Стальные небеса. Ирина Котова

      “Har, har.” Even as she spoke, Hailey’s lips twitched. “Shouldn’t you be hacking off somebody’s hair?”

      “Your effusive welcome warms my heart. Why, yes, I’d love to join you.” Cassidy, dressed in skintight leopard-print leggings and a frilly purple shirt, dropped into the empty seat at the table. Today her bright gold hair was tipped in fuchsia.

      “Have a seat,” Hailey said, even though her friend was already sitting, stretching one long leg over the other, a diamond ankle chain winking in the light.

      “My ten o’clock canceled. Told me she came down with the stomach flu during the night.” The hairstylist shuddered. “Gave me all the gory details.”

      “Details,” Hailey said pointedly, “you will keep to yourself.”

      Cassidy grinned as she reached over and took a piece of Hailey’s cinnamon-chip scone. “I’m thrilled she didn’t come in. I can’t afford to get sick. Not with Daffy and me doing hair and makeup for the Finster wedding this weekend.”

      Hailey lifted the latte to her lips. Cass was great with hair, but Hailey had a hard time seeing Daffodil, her waiflike assistant who moved like a closemouthed ghost, doing makeup. “Does Daff even wear makeup?”

      “She doesn’t need beauty enhancements,” Cassidy said matter-of-factly then snagged another piece of scone. She lifted it to her mouth as her eyes narrowed on Hailey’s cup. “What kind of latte is that?”

      “Cinnamon dulce.”

      Cassidy gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes. “Cinnamon latte. Cinnamon-chip scone. You’ve got to shake things up a bit, kiddo. Be bold. Not quite so...predictable.”

      Though Hailey couldn’t exactly see how ordering two favorite items qualified as predictable, she simply smiled. “Trust me. I have my moments.”

      Cassidy nodded approvingly. “Like giving Josh the boot.”

      Hailey’s smile vanished. She should have realized word would have gotten around by now.

      “All I have to say is, about damn time.” Cassidy punctuated the announcement with a decisive nod.

      Hailey had the feeling that would be most of her friends’ response. The few she’d already told about the split had seen Josh for what he was long before she had, which only made her feel even more foolish.

      Until two days ago, Hailey had believed Joshua Gratzke had fallen for her and fallen hard. When she bumped into Josh—a former high school classmate—several months ago at the market, he’d made his interest clear. Though they’d never dated way back when, she’d always thought he was cute.

      Those days at Jackson Hole High had been almost ten years ago. His face was leaner now, his dark hair shorter, but his smile seemed even more charming. He told her he’d returned to Jackson Hole after law school to consider his options.

      With her only working PRN—as needed—at the hospital as a speech therapist, they’d had plenty of time to get reacquainted.

      Plenty of time for him to take advantage.

      “I didn’t see it, Cass.” She met the hairstylist’s vivid blue eyes. “I foolishly believed he’d fallen head over heels. The fact that he wanted to hang out with my fam was a point in his favor. Sure, we spent extra time with Tripp. He’s my brother and we’re close. I never thought Josh was angling for a job in Tripp’s office.”

      It still boggled Hailey’s mind that her big brother, the one who used to give her noogies, was now the mayor of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

      Cassidy’s eyes darkened, as if reliving old memories. “People disappoint us. Even those we think we know well.”

      “I should have seen the signs,” Hailey murmured, almost to herself. “I must have had blinders on.”

      “Don’t be hard on yourself. Josh was smooth.” Cassidy reached over and squeezed Hailey’s hand. “He almost fooled me.”

      “Almost being the key word.”

      “Trust me when I say I’ve had much more experience with slimy men than you.” Cassidy’s lips lifted in a wry smile. “My internal radar is primed to spot ’em at a hundred paces.”

      “I won’t make the same mistake again.” Her appetite gone, Hailey shoved the plate containing the scone in front of Cassidy. She refused to waste one more second on Josh. “Tell me all about Susan Finster’s wedding.”

      “She, or rather her mommy-dearest, insisted on the works.” Cassidy leaned back in her chair. “Made it clear if I couldn’t do all, she’d take her business elsewhere.”

      “If you end up needing help, let me know.” Hailey forced a casual tone, not wanting to put her friend on the spot but determined to make her interest clear. “I used to work as a cosmetics consultant in college and really enjoyed it.”

      Cassidy dropped the scone to the plate, leaned forward. The gaze that pinned Hailey had a predatory gleam. “Seriously?”

      “Everyone said I had the knack.”

      “No, I mean, are you serious about helping?”

      “Totally.” Hailey found herself pleased by Cassidy’s reaction. “I’d love to help.”

      “I cannot friggin’ believe it.” Cassidy bopped herself in the head with the heel of one hand. “I’ve been beating my brains out for weeks trying to think of someone and here, you’ve been right under my nose.”

      “Glad to know I’m not the only one who misses the obvious.”

      Hailey’s dry tone brought a smile to Cassidy’s lips. The hairstylist straightened in her seat and leaned forward. “I want us to work together, Hailey.”

      “Talk about ordering a cake before you know if the flavor suits you.” Hailey kept her tone light even as her heart started to rev. “You don’t know if I have talent.”

      “One look at you tells me you’re great with makeup.” Cassidy waved away Hailey’s concern using a hand tipped with royal-blue nails. Those who didn’t know her well often dismissed the salon owner as the crazy artistic type. But ten minutes with her was all it took to know this was a savvy businesswoman, determined to grow her already thriving business. “I’ve had clients come in with suggestions you’ve given them about their hair and you’ve been spot on, especially with color.”

      Hailey flushed with pleasure. It was true her friends often asked her opinion on what they should do with their hair. “You really want me to work for you?”

      “No, not really.” Cassidy studied her thoughtfully. Tapped a long fingernail against her bright pink lips.

      “With me,” Cassidy clarified. “A partnership.”

      Blood coursed through Hailey’s veins. She saw herself working with clients, offering advice and instruction on makeup and hairstyling changes that would enhance a woman’s natural beauty. She wanted to seize this opportunity and run with it. But she made herself slow down. Josh had taught her that if something seemed too good to be true, it was best to take a step back. “Why a partnership?”

      “You need to think of this venture as yours. I want you to use your social connections to help this new business fly.”

      The chill that swept through Hailey cut deep, all the way to the bone. “I thought you wanted my expertise, but all—”

      “Don’t get on your high horse.” Cassidy gave a dismissive wave. “This is a new venture. I’ll be bringing my years in business, my license and my connections to the table. You’d be providing a keen eye, your experience with cosmetics and your connections.”

      Hailey tamped down her anger and focused on the facts. After a couple of seconds, she let out a breath and nodded. “I guess that makes sense.”