Half Past Dead by Meryl Sawyer Read Free Book Online

hands on her apron, saying, “Kat? Is that you?”
    â€œYes. It’s me,” Kat replied, trying for a smile.
    With a wide, toothy grin, Lola Rae dashed across the room. She threw her arms around Kat and bear-hugged her. “Sweetie, it’s so good to see you. Know what I mean?”
    Kat had no idea what she meant, but she was more than a little touched by Lola Rae’s response, yet tried not to show it. Lola Rae had always been a warm, outgoing person. She wasn’t exactly pretty but her honey-brown eyes and ready smile had made her popular with other students. Lola Rae had been Kat’s exact opposite. Introverted and embarrassed by her weight, Kat barely spoke to anyone and had few friends.
    Lola Rae asked, “When did you get out?”
    â€œYesterday. I’m on a work furlough program for good behavior. I’m renting the apartment above your shop.”
    â€œAwesome! Totally awesome.” She gave Kat a one-armed hug. “Come down for coffee in the morning. I’m here by seven. Hear what I’m sayin’?”
    â€œThanks,” Kat replied, a note of wonder in her voice. She’d been lonely and cut off for so many years. She had no clue how to react to Lola Rae’s kindness. She needed to respond with more than a “thanks” but what in the world could she say?
    â€œSugar, can I do something for you?”
    Kat lifted a strand of limp hair. “I need help.”
    Lola Rae inspected the hair that had been stripped nearly lifeless by the harsh prison shampoo. “Let’s get the dead ends off and style it. Color would help. Know what I mean?”
    â€œHow much?” Kat asked. She had been given some money but it had to last her until payday.
    â€œLook, pay me when you get a job.” She gave her an affectionate pat on the shoulder. “It isn’t like I don’t know where to find you.”
    â€œI appreciate it, but I want to give you at least part of it today. I have a job at the newspaper, but I won’t get paid for a month.”
    â€œGood enough,” Lola Rae replied. “Let’s get started.”
    Lola Rae went into the back room and brought out a Hispanic woman with a slender build and large dark eyes. “This is Maria. She’s my assistant, and she will shampoo you. She doesn’t speak much English yet, but we’re working on it. Right, Maria?”
    â€œRight,” Maria said in a soft voice.
    â€œShe cooks Mexican food to die for,” Lola Rae added. “I’ll have her make you a few tamales.”
    Kat stopped herself from saying she wasn’t eating anything fattening. She didn’t want to chance hurting Lola Rae’s feelings. Kat could never have predicted someone would be thrilled to see her. And she hadn’t realized how much she wanted a friend.
    â€œOkay, I’m going to show you a few pictures, then some color swatches,” said Lola Rae after Maria had shampooed her hair. “I think you’d be dynamite with lighter blond hair. I could weave several shades—”
    â€œI don’t want to look anything like Tori.”
    Lola Rae put her hand on Kat’s shoulder. “Of course. I didn’t think. Tori and your ma up and bailed on you when you were arrested.”
    Kat nodded, not trusting her voice. Those first days had been overwhelming, and to know her family didn’t care had been crushing.
    â€œWell, Tori doesn’t get her hair done in town. Since she’s made so much money in real estate, she’s too good for us. Know what I mean? ’Course she’s still chasing after Clay Kincaid.”
    Of course, Kat thought. Some things never change. Tori had been crazy about Clay since high school. She’d followed him to Ole Miss and worked part-time just to be near him.
    â€œTori drives into Jackson for her hair and clothes, but I see her around. She’s wearing her hair past her shoulders, and it’s