Down on Daffodil Lane. Rebecca Pugh

nice. I just meant that you should take up the offer if you ever fancy it.’

      Maria burst out laughing, once again enjoying the sound and feel of it, how it vibrated and rumbled up her throat before bursting out of her mouth and filling the space around her. She really didn’t do it enough. Hopefully that would change now that she was here. ‘It’s fine, honestly. I suppose you’re right, really. I could do with a trim. It’s been a while. Yes, I think I will visit the salon.’ Maria nodded firmly.

      A few moments of silence passed as Harriet continued busying herself behind the counter. Maria wasn’t entirely sure of whether she felt comfortable with what she was about to say but she went ahead and said it anyway. After all, what else was she going to do while she was here, other than paint? No, this was what she needed. And after all, now more than ever was the time to start taking chances. If it didn’t work out, then fine. But what if it did? ‘Harriet,’ she began slowly, ‘I think I’d like to take that waitressing position. I’m here for the summer, you need help, so it’s perfect really.’ Her heart was thumping madly in her chest. It was exciting but nerve-wracking all at the same time, but as she said the words, she realised she didn’t regret her decision at all. It was something new, something to look forward to, and alongside Harriet, she knew she’d feel right at home. It was, now that she’d done it, the perfect opportunity.

      ‘Are you sure?’ Harriet frowned and stopped what she was doing. ‘I mean, you didn’t seem too keen on the idea…’

      ‘Yes, I’m sure. I’d love to see if I’m any good. Plus, it will keep me busy while I’m here. As lovely as the cottage is, it’ll be great to have something else to do besides painting walls. I can’t paint for the entire summer, can I? It might become a bit dull. I need to throw myself into something new. Besides, you seem lovely, and I do enjoy being here, even after only visiting twice. It’s grown on me quite dramatically in such a short amount of time. It’s odd, actually.’

      ‘Maria, you are a life-saver. Thank you!’

Chapter Three

      Following another delightful morning at Harriet’s Place the next day, in which Maria and Harriet went through the details of the vacancy and sorted out her shift pattern, she decided to take Harriet’s advice and pop into the salon to visit Millie.

      The evening before, she’d taken a good, long, hard look at herself in the mirror and decided that she wasn’t happy with what she saw. Was it any wonder Mike had looked elsewhere? No, that was a stupid thought to have. She couldn’t blame herself. Whether she’d looked rubbish or not, he still shouldn’t have done it. Appearance wasn’t everything, and there was no way on earth that she’d start to believe that. It wasn’t her fault he couldn’t keep it in his trousers. But besides all of that, she really did need a tidy up if she were to begin as the café’s new waitress. She wanted to make a good impression and a haircut was just the ticket.

      Maria was eager to learn more about Millie, and excited about being in her bubbly company once more. She hoped they could squeeze her in, because the more time she’d spent faffing with her hair, the more she’d realised how much it was actually in need of a cut. How had she allowed it to get this bad? Well, considering everything that had gone on, her hair had shifted down her list of priorities so she supposed that explained it.

      Millie grinned when Maria entered the salon that afternoon. ‘Hurray, you came! And what do you know, we can fit you in! Here, take a seat.’ She indicated to the chair an elderly woman had just got up from. It was clear that she enjoyed her job, and Maria hoped she was as good at it as Harriet had said she was. Maria did as she was told, swept away by the wave of enthusiasm which seemed to emanate from Millie constantly, and sat herself down in the chair.

      While she waited for Millie to come over, she studied the salon with interest. It was impeccable in terms of style and cleanliness, with glossy hair products lining the shelves, and black and white counters placed strategically throughout, dotted with brushes and sprays and all manner of hairdressing items that would come in handy during an appointment.

      ‘So, what are you after today, Maria?’ Millie stood behind her and smiled, hands on her shoulders. She began to run her fingers through Maria’s hair, studying the ends and length.

      ‘Oh, I don’t know. Nothing too drastic, I don’t think. Perhaps just a trim?’

      Millie scrutinised Maria’s reflection in the mirror for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she took in Maria’s face. ‘Do you know what would really suit you? A full fringe and perhaps a new colour, too. Just to spruce you up a bit.’

      Maria laughed. ‘No way! This has been my style and colour for as long as I can remember.’

      ‘All the more reason to try something new then,’ shrugged Millie. ‘Go on. Honestly, you’d look fantastic with a few layers to give it some volume.’ She puffed up Maria’s hair and tilted her head as she studied it some more. ‘You have amazing cheekbones as well, the fringe would shape your face just right.’ With a knowledgeable nod, she waited for Maria to decide.

      Maria licked her lips nervously. Was it time for a change? Maybe something different was exactly what she needed to begin the brand-new, Mike-less version of herself? She’d always played it safe previously, worried in case it turned out that Mike didn’t like whatever she decided to try. But it wasn’t Mike’s hair, was it? It was hers. She was sick to her back teeth of trying to please everyone else except the one person who mattered most. Herself. No. Bugger it. Her life had changed in the blink of an eye, it was only right that her hair was part of the process too, and she felt like she was in capable hands with Millie. Well, she sounded like she knew what she was talking about, and once again, it was all about taking that chance.

      ‘Do you know what? I think you’re right,’ Maria decided. ‘I’m going to go for something new. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything different. Let’s go for a fringe and a new colour. It’ll be nice to see something different when I look in the mirror. I’ve been staring at the same old mop for far too long now.’

      Millie grinned with excitement and gave a little clap. ‘Excellent choice.’

      Maria sat back and relaxed as Millie brushed out her hair. It was just past her shoulders now, although not in the best condition she had to admit, probably from all of those times she’d shoved it up into an unwashed, greasy ponytail and left it there, not caring about how she looked. No doubt the bad treatment had caught up and had its effects. Fingers crossed that once Millie was finished, it would look and feel completely different.

      Just over an hour and a half later, Maria stepped out of the salon alongside Millie, who’d finished her shift, and grinned when her new friend turned to look at her for the third time since she’d left the chair.

      ‘I can’t believe how brilliant it looks. You look like a brand new woman.’

      ‘Mission accomplished then,’ Maria laughed, running a hand through her softer, shinier locks. ‘Millie, I love it. Thank you so much.’ It felt silky smooth and she loved the fringe and caramel colour. It was only a small step towards getting her confidence back, but who knew how much a simple haircut could boost a woman up? She felt so wonderful, she could have flung her arms around Millie right there and then.

      ‘Right,’ Millie announced. ‘Now that you’re feeling fabulous and I’ve finished work, fancy a quick drink in the pub? It’s only around the corner. Mum’s got Susie and she won’t mind keeping her for a little while longer. I’ll send her a quick text to let her know I’ll be a bit later.’

      ‘Go on, then,’ nodded Maria, wanting to make the most of this new friendship she’d found. She felt carefree and footloose. She had a feeling that Millie’s sunny company was something to do with it. It was near impossible to feel glum when around her, which was exactly the sort of person Maria wanted to spend time with. Millie’s chatter and fascination in everything from celebrities to food did a brilliant job of keeping the realities of Maria’s life at bay. ‘Let’s