Frigid

Chapter One

Climbing from her Jeep Cherokee Clare hoisted her tote of make-up supplies onto her shoulder. Making her way up to the Victorian she didn't miss the subtle bite that Autumn had decended. Brushing windswept hair from her eyes she stepped in. Having worked for Scarlett for just over a year her arrival at nine every morning was expected. The scents of breakfast had her stomach growling, effectively ruining her attempt at keeping to her new diet. A diet of which Scarlett had voiced was completely uncalled for. She didn't have an ounce of fat, flab or otherwise on her body. If anything she needed a diet that wasn't.

Entering the kitchen she was greeted by the sight of plates heaped with hash browns, bacon, pancakes and waffles. Laying eyes on all the food she had to wonder if her employer were about to feed an army. Then there was Scarlett herself, apron donned working at the stove her fiery hair braided into a bun atop her head. Clare secretly envied her ability to style her hair effortlessly. The thought had her reaching for her own wind mussed hair.

"Do you plan on standing in that doorway all day or come in and join me?" Turning from the stove grey eyes smiled at her. "Well hurry now, have a seat can't let this food get cold."

Mouth working uselessly Clare dropped onto a stool her tote a small brick landing beside her. "Scarlett is there an occassion for all this food?"

Bracing elegent hands atop the counter she leaned in. "Of course and it's called wrecking your diet. So please, dig in." Even though it was meant as a jab Clare couldn't help the laugh that escaped.

"Consider it a success. There's no way I'd resist."

A plate was piled with some of everything set down in front of her with a gleaming set of silverware. "Honestly Scarlett you've gone above and beyond." Taking up the knife and fork she cut into the buttery softness of the pancakes, being sure not to shovel it into her mouth and look indecent. The first bite nearly had her in tears it was so good.

"Judging by your expression I'd say I've succeded. No chance of your ever dieting again." Raising her fork she saluted to that. Before she could rise from her seat a steaming cup of coffee was placed in front of her.

"You're not to get from that seat till every bit of that food is gone-you hear?" Clare was wise enough to know that when Scarlett ended a sentence with those two words she meant business.

"So what does our client list consist of today?"

Making a plate for herself Scarlett took the stool beside her. "We have the women hosting the charity event coming in. You know the one that's been talked about for weeks now." Clare nodded. The money raised was to go to those struggling to make it in poor households. "We also have Marian coming in." Giving an eyeroll she stabbed at a sausage.

Marian was a bit of a snob with a superior complex but other than that Clare didn't grasp the rift between the two. Marian came in every Saturday, made a comment on this person or that and went on her way. With every drop in Clare would watch like a spectator for Scarlett's reaction. It mostly consisted of jaw clenching and going white knuckled. She'd tried to ease the story out of her and nearly succeeded but Scarlett had trailed off and it was never approached again. She figured if and when Scarlett was ready to tell the story between them she would.

Having finished their breakfast they worked companionably in clean up. Setting the last plate in the dishwasher Clare grabbed up her tote and followed up the stairs to the beauty room. She was in awe every time she stepped over the threshold. Aside from making women great beauty's, being a tear jerking cook Scarlett was apt at interior design. She firmly believed there was nothing the woman couldn't amaze at. The room spoke comfort and pampering. Lavender walls, light wood flooring, pristine white swivel chairs and the matching light wood counter that encompassed the walls.

Taking position at her usual spot she heard the front door bang shut, signaling none other than Serena's arrival. Setting up her make-up she turned her head as Serena powered through, Electric blue hair the choice of color for the week. "Well aren't the two of you looking impeccable this morning." As that was the second reminder of her hair Clare grimanced.

"Surely you're not including me. The wind did a number on me this morning." Turning in her low heeled boots Serena's blue eyes did a cursory glance of her. "It's not so bad as all that. If you'd like I could quick style it for you." Always aprpeciative Clare nodded consent. Beaming she got to work. Having her hair worked on she noted Serena's outfit, the way she could make just about anything work in her favor. "You always manage to look appealing, how so?" "I'm constantly at the thrift store. It amazes me the clothes women are willing to toss." Dropping her chin onto her fist Clare examined her daring co-worker. They may say age is just a number but they wouldn't guess Serena's twenty seven.

