Magic in Our Hearts (11 page)

And if the anger directed her way from the redhead was any indication, she returned Brett’s love. “Why don’t you follow me, Brett? We’ll get your hair washed.”

Brett stayed a safe distance from Rachel so they couldn’t touch. She didn’t want Taylor to think she was still playing around with Rachel. It was really important that Brett prove to Taylor she was no longer the player she had once been. Rachel gave directions to the woman who began to wash Brett’s hair and then came through the main part of the salon to find Taylor moving restlessly around the waiting area.

“Hello, my name is Rachel Moore. I’m an old friend of Brett’s. Can I get you a latte, water, or anything?”

“Hello, Taylor Aronson, and no I don’t need anything.” The words were curt but polite. Rachel didn’t need to be told that the woman didn’t like her.

“Why don’t you sit over here? Brett’s stylist will cut her hair in that chair.”

“Thanks.” Taylor’s voice was tight, the single word full of anger.

Rachel reached out and touched Taylor’s arm gently as she spoke. “Brett and I haven’t gotten together for quite awhile and it wasn’t important to either one of us. How long have the two of you been together?”

“We aren’t,” Taylor responded, her body relaxing as she listened to the woman.

Oh, honey, you two are so together, you just don’t know it yet!
Aloud she asked, “How’s she doing?”

The genuine concern made Taylor smile and answer her civilly. “Better, she’s doing a lot better.”

“Good, she’s a good woman. I wish her nothing but happiness. If she needs anything, please call me. I would do anything for Brett. Here’s my number.” Rachel handed her a piece of paper after scrawling her telephone number on it.

Taylor slid it into her pocket. 

“Thank you, Rachel.”

“Here have a seat. She should be done with her shampoo in a couple of minutes.”

“Rachel thanks again.” Taylor’s anger melted away as she recognized deep concern in the woman’s manner.

“You’re welcome.” Rachel went back to the reception desk, a big grin on her face. She really did consider Brett a friend and wanted more than anything for her to find happiness. She had been so lost for many years, never quite finding what she was looking for. Rachel was willing to bet a week’s pay that she would find it with the stunning woman who was with her today.

The stylist, Marc, grinned at Brett and laughed as she sat down in his chair.

“Marc, I don’t want it too short, just a little off the sides and top.”

“Shut up, Brett. I’ve been cutting your hair for almost ten years. I know how you want it. By the way, you look like hell, girl.”

“Thanks a lot.”

“Well, your hair looks terrible, but we can fix it. How are you? I haven’t seen you in town for ages.”

“Good, I’m doing fine.”

“Who is that stunning woman watching you like a hawk? Her hair is amazing. Does she color it?”

“That’s Taylor Aronson, and her hair is natural.”

“
The
Taylor?” Marc whispered as he began to trim Brett’s hair.

“Yes.”

“Oh, my, now I see what you mean. Those eyes could make a person melt. So are the two of you back together?” Brett had commiserated with her hairstylist when she and Taylor had broken up. He was someone she had always been able to talk to without reservation. They had known each other for years and shared many secrets with each other.

“No. She’s here to help me with my physical therapy. My mother hired her.”

“Oh, honey, she’s not here to help you recover. Those eyes are only on you. She’s watching your every move. And I thought Rachel was going to burst into flames at the looks Taylor gave her. No, honey, she wants you.” Marc whispered as he flitted around Brett’s head with his scissors.

“Do you think so?” Brett perked up and glanced Taylor’s way. She was watching Marc cut Brett’s hair, her eyes locked on the two of them.

“Oh, honey, I know so.”

“I don’t think so, Marc.” Brett snuck another look her way. “She doesn’t trust me. Besides, look at me. I’m a broken down ex-skier.” 

“Honey, you’re a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. Court her.”

“What do you mean court her?”

“If you really want to win Taylor’s heart, you need to do everything in your power to prove to her that you’re committed to her and worth being with. That means you need to believe in yourself. Where is the Brett I know and love, who can do anything she puts her mind to?” Marc spoke quietly as he trimmed Brett’s front bangs.

“Do you think I have a chance?” Brett sighed, her heart full of emotion.

“Oh yeah, honey, a good chance. Now, what did you do when you first met Taylor? Date her.”

“What if she doesn’t want to date me?”

“What if she does? And, I didn’t say to tell her about it. Just do it.” The flam-boyant hairstylist flapped his hands in exasperation.

