Page 53 of Colton On Guard
Grabbing her notebook, she slid it over toward him. “Take a look. As far as I can tell, they happen every forty-five minutes.”
Frowning, he studied her notations. “That’s really weird.”
“I know.” She shrugged. “It might be nothing. I don’t know. I’ve been meaning to check with some of the others to see if it’s also happening to them.”
“Good idea.”
She checked the time. “By the way, I have a hair appointment after work. I don’t know how I’ll get there, but if I figure it out, would you mind taking JB home with you so I can go directly there?”
“I don’t mind at all.” He smiled. “In fact, you can borrow my truck. Indulge in a little bit of pampering. You deserve it.”
“Oh, it’s just a haircut. No pampering. But I’m going to enjoy it nonetheless.”
When it came time for her to leave, she felt surprisingly torn about leaving her little dog. “I’ll see you when I get home,” she said, crouching down and kissing JB’s adorable little nose. “I promise.”
She looked up to find Parker watching her, smiling. “She’s a lucky girl.”
Touched, she thanked him before getting up. “You take good of her for me. I’ll see you later.”
“Sounds good.” Handing her his keys, he hesitated a moment. “Keep your eyes open, okay?”
“Always.” With a wave, she hurried outside to his truck.
As she drove away, even though she had to constantly check her rearview mirror to make sure she wasn’t being followed, she turned up the radio and began singing along. Her mood light, she decided that after her haircut, she’d do a little retail therapy in one of the boutiques that lined the street next to her salon. A new outfit would do wonders for her self-confidence.
She found a parking spot right near the salon entrance. Smiling at her good luck, she got out, locked the truck, and headed for the door.
Inside, the cool air smelled slightly of lavender. Classic rock played softly in the background. The receptionist, a young woman with purple hair and a nose ring, smiled as Genna approached. Her nametag read Willow.“May I help you?”
“I have a four-thirty appointment with Shannon,” Genna said and gave her name.
Willow’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry, but I show that appointment was canceled.”
It took a moment for the words to register. “Canceled? By who?”
“I don’t know. Whoever took the call likely assumed it was you.”
“When was it canceled?” Genna pressed. “I made this appointment several weeks ago.”
“That, I couldn’t tell you.” Chewing the end of a pen, Willow met Genna’s gaze. “Since you seem surprised, I’m guessing you didn’t cancel. Is it possible a family member might have?”
“No. I don’t suppose there’s any chance that I can still have that spot?”
Slowly, Willow shook her head. “I’m so sorry. Shannon already took another client. What we can do is make a new appointment.”
“Today?” Genna asked hopefully, even though she knew that possibility was highly unlikely.
“No, I’m sorry. Shannon has an opening in two weeks. Same time. Would that work for you?”
“Since I don’t seem to have a choice, yes. I’ll take it. And please make a note not to cancel it under any circumstances.”
“Will do.” Willow’s smile had returned, full-force. “I’m so sorry about the misunderstanding.”
“It wasn’t your fault.” Still perturbed, Genna turned to go. Out in front of the salon, she realized shopping no longer held its earlier appeal. Instead, all she wanted to do was go home, cuddle her dog, and fill Parker in on what had happened.
Whoever had been stalking her clearly had moved on to other ways to make her life miserable. At least she could take the truck back to RTA and pick up Parker and the dogs.
Though she wanted to head straight to RTA, her recent concern over being followed had her driving past her parents’ place instead. She slowed, but didn’t stop since her heart started pounding the closer she got.