“We’re had a nice surprise today,” she said. “I just got off the phone with one of our benefactors. It seems his daughter, who is getting married soon and has just finished planning a day for her and her bridesmaids at a local salon, also wants her father to set one up for you. So, he’s arranged with a hair salon in Bozeman for you to have your hair and nails done. The salon isn’t usually open on Mondays but they’re holding a private event for you. We will all travel there next Monday. All classes for that day are cancelled.”
Hank sent Leah a thumbs up sign.
“Nice,” Neecie said.
The tall black woman with the short, cropped hair kept to herself more than any of the others, and Ellen had wondered if that was because Neecie was the only black person there. Though it shouldn’t have mattered, and Ellen felt that everyone was treated fairly. She hoped Neecie didn’t feel uncomfortable around them and that she was just naturally quiet.
Travis leaned near Ellen and spoke low, behind her ear, so only she could hear. “I like your hair just the way it is.”
Those same goosebumps spread from her neck down her back again. His voice and his words lit her up inside.
He likes my hair.
She didn’t answer, but let his words soak in.
“Aren’t you a hair stylist?” Red asked Neecie. “How come you never offer to do our hair and nails?”
“I don’t do hair,” Neecie said. “I used to do nails, but I don’t do them anymore.” She shook her head and then grinned at Leah. “I’ve decided I’m going to be a nurse. There’s always jobs for nurses.”
“That’s an excellent choice for you, Neecie,” Leah said. “Let’s talk about that tomorrow and get things started.”
“Sure,” Neecie said.
“Can we get both our hair and our nails done?” Judy asked. “Or do we have to pick which one we want?” With her brown hair and freckles she had a country girl look.
Ellen wondered what things Judy would want done.
“I don’t know what I’d pick,” Tamara said. “If I had to choose.”
“Color too?” Red asked.
“Whatever you want done to your hair,” Leah said. “Or your nails. And yes, you can have both done. The bride’s father said she wanted you all to have pretty hair and nails. To remember that you are still beautiful.”
“Wow,” Janelle said. “That’s very generous.”
“I don’t need nails too,” Karla said. The tomboy with the short dark hair and blue eyes was pretty in a tomboyish kind of way. But she chewed her nails. Ellen thought if anyone needed some nail pampering, Karla did.
“All eight of us?” Red said. “Yeah, that’s gonna cost him.”
Why is she always looking at the negative side of things?
Ellen wondered if Red ever thought of anything in a positive way.
“What a kind thing for her to think of,” said Ellen. “She must be a lovely girl.”
“It’s unusual,” Neecie said. “Usually, brides are focused on themselves and their upcoming wedding.”
“She is a lovely girl,” Leah said. “And you’re right, it is unusual and thoughtful.”
“I wish we could thank her in person,” Ellen said.
“Yes,” Chyna said. “I agree.”
“I know,” Leah said. “But she will understand and a thank you card will be just fine. I’ll pick up some cards and stamps for you all to send them, just remember, no return address on the envelope.”
They all knew the address to Three C’s couldn’t be put on any correspondence. The center used a P.O. Box elsewhere and a designed person collected it and then sent it to them in one package once a week.
While the ladies had been talking, the men had packed up the guns and were now headed toward their trucks. Ellen watched them go, that rear view of Travis catching her attention again. She loved the way he moved.
