Free An Accidental Family by Loree Lough

me.
    “You know I think the world of you,” the stylist said, interrupting her reverie, “’cause I’d never open my shop on a Sunday for just anybody.”
    “You’re a peach to do it.”
    “Well, when I heard about the fire and all, how could I not? ”
    Nadine patted the woman’s red-taloned hand. “Thanks, Kaye. You’re terrific.”
    “And so are you, kiddo.”
    He smirked. “This meeting of the mutual admiration society is now in session…”
    Kaye clucked her tongue. “You’re just jealous.”
    He chuckled. “Of what?”
    She rested a fist on one plump hip, and pointed at him with the rattail of her black plastic comb. “That you’re not a member of the club.”
    His merry laugh echoed in the nearly empty shop. Nadine loved the sound of it, rich and full-bodied, starting somewhere deep in his chest and resonating upward.
    “Only one who admires me is Obnoxious.”
    “That poor mutt,” Kaye huffed. “Anybody named me ‘Obnoxious,’ I’d bite him.” And without missing a beat, she pinched a few strands of Nadine’s freshly shampooed hair between thumb and forefinger. “Mmm-mmm-mmm,” she said, crimson lips pulled back in a teasing smile, “it’d be easier to shave you bald than try to clean up this mess.”
    “Which isn’t out of the question,” Lamont said, “considering who’s wielding the shears.” Another shrug. “But that’s just my opinion.”
    He sat in one of the chairs under the window and began leafing through a fashion magazine. His body posture and facial expressions made it clear that he’d never set foot in a beauty parlor before. Still, he’d readily agreed to make the stop, and though Nadine suggested that he pass the time over a mug of coffee at Georgia’s, he’d insisted on waiting for her here.
    As Kaye’s scissors flashed, Nadine tried to imagine a circumstance that would prompt Ernest to do something as kindhearted and understanding as this. When none came to mind, she sighed. And shrugged, unable to figure out why one minute she felt drawn to Lamont, the next, apprehensive.
    “Nadine, honey, you’re gonna look adorable with short hair,” Kaye said as blond strands floated to the floor.
    “Nadine, honey,” Lamont echoed, “you’d look adorable bald.”
    Blinking, she looked into the mirror, hoping to get a glimpse of that same warm expression she’d seen moments ago. Unfortunately, Kaye blocked her view.
    “If you think half-baked flattery will get you into the mutual admiration society,” the hairdresser said, “you’ve got another think coming.”
    Nadine heard Lamont feign an exaggerated yawn as he went back to turning the pages of the magazine. Thankfully, Kaye’s position hid the blush hiscompliment had caused. Since she couldn’t thank the hairdresser out loud for unwittingly protecting her, Nadine decided to show her appreciation later with a generous tip.
    But how could she do that when she didn’t have a penny to her name? Her purse, with her wallet and checkbook inside, had gone up in flames, along with everything else in the house. Not that her bank book would’ve been much help, because she’d been running a zero balance for months. Not only couldn’t she tip Kaye, she couldn’t rent a place in town big enough for herself, Adam, Julie and Amy. What would become of her herd dogs and goats, and Julie’s cat, Peepers?
    Kaye’s scissors click-clacked around her face, as bristly flaxen strands piled up on the polished linoleum. She closed her eyes, hoping the new shorter hairdo would be flattering. Her hair grew slowly and it had taken months to get it to shoulder length. Then, feeling like a feeble-minded twit for even having such a vain thought amid all the mayhem, Nadine sighed again.
    As the blow dryer hummed, she forced herself to think positive thoughts. Maybe things weren’t as bad as they’d seemed, and she and the kids could live in the basement until repairs could be made. But even if that wasn’t possible, and things