Secret Indiscretions by Trice Hickman Read Free Book Online Page B

Donetta were the only two stylists in Hair Heaven, the chic salon where they worked. Rachel Miller, the owner and manager who was a retired stylist in her late sixties, only came by the salon once every other week, which gave the stylists free rein that most salon employees didn’t experience. The shop didn’t open until eight, which gave the two friends a half hour to talk before the listening ears and gossiping tongues of coworkers and clients interrupted them.
    Donetta sighed. “Honey, I’m just glad you’ve finally come to your senses about that triflin’, no-good excuse for a man that you call your husband.”
    â€œMe too.”
    â€œI hate to say I told you so, but . . .”
    â€œYou’re going to do it anyway.”
    Donetta nodded, fingering her long, razor-cut brown hair as she spoke. “Yes I am, ’cause the man’s a pussy hound and can’t possibly be trusted. I don’t know why it’s taken you so long to finally realize what I’ve been saying.”
    Geneva fluffed her bangs and nodded in agreement as she spoke. “Because of how you are,” she said. “That’s why it took a while for me to understand.”
    â€œOh, and how am I?”
    â€œI love you, you know that I do. But you’re very negative and you’ve never said a kind word or positive thing about Johnny, or hardly any man, for that matter, since I’ve known you. You’re just bitter.”
    Donetta blinked her long lashes and paused, as if in deep thought. “That may be true, but it doesn’t stop me from being right. And let’s face it, I’m right most of the time.”
    â€œYes, I have to admit, you are.” Geneva continued to style her bangs, giving them a tousled look before lightly spritzing them with a mist of hair sheen. She took a deep breath and then sat in her chair, facing Donetta. She slumped her shoulders and shook her head. “I’ve been such a fool. How could I have been so stupid?”
    â€œYou’re not stupid. What you are is trusting. You loved him.”
    â€œLove makes you do some crazy, out-of-your-mind things. I tried giving Johnny the benefit of the doubt. I looked past things that I knew in my heart weren’t right. But I wanted my marriage to work. I wanted him to change, and I thought if I tried a little harder, maybe he would. I’ve supported him and encouraged him. I’ve taken care of him, and I’ve tried to satisfy his needs so he wouldn’t have to look outside our marriage for fulfillment. But none of that mattered to him. I feel horrible and I wish I could go back home, pull the covers over my head, and cry.”
    Donetta walked over to Geneva, reached for her hand, and held it tightly. “You might feel like shit right now, but honey, trust me, you’ll get over it.”
    Geneva looked down at the floor. “I don’t know, Donetta.”
    â€œYou’re saying that now because everything’s still fresh. Give it some time, you’ll be singing a different song before you know it.”
    â€œI feel unattractive and unwanted.”
    â€œThat bastard really did a number on you,” Donetta said with a hint of sadness. “Don’t let him break your spirit or question your worth. Your pretty ass looks like a million bucks. Your hair is fly, your makeup is flawless, and you’re working the hell outa those jeans. So hold your head up high, kick that sorry-ass, chicken eatin’ Negro to the curb, and start enjoying your life.”
    Geneva couldn’t help but smile. She was thankful for Donetta, and as she looked into her friend’s piercing hazel-colored eyes—compliments of Bausch and Lomb contacts—she knew she couldn’t ask for a better person to stand by her side during times of trouble. From the day they met in cosmetology school ten years ago when Geneva had relocated, they’d hit it off and been best friends ever