, the salon had emptied. Jenna walked over to her coat and saw another one hanging there. Christina appeared at her side.

  “Those two women are horrible. They’re always gossiping about someone.”

  Jenna didn’t comment as she put her coat on.

  “I’d ask you to have a bite with me, but I know you’ll turn me down.” Christina sighed. “So I’m taking you out for a good stiff drink.”

  Jenna’s mouth opened.

  “Don’t even say it. You’re coming and no excuses.” Christina put her arm through Jenna’s and led her out the door. “Where do you live?”

  “Why?” Jenna asked finally finding her voice.

  “Because we’re going to drop off your car.” Christina stood there. “Well?”

  “Well, what?”

  Christina grinned. “Where do you live?”

  “Follow me.” Jenna got into her car and led Christina to her apartment. She watched as Christina pulled into the space next to her. “Can I go feed my cat first?”

  “Sure. Come on.”

  Again Christina’s hand went through Jenna’s arm. She led her to the apartment door and stepped to the side so Christina could go inside.

  Christina looked around and said. “Nice place.”

  Jenna looked at her home through Christina’s eyes. The apartment was decorated for comfort. Jenna loved art and her walls were adorned with paintings and prints. Family pictures were nowhere in sight. Jenna had one picture of her father, but that she kept in the bedroom. As Jenna walked to the kitchen, Blondie made an appearance.

  “Hi, kitty,” Christina said to the cat that now rubbed against her legs. She got down on her knees and petted the cat. “You are such a beauty, little girl.”

  Jenna came out of the kitchen and watched Christina showing her cat love.

  Christina couldn’t admit she knew the name of the cat because she had overheard it in Jenna’s conversation. She now saw the tag on the collar and read. “Blondie. So your name is Blondie? I like it. It suits you,” Christina said stroking the cat gently. She glanced at Jenna who stood there with her arms crossed. “Are you ready to go?”

  “If I say no, will you leave?”

  Christina laughed. “No. Let’s go.”

  Christina drove them to the bar down the street. It actually was a restaurant with a bar attached. They went into the bar and took a seat in a booth in the bar section. The waitress came over.

  “What can I get you ladies?”

  Christina looked at Jenna. “I’ll have a glass of white wine.”

  Christina held back a snort. “I’ll have a beer on tap and bring a couple of tequila shots.”

  After the waitress walked away, Jenna leaned forward and said. “If I knew you were going to drink that much, I would have driven.”

  Christina threw her head back laughing. “You’re cute,” she said with a shake of her head.

  Jenna sat back against the booth as her mouth dropped open.

  The waitress put their drinks down and left. Christina pushed the other tequila in front of Jenna.

  “Drink up.” Christina held her glass out.

  Jenna glanced at the glass and shook her head.

  “Jenna, you got to live for a little while. Come on.” Christina pointed at the glass with her own.

  Jenna picked up the glass and Christina clinked her glass. “To better days.” The drink went down in one gulp as Jenna sipped hers. “You can’t drink it that way. Bottoms up,” she said with her hand on the bottom of the glass.
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br />   Jenna downed the drink and shivered.

  “See. Don’t you feel better now?”

  “No,” Jenna said as her face scrunched from the taste that was still left in her mouth. She now picked up her wine glass and took a healthy gulp.

  “That a girl. Get the bad taste of those two bitches out of your mouth.” Christina waved the waitress over. “We will have two bowls of chili and the loaded nachos.” After the waitress left, Christina looked at Jenna. “You do like chili, right?”

  Jenna nodded. She couldn’t believe this woman. First, she demands that they go for a drink. Second, she makes her drink hard liquor and now she was ordering food for them.

  “What’s the matter? I didn’t mean for it to seem like I was some type of Neanderthal who wouldn’t let you make any decisions of your own.” Christina smiled. “But if I asked if you wanted something to eat, you would have said no.” The smile became wider. “Right?”

  Jenna pursed her lips before she said. “You’re right.”

  “So relax and let’s have some fun.”

  “Okay.”

  The waitress returned with their food.

  “Two more shooters.” Christina ordered.

  She didn’t wait for Jenna to pick up her glass before the warm liquid went down her throat.

  “Why do you drink so much?” Jenna asked softly.

  “Because my girlfriend was a shit,” she said with a giggle. “Cathy was right about there not being any good women out there.” Christina just realized what she said and covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your conversation. It’s just Cathy just talks so loud.”

  Jenna chuckled finally. “Yeah, she does.” She picked up her spoon and tasted the chili. “This is good.”

  “Yeah, it is. I’ve eaten here too many times this last month.” The smile left Christina’s face.

  “So what did your girlfriend do?” Jenna asked trying to keep the conversation casual.

  “After two years together, she told me she was in love with someone else.”

  “How long ago was that?”

  “Four weeks ago. That’s why I left the salon I was working at. Harper worked there too along with the woman she had fallen in love with.”