Amber Crewes [Crewes - King Cake and Grave Mistakes

It was a dull, dark evening in January, and twenty-seven year old Meghan Truman was fighting a serious case of the winter blues. Nearly three weeks into the New Year, the novelty of the holiday season had worn off, and Meghans life in Sandy Bay, a small town in the Pacific Northwest, felt drab and dreary. Meghans professional life was booming; as the sole owner of Truly Sweet, a quaint bakery that had gained enormous popularity over the last few months, Meghan could hardly keep up with the incoming requests for treats, and the new sets of corporate orders seeming to pour in each day.

I need to do something to perk myself up, Meghan thought to herself as she scrubbed the front counter of the bakery. Ive felt down in the dumps for the last few days. I wish I could call Jack.

Meghans heart sank at the thought of her tall, handsome boyfriend, Jack Irvin. With his blonde hair and bright blue eyes, Meghan swooned every time she looked at him. Jack was a detective, and for the next two weeks, he was out of town in New Orleans for a special training. Meghan had anticipated his time away would feel fast; her schedule was so busy, and she hardly had time for herself. Yet, while Jack had been gone for only two days, it had felt like two years.

Meghan glanced out at the gloomy night. The thick snow covering the town had melted into a gray mess, and the bitter winter sea gusts cut through Meghans coat every time she stepped outside. She longed for the mild winters of Los Angeles, the city she had lived in before moving to Sandy Bay, and even more, she desperately ached for the hot, humid winters of Texas, the state where she had grown up.

Suddenly, Meghan looked over at the bulletin board next to the rack of aprons and was struck with inspiration. Pinned to the board was a pamphlet from the salon in town, owned by her good friend, Jackie. Meghan remembered that Jackie was hosting late-night salon hours this week as a January special, and she grinned. She had sent her employees home hours ago, and after finishing her preparations for the next day, Meghan knew it was time to leave the bakery for the night. She looked down at her hands. Meghans palms were calloused from hours of kneading dough, her fingers had small abrasions from dicing fruit, and her cuticles were wild and overgrown. I know what Im going to do, Meghan exclaimed as she examined her rough hands. Im going to get a manicure at Jackies. Ill be right in time to catch her late night hours, and my hands could use some pampering. Everyone is gone for the night, my work is finished, and I think its time to take care of myself.

Twenty minutes later, Meghan skipped into the Sandy Bay salon owned by her good friend, Jackie. Meghan hadnt dressed up and had hastily thrown her long, dark hair into a messy bun, unaware of how upscale Jackies clientele would be. It wasnt until she looked down at the floor in the waiting area and saw designer bag after designer bag perched next to their glamorous owners.

Maybe I should have showered before leaving the bakery, Meghan thought as she peered at the other guests lounging in the waiting area. That woman is dripping in jewelry, and that man over there has shoes that must have cost him a fortune. I hope I dont embarrass Jackie with my messy hair and sweatpants; it looks like the people in here are way fancier than I expected.

Meghan fidgeted in her seat as she surveyed the waiting area. The spacious room was lit by three sparkling chandeliers, and the white tile floors were covered with Persian rugs. A fountain in the corner held several large, exotic-looking fish, and the receptionists desk was made from what appeared to be crystal.

Jackie never mentioned how nice this place has gotten, Meghan grumbled as a lithe, blonde woman glided into the salon.

Meghan!

Meghan smiled weakly as Jackie appeared. Thanks for squeezing me in, Jackie, Meghan told her friend as Jackie kissed her on both cheeks. The salon looks amazing, Jackie. When did it become so classy?

Jackie shrugged. My internet-based business coach, Donna, suggested that I spruce things up a little, she explained to Meghan. Donna thinks I should create an atmosphere for the clients I want, and the clients I want have a lot of money, she whispered to Meghan. During the holidays, I had some spare time, and I decided to do a little shopping to make this place shine.

Meghans eyes widened. It looks like you did more than a little shopping, she laughed nervously as Jackie led her back to the manicure room. This place looks so nice. I dont think Im dressed well enough to even breathe the air here, Jackie.

Jackie shook her head. Enough of that kind of talk, Meghan, she chided. You are a friend of mine, and you belong here. Come sit! I have just enough time to give you a fabulous new color and nail shape before my next appointment arrives. Oh, Meghan, I am so glad you called. Ive been dying to get my hands on your nails.

This is just what I needed, Meghan admitted as she settled into the plush red chair in front of the manicure station.

Good, Jackie agreed as she glanced down at her rose gold watch. Yikes. Meghan, I have another client scheduled for eyelash extensions that I completely forgot about. Im going to have my two assistants start taking care of you. Dolly? Polly?

Two identical brunette girls appeared by Jackies side. They looked young--Meghan guessed they were in their early twenties--and Meghan could not tell them apart.

Meghan, these are my assistants, Dolly and Polly. They are new to the salon, but I hope they give you the best experience. I know they will, right girls?

The two girls nodded, and Meghan smiled warmly at them. Its fine, she told Jackie. Well be fine.

Jackie scurried off, and Dolly lifted Meghans left hand into a small silver bowl while Polly moved Meghans right hand into a matching silver bowl. They worked in sync, both moving and breathing at the same pace. Meghan was mesmerized by their precision, and she stared as the twins pampered her.