"Child I hope you're alert today I'm going to need you," Scarlett said. Sweeping the brush through Clare's hair Serena shot a smirk at their employer. "One of these days you're really going to find a new solution and cut me out. Perkiness can only be withstood for so long." At Scarlett's furrowed brow Clare clapped a hand over her mouth. The girl had a point. "I wouldn't need a new solution if she'd only stop coming here." Rolling her eyes Serena picked up the curling iron. "If you want it bad enough you could always make a few suggestions." Throwing her hands in the air Scarlett went to answer the knock that'd sounded at the door. Safetly out of earshot Clare turned her face up to Serena's. "You're aware Marian wouldn't go anywhere else. She loves to ruffles Scarlett's feathers." Fisnished with the curling iron she swept the brush through again to give bounce. "I'm aware alright."

Hearing the footsteps on the stairs Clare resummed her spot, assuming her best welcoming smile. Fortunatly the smile was genuine as the customer wasn't Marian. Introductions were made and the woman was ushered over to Scarlett first for hair, then Serena and finally Clare. throughout the process she was amply engaged in conversation even complimenting on the space and what a great idea it was to convert a house into a beauty shop. On her way out she swore to rave about them to all her friends and she'd be sure to come back. 

The chairity event women were just as pleasent, putting Scarlett effectively on cloud nine. At one thirty sharp cloud nine was lost to the arrival of Marian. At Scarlett's back turn to the door it was Clare who went down to greet Marian. Shrugging out of her long orange coat Clare arrived just in time to have it tossed into her arms. "Can you just believe how this weather's changed on us? Of course it gives me reason to wear this new coat. Fetching isn't it?" Placing it on a peg Clare gave a curt nod following in her wake back to the room. Stepping into the room Marian feigned interest in Serena before zerioing in on Scarlett.

"Marian dear, it's so nice to see you-again." Clare and Serena shared a look as the obligatory cheek kiss was administered. "Now Scarlett you know I always look forward to my Saturday appointments. Only the best amusment happens here." It was an effort for Clare not to hide her face in her hand. Turning out her chair Clare patted it good naturally. It was time Serena was given a break. Heels clicking across the floor Marian sat down gingerly. Clare was sure royalty made less show of taking a seat.

"Marian don't you think the charity event those women are hosting today is a great way of giving to others?" Clare asked. Taking out a make-up wipe she went over her face being sure to get an remnents she might have missed. Not surprised at at it coming away clean she tossed it taking up her blush brush.

"I think it's a wonderful thing helping others in need. I'd tried to offer my help with the hall but something else snagged my attention. Too bad really, I could have made it the talk of the town." They knew that would only be possible when she was not. With gentle admisistrations Clare moved from left cheek to right only glancing in Scarlett's direction. "I'm sure it turned out fine for the event," Scarlett said. "Yes, you're probably right," she agreed. "I've no doubt they'll raise the money to reach their goal. They were such dears when they came in earlier," Scarlett added.

One eye flying open Clare had to jerk back in order to avoid poking her in the eye. "So it would seem they took my advice. I'd raved about you to them. You're welcome." Having made another point on the scoreboard she closed her eye. "Providing such exceleent service to our customers it's no wonder you recommended us," Scarlett shot back.

Looping an arm through Scarlett's Serena led her to the door. "Scarelett it's about time we had a snack, wouldn't you agree? We'll return shortly ladies." Thankful for Serena's quick thinking Clare mentally sighed. "Honestly your would think when a person sends business another persons way they'd be grateful," Marian sniffed. "She is grateful Marian," Clare said. finished with her eyes they snapped open. "Well it hardly seemed likely I'd get a thank you othewise. Don't forget, today my lips are to be done in red."