Page 20 of Love's Harvest
April’s eyes widened at the sight of them.“That’s really cool.Can we put in more inventory today?”
“Yes.I’ve saved a box for you to do.I’ll sit with you, but I won’t say a word unless you’re about to make a wrong move.I’ve printed out the steps for you to follow.Let’s go over them.”
They moved to the receivables area where a box was waiting to be opened.After going through the routine on paper, Sarah had April begin.
Once April got past the first item, she was quick and accurate.
“You’re doing a great job,” said Sarah.“I’m leaving work early today.I’m going to get some highlights put into my hair.I need a haircut too.”
April studied her.“I’d like to get my hair done like yours.I’ll save up for it.”
Sarah didn’t encourage or discourage her.She’d heard how Misty got in trouble at school for trying to help a student.And she didn’t want this situation to go bad.
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Later, sitting inStyles, the hair salon owned by Gracie Milner, a pleasant woman in her fifties, Sarah felt herself relax.She didn’t often fuss over herself, but a new hairdo and streaks of blond through her brown hair were exciting.She’d been feeling frumpy.
Having an appointment atStylesmeant catching up on the news in town.But Gracie never allowed herself or her staff to talk mean about anyone.Her business was too important to her.
While she was waiting for her color to come up, Sarah sat to one side while Gracie trimmed the bangs of a little girl, Cecily, who went to preschool with Mia and Emily.
It was an unexpected opportunity to chat with the little girl’s mother, a nice woman who was busy with a houseful of older boys.
“I just love being here.She’s such a pleasure after my boys,” gushed Cecily’s mother.“Your girls are so adorable.We should try to get them together to play some weekend.”
“Yes, that would be nice.Weekends are busy at the store, but maybe we can work something out,” said Sarah.“I know how important it is for them to have friends.”
When it was time for Sarah to get back into Gracie’s chair, she sat and looked at herself in the mirror, grinning at the number of foils in her hair.It was time to add some fun to her looks.
Later, Sarah hugged Gracie.“Thanks so much.I love it.”Her brown hair streaked with blond met her shoulders in an easy bob.It was long enough to pull back if she needed to but hung nicely when she wanted to keep it flowing.
When she picked up the girls at preschool and heard them cry, “Pretty, Mommy!”she knew the effort had been worth it.More than that, through her visit to the salon, the girls had an opportunity to make a new friend.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The next day when April walked into Sarah’s office, she was wearing her jeans and the polo shirt.She took one look at Sarah’s new hairdo and clapped her hands.“That’s what I want to do with my hair.”
“No problems wearing the jeans and polo shirt today?”Out of her usual skirt and blouse, April’s figure was both sleek and appealing.She’d also tied her hair back into a ponytail.
“My dad came home last night,” said April.“He said I could wear them, no problem.My grandmother had become very strict and old-fashioned since my grandfather died.I’m going to ask Dad for some new clothes.”She held a finger to her lips.“And I’m going to surprise him with a new hair style like yours.”
Sarah was both touched by April’s desire to change and concerned.She didn’t want any problems with April’s grandmother once her father left again.After the time spent training her, Sarah needed to know April would be able to work for them without any problems from home.
“Take it one step at a time,” said Sarah.“We’ve got a big Christmas shipment in.Are you ready to get to work?”
They were busy unpacking the boxes and doing content checks when Wyatt Wilson appeared.He was the picture of a healthy, outdoor-looking guy with blond hair and blue eyes.
He looked startled to see April.
“Hi, Wyatt.Do you know April Loomis?April, this Wyatt Wilson.I believe he’s a year ahead of you at the high school.”
April’s cheeks turned a pretty pink.She glanced at Wyatt.“Hi.”
Wyatt gave her an appreciative look and turned to Sarah.“Your mother says I need to bring in some of the bigger boxes of stuff.”
“Yes.It’s those three boxes by the back door,” Sarah said.
He gave her a salute, grabbed all three boxes in his strong arms and left them by April, giving her a last look before leaving.
