Page 6 of Love in Beauty

“Baby, I’m going to be working too. I know the day of the two dances I’m booked solid, so I’d rather you not be bored. You can work, but when I’m done with work, you’re mine.”

“I’m already yours,” I remind her. “And you are mine. I’ll be there in a week to remind all the single men in town.” I then swoop her up in the kiss she has deemed leaves her with jelly legs. She walks into the airport, but not before waving back at me. I wave back and as she’s gone, I head to my Jeep, feeling a lot lonelier than I’ve ever felt in a long time.

chapterseven

Carmen

february 1st

The whole townis decorating for the Festival of Love. I’m outside of the shop cleaning windows getting ready for our decorations. I’m trying to stay busy as Stephanie and Lucas arrive soon, and especially Sebastian. We’ve been talking every day since I left Boston. I’m growing more in love with him each minute. I know he says all the right things, but it worries me where his head is with all concerning us. I know by the time the two weeks are up, we’ll know for sure, and I hope Pai and Cupid’s stories are correct.

I’m inside now, hanging up the red lights in our windows. Tía Edna and Mãe are decorating the desk and some booths we have in the salon. The salon is so busy for the next two weeks. I spoke with the director of the beauty school to work out a schedule with the graduating class for the students earn credit as they work in the salon. They get first-hand experience while earning their certificate. If this works out well, we’ll be doing this a lot more throughout the year. It gives them good practice along with the free labor, so it doesn’t mess with the overhead. It was one of Sebastian’s ideas.

I’m not paying attention to anyone on the street or who walks into the salon as I’m on a ladder hanging little Cupids from the ceiling.

“I’m looking for a Carmen Vega.” The unfamiliar voice brings me out of my concentration.

“I’m Carmen,” I say, not looking down so I can finish what I’m doing. The squeals from my Tía and Mãe have me looking now. There’s a teddy bear bigger than me, with a red bow around his neck. “This is for me?” I ease down the ladder.

“Yes, it is.” He hands me the card, then leaves. I smile as I open it the red envelope with my name written on it. The card is a postcard style with the wordValentinewritten on it. My cheeks instantly blush. This must be Sebastian. He’s the only one I told about never getting the Secret Valentines besides Stephanie.

“Who’s it from?”

I shrug and hand Tía Edna the card. “I love Valentine’s Day in Cupid’s Cove.” She laughs as she puts on some love songs. We get back to decorating before our first client comes in.

My phone beeps, showing a text message.

SEBASTIAN: Two more hours and I get to see you

ME: I can’t wait! Thank you for the teddy bear

SEBASTIAN: Teddy bear?

ME: You didn’t send me a teddy bear bigger than me.

I attach a photo of the bear and me.

SEBASTIAN: No, I didn’t, but that is adorable. I’ll spray it with my cologne so it smells like me so you can cuddle with while I’m in Boston.

ME: If you didn’t send it, then who?

SEBASTIAN: Do I have competition for your love?

ME: No.

I go about my day doing hair and talking with everyone about the dance.

“Now he is one man I wouldn’t mind riding for hours,” Shelly, the stylist in training, whispers in my ear. “He looks like he could go for hours.” I tilt my head to see who she’s talking about, and I can’t hide my smile.

“Oh, he can go for hours.” I set my things down and run outside to him. He picks me up in his arms and kisses me.

“I missed you,” he murmurs into my hair. “We’re being stared at.” I turn in his arms to see the entire salon watching us. I wave and they scurry back to their places.

“Welcome to small town life where everyone and anyone is in my business.” I laugh. “Do you want to go to my place and settle in before I get off work tonight?”

“Whatever is easiest for you. I have a car here and I can set up work anywhere or I can watch you do your thing until you’re done with work. I know Steph and Lucas will be here on the seventh because they had an issue with work. I ended up changing their reservation.”

“Such a good big brother. I’m glad my best friend is good with us being together.”

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