Betsy had just finished up with Heather, the local dental hygienist and her last customer of the day, when Alexis entered the salon. The surprise on Betsy's face didn't go unnoticed.
Alexis sat down in the small waiting area and admired the tasteful interior. Not trashy with loud music. More of an oasis.
Heather paid in cash, which Betsy appreciated. "Thanks, Heather. Enjoy the party. You look like a million bucks."
"That's why I only come here," Heather said with a girly wink.
Once Heather departed, Betsy sauntered over to the waiting area, slightly tense.
"Hi. Nice place," said Alexis.
"Thanks. Holiday party season is a big boost. Why are you here? Lip wax?"
"My sister runs a successful salon. I thought I should check it out in person." Alexis surveyed the creamy walls and small water feature. Different from the country style that dominated Betsy's home, more serene.
"So?" Betsy prompted.
"It's not what I expected," Alexis admitted.
"Well, I'm not an apple either, you know." Betsy placed an indignant hand on her ample hip.
"You are more pear-shaped," Alexis said, unable to resist tormenting her sister.
Betsy narrowed her eyes and Alexis responded with a wicked smile. It was a smile Betsy remembered all too well and one she'd missed more than she cared to admit.
"So what's it like running your own business?" asked Alexis.
Dropping her guard, Betsy plopped down on the arm of the chair. "Hard work.
And the kids are hard work. And my marriage is hard work. But it's all worth it."
"Good for you," Alexis said genuinely.
"Mom seemed a little upset when I talked to her earlier. Did you two have an argument or something?"
"Or something." Alexis sighed. "I told her a bunch of things she didn't want to hear. There may have been raised voices involved."
"Seems to be going around."
"I needed to get some things off my chest, just like you did," Alexis said, finally acknowledging their mall fight.
"Well, I felt better after I got that out of my system," Betsy said with a smirk.
"How about you?"
"It's different with Mom. She just doesn't see my point of view and I honestly think she's not being stubborn. I think she genuinely has a different version of events."
"Like she has a different version of you?"
Alexis glared at her sister. "Shit Betsy, does she come to you with everything?"
"Who else does she have?"
"Well, the infamous Good Housekeeping cake is done, in any event. So you're off the hook." She glanced at Betsy and noticed tears glistening in her brown eyes.
"What's wrong? Did you actually want to bake the cake?"