Brett remained silent, absorbing what Marc said. Maybe she could court Taylor. She thought long and hard about it, as Marc continued snipping away.

“Voila! Aren’t you a stunning butch?” Marc announced, whipping the apron off Brett.

Brett looked in the mirror and was surprised to see herself. She looked much better than she had in a long time. “Thanks, Marc. As usual, you did a great job.”

“Thanks sweetie. It’s nice to have you back.” Brett slowly climbed out of the chair, reaching for her wallet. “Introduce me to Taylor.” Brett paid Marc and left a tip on his counter then turned and slowly walked over to Taylor. “Taylor, this is Marc Pierce. Marc, this is Taylor Aronson, my physical therapist.”

Taylor winced at the introduction. She didn’t want to be known as Brett’s therapist. “Hello, Marc, it’s nice to meet you.” Marc shook the extended hand and smiled admiringly down at the stunning woman. “So, are you making Brett work hard?”

“I’m beating her routinely,” Taylor responded with a grin that transformed her face.

“Good to hear,” Marc laughed, hugging Brett affectionately. “Brett, don’t be a stranger.”

“I won’t. Thanks, Marc.”

“You’re welcome. It’s nice to meet you Taylor.” Marc congratulated himself for convincing Brett to court her. Those two women were hooked on each other.

And Marc was a pure romantic. He couldn’t resist a happy ending. 

Brett and Taylor moved toward the reception area, and Brett began to fret.

She didn’t want to deal with Rachel again, but to her surprise, Rachel only waved at them and stayed behind the desk. “Nice seeing you, Brett.” Brett sighed in relief as she followed Taylor out of the hair salon. She was embarrassed that Taylor had met Rachel. It would only remind Taylor of everything she didn’t like about Brett. Taylor turned and saw the look on Brett’s face but wisely didn’t comment as they walked slowly down the sidewalk. They were meeting Brett’s mother at the restaurant in fifteen minutes. As they moved past the local stores in the center of town, people nodded their heads or called out in greeting to Brett. The sidewalks weren’t at all crowded and they could stroll along next to each other with ease. They passed a Western clothing store situated next door to a women’s dress shop. The Boulder Theatre was next to that. Boulder had a small town feel to it even though it was a good-sized city.

“Hi Brett.”

“Nice to see you, Brett.”

“Good to see you in town, Brett.”

Person after person spoke to her as she and Taylor made the two-block walk to the restaurant. Brett had been a home-town favorite for years due to her incredible skiing. They had watched her compete and break record after record on the World Cup Circuit. They had also grieved when she had been terribly injured.

She was one of Boulder’s own celebrities, and they were very loyal. Brett stumbled once and Taylor surreptitiously reached out and supported her, leaving her hand on her arm. This helped Brett to relax and not tighten up. She was amazed that no one commented on her injuries or asked her about them. They treated her as if she was normal, and that meant everything to Brett. She had hidden herself away from the public eye for such a long time.

“Are you okay?” Taylor whispered under her breath as they approached the Mainstream Restaurant.

“Yes.” Brett turned and smiled at Taylor.

Taylor’s body filled with warmth as she saw Brett’s face light up with a genuine smile. She couldn’t stop herself from loving Brett. She was trying so hard to do everything that Taylor asked of her, including eating healthy foods, without complaint. Yes, she teased Taylor, and Taylor returned the good-natured ribbing, but up to this point, Brett had not put up any serious resistance. She had followed through with her promise and was doing everything she could to get better.

“You’ve had a fairly busy day.”

“I’ll pay for it later,” Brett laughed as they entered the restaurant side by side. 

Roselin watched the two women as they came in together and smiled. Anyone looking at them would assume they were a couple. Taylor’s hand was resting on Brett’s arm, and they leaned close to one another while they talked. Their eyes were locked on each other and obvious emotion radiated between them. Roselin sighed, and her heart settled in her chest. She had done the right thing by bringing Taylor to Boulder. Now, time and proximity would do the rest. Roselin’s only goal in life was to see her daughter find happiness, and that happiness meant Taylor. She felt validated as she gazed at the two women who approached her table.

“Hi, Mother. You’re looking very nice today.” Brett leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her mother’s pale cheek.

