Page 32 of The Wife
‘Forget it.’ Cassie waves away my question with a flick of her wrist.
‘No, you must have a reason. What did she do?’
‘Nothing. It was just a vibe she gave off.’
‘Anyway, I think she might be back in town.’ I start cutting again.
Cassie looks up sharply and I almost stab her in the eye with my scissors. ‘Watch it!’
I lean down to check whether I’ve drawn blood. Thankfully she appears unharmed. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. You need to be more careful with those scissors, Zoe.’
‘Sorry, but you did flinch.’
‘I don’t think I did.’
‘Okay, well, sorry.’
‘That’s all right, no harm done.’ She pats the spot above her eye where the scissors caught her.
My heart is hammering, and I wipe a smear of sweat from my top lip. That was a near miss. But she definitely flinched.
‘What makes you say Dina’s back?’ Cassie asks before taking a few sips of water.
‘I thought I saw her in town the other day. It was just a glimpse, but I’m pretty sure it was her.’
‘Hmm, I doubt that.’ She shifts in her seat.
I try not to let Cassie’s words unnerve me. She always loved to stir up trouble and it seems she hasn’t changed. I should know by now not to take too much notice, but she’s got me thinking about Dina and about her absence on my wedding day. About how my memories of everything back then are so hazy.
‘What wouldyouknow about where Dina is?’ I flash Cassie a smile to let her know I’m not accusing her of anything.
She shrugs. ‘Nothing. Just… why would she bother coming back here when she’s off travelling the world?’
‘Same reason as you’re here,’ I reply. ‘Because it’s her home.’
Finally, I finish the cut, blow-dry the remaining damp sections and apply some product. I have to admit that it really does look amazing on her. Almost everyone at the salon comes over to admire how gorgeous she looks. But, strangely, Cassie has gone quiet.
I spin her chair around and give her a handheld mirror so she can see the back of her head in the main mirror. ‘You look really stunning, Cassie. What do you think?’
She pats the back of her head and pulls a few strands at the front. ‘It really is short.’
‘It is,’ I agree. ‘But it suits you. You’ll definitely cause a stir. Are you going to post an “after” picture on Instagram?’
Cassie checks her phone. ‘Sorry, Zoe, but I’m going to have to go.’
‘Oh, okay. Is everything all right?’
‘Yeah, fine. Just running a bit late.’ She stands and hands me back the mirror, while trying to extricate herself from her gown. ‘I’ve got to meet Lyle.’
Cassie hastily pays, without leaving a tip, and almost dashes out of the salon. I can’t help feeling worried by her sudden departure, but Jennifer is reassuring, telling me that I’m worrying over nothing. ‘You did a great job, Zo. She looks just like a blonde Audrey Hepburn – stop stressing. This will be such good publicity for the salon. I hope she does an Instagram post soon. Did you remind her to tag us?’
‘No, I forgot. I’m sure she will, but if she doesn’t I’ll message her.’
‘Brilliant. Well done, Zoe. I’m buzzing.’
But despite Jennifer’s optimism, I’m more than a little uneasy. I don’t know how my life has suddenly become so confused and complicated. Lately, it seems as if the whole world is behaving oddly. I can’t seem to get a straight answer out of anyone. And after Cassie’s strange comments about Dina, my instincts are telling me that something there is definitely off.
