Highlights to Heaven Read Free Page A

didn’t anticipate the marvel that met her eyes. Instead of rows of chairs facing wall-high mirrors on two sides of the room as in her salon, this place was a paragon of modern design and creativity. Directly facing her was a wave-shaped reception desk staffed by an attractive young woman with spiked black hair. Her silver metallic blouse shimmered like the curtains defining each station. Each chair came with its own mirror and utility cart and a sense of privacy. Curved furnishings and a blue and silver mosaic floor added to the modern appeal, but they didn’t compare to the neon-blue-ringed platform with a glass enclosure in the center of the room. Cutter Corrigan worked his magic on a client in full view of everyone as though he were a platform artist onstage at a beauty show.
    He spotted Marla and waved.
    “Can I help you?” the receptionist said with a bright smile.
    Marla focused on her perfectly made-up face. The young woman wore wire-rimmed eyeglasses and had relatively plain features, yet she had made herself look striking with cosmetics and style. It just goes to prove, anyone can be beautiful .
    She smiled in return. “I’d like to see Cutter. I’m the owner of Cut ‘N Dye Salon in West Broward. He used to be my teacher in beauty school,” she said, handing over a business card. “Is he nearly finished?”
    The girl glanced over her shoulder. “It’ll just be a few more minutes. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
    “No thanks.” While she waited, Marla ruminated on the staff members she needed to replace in her salon. Another stylist, a shampoo assistant, and a decent receptionist were high on her list. The last one was the most difficult to find. She sought an attractive, friendly person well versed in computers who could run the Elite Salon Management software program Marla had recently installed. It wasn’t easy finding a motivated individual with the skills she required.
    “Marla Shore!” Cutter said as he descended upon her. His medium-frame form embraced her in a bear hug. “How are you, dear?”
    Stepping away, she grinned at him. “I’m doing great, thanks. This place is wonderful. How long have you been here?”
    His pale blue eyes regarded her with pride. “It’s been almost seven years. I heard you have your own place, too.”
    She nodded. “I opened my salon eight years ago. You must have stayed on at the beauty school after I graduated, then?”
    “For a while, but after so many years working as a stylist in other people’s salons and then as a teacher, it was time to move on.”
    “Tell me about it! I never liked working for anyone else.”
    “A lot of stylists feel that way, but they’re not ready for the responsibility that comes with running a business.” He waved an arm.
    “As our reputation grows, I’m pulled away from the chair more every day. I have a business manager as well as an artistic director. But in order to run a successful salon, you have to do more than what the three of us do combined. How’s your staff turnover?”
    She cleared her throat. “Pretty high.”
    “Do you have booth rentals?”
    “Yes, although I’d like to get away from them. I want more control.”
    “Then get involved with your political associations.” He jabbed a finger in the air for emphasis. “If you join the state board, you’ll have a chance to influence decisions about our industry. Did you know I’m supporting a measure to prohibit booth rentals in Florida?”
    “I had no idea.”
    “I’ve been instrumental in forming a political action committee for the Professional Beauty Federation. Our aim is to raise awareness about the Cosmetologists’ Tax Fairness Act, similar to the one in the restaurant industry. If you want to make a difference, you need to participate in your professional organizations.”
    Marla swallowed, feeling as though she were back in class. “I belong to TSA.”
    He nodded sagely. “The Salon Association focuses on business. It’s good for