Bad Hair 8 - Day Perish By Pedicure Read Online Free PDF

anyone,” Chris said airily, as though accustomed to receiving gifts. Snatching a napkin, she selected a few appetizers. While she tasted one of the canapés, Marla thanked the waiter and accepted the other filled goblet. Her gaze swept the room, but no one seemed to be paying them undue attention. Had someone bought drinks for both of them, or mainly for Chris? The person responsible wouldn’t reap many points by withholding his identity.
    “So tell me about your salon, Marla, and what you hope to gain from this weekend.”
    Responding to the genuine interest in Chris’s eyes, Marla expounded on her plans to grow her business operations. “I’m hoping the photo shoot will be successful enough that you’ll want to come back,” she concluded. “It seems like a great way to get publicity for the salon.”
    “Carrying our products will benefit you in that regard. Florida has the perfect climate to advertise our new line. You should encourage customers to continue their treatments at home. This will move more bottles off the shelves. We have a full line of shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and such. All contain aloe moisturizers and UV protection.”
    “Sounds exciting. I can’t wait to try them myself. I assume we’ll get to use these products when we prep the models?”
    “You got it. A percentage from our sales gets donated to the American Melanoma Society. That’s the angle we’re promoting to the press.”
    “It’s a good cause. I’m really happy to be involved.”
    Chris sipped at her wine, regarding Marla over the rim of her glass. “You’ll do fine, just as long as you don’t get in anyone’s way.” Giving a nod, the director spun on her heel and marched off just as Ron approached.
    “Hi, Marla. How’s it going?” said the light-haired stylist with a spark in his gray eyes. He wore a standard sport coat over an open collar shirt, a gold chain around his neck.
    “I’m not really sure. It’s hard to gauge how to act with some of the people here.” She nodded at Chris’s retreating back.
    “The best tactic, if you take my advice, is to keep your ears open and your mouth shut.” Ron leaned forward. “I hear you’re looking to learn some new styling techniques. I can do wonders with my curling iron. Come to my room and I’ll show you.”
    “No thanks.” Marla chuckled. “That’s an interesting variation on an old theme.”
    “Hey, I’m serious. I really like to teach people.” He cracked his knuckles, holding his arms out like a wrestler before a match. “I have more patience than Sampson. He hogs the stage at these events, but his focus is showmanship rather than true education. He can be short-tempered when things don’t go his way.”
    Marla glanced at Ron’s earnest young face. “I imagine it’s tough to work in someone’s shadow when you have the skill to shine by yourself. Have you thought about jumping ship? I bet another company would be eager to nurture your talent.”
    He frowned. “I like working with the Luxor product line. Plus, Sampson’s reign won’t last forever. You can learn a lot from him, but you have to slough it off if he barks at you. Come to me if you have any questions.”
    “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
    She felt like a novice among this crowd, as though her background and experience didn’t count Tomorrow, would her nervousness show when she acted as assistant stylist? It was a new role for her, but it should be a piece of cake compared to some of the other things she’d done. Don’t worry, you’ll manage , she told herself. Besides, the work-related tasks would take her mind off the strangers sleeping in her guest room at home. Just thinking about Pam’s parents made her stomach churn.
    She circulated toward Amy Jeanne Wiggs, the salon coordinator, who was talking to Miguel Santiago. They halted their dialogue and gave her a friendly smile when she approached.
    “Marla, we were just talking about your salon,” Amy Jeanne said, her jaw moving