Hometown Courtship. Diann Hunt

have the same power over him as Callie Easton.

      

      The smell of sweet apple conditioner filled the air. Callie tried to relax while Jessica ran the warm water over her hair. “I will so pay you back for this, Jessica. I promise.”

      “Don’t worry about it. I told you I have nothing to do tonight anyway. Besides, I didn’t have that many appointments this afternoon.”

      “I will name my firstborn after you. I’ve always liked the name Jessica, so that will work just fine, don’t you think?”

      Jessica laughed. “That will be the day.” Jessica worked the conditioner through Callie’s hair.

      “Hey, what do you mean by that?”

      “Only that your aunt has been trying to hook you up for years.”

      Why did people constantly pressure her to find someone? Marriage wasn’t for everybody. If she was happy with her life as it was, why couldn’t they leave her alone?

      “Is the water too hot?” Jessica asked.

      “No, it’s perfect.”

      “I’ve waited all through the color and highlights, so now you want to tell me what’s going on?”

      “What are you talking about?”

      “Come on, Callie. We both know you only color your hair when you’re really, really upset. You have issues, girlfriend.”

      “Thank you, Dr. Phil.”

      “Now spill it.”

      Callie sighed. “Brad sprained his ankle because of me, so I brought him dinner as a peace offering. And he almost…kissed me.”

      “Do you like him?” Jessica turned off the water and rubbed Callie’s hair with a towel.

      “I’m confused. I thought he didn’t like me. But I guess he’s a friend.”

      “Is that all?”

      “Yes.” Callie pushed the lever to lower the bottom half of her reclining chair.

      “Is that all you want him to be?” Jessica led the way to her station.

      “Ye-yes.”

      “Are you sure?”

      Callie slid into the chair. “Jessica?”

      “Yes?”

      “Could you stop asking me these questions?”

      Jessica laughed. “Suit yourself.”

      Callie steered the conversation to safe waters during her trim. Jessica didn’t push, for which Callie was thankful.

      “I love it, Jess.” Callie swirled around in her chair and looked at the back through a handheld mirror. “I haven’t had light brown hair in forever.” She wondered if Brad would like it, then wondered if she should be wondering that.

      “It’s really a good look for you, Cal.” Jessica glanced at the clock. “Well, now I really do need to get home. My favorite show is coming on in fifteen minutes.” Jessica finished sweeping the hair from her station.

      Callie gave her a hug and sneaked a twenty into Jessica’s purse when she wasn’t looking. “See you tomorrow.”

      “Let me know what he thinks of it,” Jessica called out.

      “Who?”

      Jessica just smiled. “Good night, Callie.”

      

      Brad glanced at his watch. Callie had been so careful to be on time at the site since that first day. After last night things would no doubt be a little awkward between them. He was an idiot. He had no intention of getting involved with this woman—or anyone else, for that matter, and yet he did something stupid like that. What if she didn’t show up again? He’d have to tell his brother the truth so that she didn’t get in trouble. Brad shifted on his crutches. That was all he needed.

      If she didn’t show up in the next ten minutes, he’d call her and tell her that despite what happened last night, she was still expected to show up for duty.

      A car pulled up in front of the job site, and the Sauders family piled out.

      “Good morning, Brad,” Mick said, stepping up to the house.

      “Morning, Mick and Andrea.” Brad looked at Micah. “How come you’re not in school?” He ruffled her blonde curls, and she lifted the snaggletoothed grin of an eight-year-old.

      “We’re headed there now. Thought we’d stop by and see how things were coming first,” Mick said.

      Brad walked the family through the framing, showing the progress they were making, pointing out where each room will be and introducing some of the volunteers. Brad walked over to a woman whose back was to them. He didn’t recognize her. “And this is—” He waited for her to turn around, but she didn’t. She just kept hammering. He looked at the Sauders and they smiled.

      Micah walked up to the woman and tapped her on the arm.

      She turned around. Three nails were gripped between her lips. She pulled them free, then yanked the earbuds from her ears, music spilling from them. “Oh, hello,” she said.

      Brad was speechless—again. It was Callie, with someone else’s hair.

      She tossed a brief glance at Brad, then quickly looked back toward the family.

      “Uh, Callie Easton, this is the Sauders family. They will be moving into this home.”

      Callie took in a sharp breath. “Oh my, it’s so nice to meet you!” She pumped their hands with great enthusiasm. “It’s so fun to put the faces with the work—you know what I mean?”

      They stared at her, blankly.

      “You know, you work and work and have no idea who you’re doing it for or if they’ll like it or if they’ll want to move first chance they get. You wonder what kind of family they are, you know, the lively type or the—”