To Say Goodbye by Lindsay Detwiler Read Free Book Online

crazy perm disasters to perfecting ombre, they had promised each other they would work hard, save money, and open their own shop. They had dreams of working for themselves, of building a business, of someday catering to the celebrities.
    The shop they’d just signed for wasn’t in New York City or Los Angeles, so the probability of Angelina Jolie being on their clientele list was slim. They’d settled on Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where Stella had grown up. Stella had convinced Sophia it was a nice starting point, offering a cheap lease and a low cost of living, something appealing for the two just into their early twenties. They still had loans to pay from beauty school, and a huge business loan was frightening. Plus, it afforded Sophia the luxury of only being about two hours from her parents and her own hometown. There would be time to expand to the big city. For now, she would celebrate the fact they had accomplished their dream—or would soon.
    Entering the restaurant, they were serenaded by authentic Italian sounds and smells. Music played softly in the background, and Sophia looked around. Yep. As usual, they were underdressed—figuratively and literally—for the atmosphere. It was somewhat of a classy place. She probably should have thought about that before they came. However, the low-key sign and the dated exterior hadn’t really given them any clues, in all fairness.
    She held her head high, trying to ignore the stares from the slightly older crowd waiting to be seated at Mama’s Diner. She told the hostess two and then slinked to a back corner with Stella.
    “Fancy, schmancy,” Stella teased. “You do know we aren’t raking in any cash yet, right?”
    “Hey, we deserve it. It’s been a long road to this point, and there’s a lot of work ahead of us.”
    “True. But it’s so exciting. Now we just need to come up with a name.”
    A few minutes later, the hostess led the two to a table complete with more silverware than either were used to.
    “Lord, this place is fancy,” Sophia said. “Sorry, the contractor didn’t specify.”
    “Welcome to Mama’s,” a deep voice urged as a tall, smooth-faced waiter approached. Sophia glanced up from her menu to see the warm, brown eyes and spikey hair. Her stomach involuntarily fluttered as she made eye contact with him, finding herself staring a little too long.
    He beamed at her, seeming to not even notice Stella. She could feel his gaze carefully, almost imperceptibly moving down her body, inventorying her. She felt herself blush.
    “What can I bring you ladies to drink?” he asked, his smooth voice wrapping itself around her. The music faded as she focused solely on him, his arms bulging as he pulled a notepad out of his apron.
    Stella kicked her under the table, and Sophia startled. She muttered, “Oh, pink lemonade please.”
    The waiter grinned softly. “Sorry, we don’t have pink lemonade. I think we just have regular.”
    Her face burned even hotter.
    “We’ll just have some water, please.” Stella jumped in, saving Sophia as she had so many times.
    “Right away.” The waiter walked away from the table slowly, barely moving his eyes.
    “Pink lemonade? Really?” Stella teased once the waiter was out of earshot.
    “It’s our favorite.”
    “Yeah, but not at a fancy restaurant.”
    Sophia grimaced.
    “Your face is so red. Get it together.”
    “It’s hot in here.”
    “Pretty sure you’re just obsessed with Tim.”
    “What?”
    “The waiter, idiot. It’s Tim. He went to my high school. He was a few years ahead of me. Ask him out.”
    “Stella, stop. He’s our waiter. He’s probably married or something.”
    “Nope. No ring.”
    “Will you stop scoping him out? I don’t think he’s interested in his customers. He’s just doing his job for God’s sake.”
    “Trust me, he’s interested. He couldn’t stop staring at you. You’re welcome. If I’d let you wear that god-awful turtle neck, you’d have only been catching