Page 41 of Hollywood

A few regulars came in, keeping us busy until lunchtime. We got a walk-in around noon, so I took that one too. I wanted Clint to take it easy today. By mid-afternoon, the shop was quiet.

Jared arrived just after 3 p.m. The wind had tousled his gray hair. He brushed a few strands out of his eyes and walked into the shop, leaning most of his weight on a sturdy metal cane.

“Hey, Hendrix, sorry I’m late.”

“Are you?” I glanced at the clock. Technically, his appointment started ten minutes ago, but we weren’t busy. “I think you’re right on time.”

He grinned, his face boyishly handsome, considering the man was pushing seventy.

“I couldn’t find a decent parking space. Someone took the handicap spot, so I had to shuffle my ass two blocks to get here.”

“Seriously? What an asshole.”

He laughed. “Totally.”

“Okay, so what are we doing today?”

“You know the drill. Make me look presentable. I’ve gotmy eye on a gal who does therapy right after me. She’s had a double hip replacement, poor thing, but she’s always smiling.”

“Ooh, should I break out the black hair dye?”

He looked as if he was considering it. Then snorted. “Hell, I’d look like a fool! No. Just a cut.”

“All right.” I sighed mournfully. “But my talent is going to waste with you.”

He chuckled. “Deal with it.”

I got out the water bottle to dampen his hair. “How’s the therapy going? Or should I not ask?”

“It’s a pain in the bum,” he said bluntly. “I hate it.”

I winced, thinking of the hard road ahead of Carrie. “Too bad. My ex was in an accident. She’s going to be doing inpatient rehab.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said. “The therapy helps, even though it’s not fun. She’s in good hands. My therapist, Kit, is a good guy. His sister has been through a lot, so he relates well to patients and families. Better than some of the other therapists.”

I pulled hair between my fingers and snipped it with my scissors. “That’s good to hear. I think the hardest part for her is that she can’t keep our daughter with her.”

“I didn’t know you had a daughter.”

“Yep. Ruby’s a little over two. I’m taking her until Carrie recovers.”

“Wow. You’ve got your work cut out for you, huh?”

I laughed. “Yeah. Ruby keeps me on my toes, but I guess I’m still getting the easier end of the deal, right? Carrie is going to be in a world of hurt for a while.”

Jared nodded. “I’m still going to River Rocks Rehab every other week. I could check in on her. Make sure she’s keeping her spirits up.”

“Really? That would be nice of you.”

I pulled out the clippers and cleaned up his neckline and around his ears, the loud hum killing our conversation.

“All right.” I turned off the clippers. “We’re all done.”

He looked in the mirror, nodding. “Hey, I look good! Hopefully Meryl still recognizes me.”

I laughed. “Is that your lady friend?”

“Yeah. I need to get her digits.”