Patting her daughter’s back, Roselin felt tears fill her eyes as she took in her daughter’s freshly styled hair and glowing skin. She was still way too slender, but at least she wasn’t spending her nights drinking herself into oblivion. “So are you. I like your haircut. Hello, Taylor.”

“Hello, Mrs. Camden.”

“Roselin.”

“Roselin. How are you feeling?”

“Fine, both of you sit down and have a look at the menu.” Taylor slid into her chair and watched as Brett placed her hand over her mother’s and held it while she took her seat. Taylor felt a lump form in her throat as she observed mother and daughter. They were so close and there was genuine respect on both sides. She hadn’t had enough time with own mother to develop such a strong bond and she was envious of the two of them and at the same time filled with sorrow. They didn’t have much time left to spend together.

“I asked the two of you to dinner because I have a favor to ask you both.”

“Anything, Mother,” Brett responded, smiling softly. These were the two most important women in her life. And she would do anything for either one of them.

“Brett, you know I’m the chairman of the Children’s Charity here in Boulder, and we’re having our annual ball in three weeks. It’s the largest event of the year, and we collect more donations than at any other time from the silent auction.”

“Yes, I’ll send in my donation.”

“That’s not what I need you to do.” Roselin took a big deep breath before she continued. It took all of her effort to keep from succumbing to the pain that was her constant companion.

Taylor watched her closely and didn’t miss the clouded eyes or the stiff way Roselin held herself in her chair. She’s in pain, Taylor realized. She doesn’t want Brett to know. If she hadn’t already developed a deep respect for Taylor’s mother, she did now. Roselin loved her daughter unconditionally.

“I’m no longer able to stand on my feet for hours, and I need you to be the host of the event.” Roselin spoke quietly, keeping the emotion from her voice.

“Me, but …” Taylor’s hand slid softly behind Brett’s back and stopped her from immediately rejecting the idea. Taylor knew Brett’s mother couldn’t attend the ball and deal with her excruciating pain.

“Brett, you’re well-known and have helped me before with this event. You know what’s required and, let’s face it, you’re very charming.” Roselin smiled at her daughter, her eyes held a hint of mischief.

“Mother,” Brett sighed as Taylor chuckled next to her, her hand unconsciously stroking Brett’s back.

“Well, you are.” Roselin’s eyes sparkled momentarily back at her daughter.

“Will you do it? I would consider it a personal honor to have you be my stand-in.”

Brett glanced over at Taylor and was graced with her gentle smile. She couldn’t say no to her mother. “Yes, okay, I’ll do it.”

“Good, you and Taylor will have to be fitted for the right evening wear, my treat.” Roselin relaxed as the waiter approached the table.

“Me, I don’t need to …”

“Taylor, Brett needs an escort.”

“But, I …”

“You’ll be perfect,” Roselin interrupted and then turned to the waiter as Taylor sat in stunned silence. “Ralph, what are the specials tonight?” Brett grinned at Taylor. Her mother was a master at polite manipulation, and Taylor had just been the recipient of it. Brett was certainly pleased by the outcome. Having Taylor attend the charity event with her was a dream come true.

She couldn’t think of anyone else she would rather have at her side.

Roselin almost laughed out loud as she saw Taylor’s reaction. Taylor hadn’t been aware of the artful manipulation, and Roselin had slipped it by her before she could do anything other than agree. They would make a stunning couple, Roselin would see to it.

The meal went by pleasantly, as the three visited about the weather, their hikes, the upcoming ball, and local politics. Brett’s recovery and Roselin’s health issues were forgotten for a brief time. They were comfortable with each other, and the food was excellent. It was after seven-thirty before they exited the restaurant and separated. Roselin was going to stop by in the morning to discuss the upcoming charity event with Brett. She hugged Brett tightly and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thanks, honey, I appreciate your doing this for me.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Brett whispered, clutching her mother to her.

Taylor was surprised when Roselin turned to her and hugged her as well. “She looks wonderful.”

Roselin’s quiet words were for Taylor’s ears only and as she hugged the frail woman back, she whispered, “Yes.”

They watched Roselin safely to her car before turning to make the short walk to their own car. They remained silent until they were both seated in the SUV and on their way home. Brett was still uncomfortable driving, and Taylor sat behind the wheel of Brett’s high-end Lexus SUV. “She was in pain tonight,” Brett remarked as she stared straight ahead, trying to keep her emotions in check.