“My clients are loyal, and I bet my prices are more competitive than whoever The Hollows brings in.” She shook a bottle of Essie top coat. “I might not win over the people who live there. It’s hard to compete with the convenience of a nail salon in the lobby, especially on rainy days like yesterday. But my mortgage is paid off, and I make more than enough with my existing clientele to handle my overhead.”

“Final question. What’s your favorite part of owning a nail salon?”

She grinned. “That’s easy. Giving people a break from the daily grind of their own lives. For a relatively low price, my clients are pampered and leave far more relaxed than when they entered.”

“Fantastic answer.” Her reasons were similar to why I chose to be a lifestyle journalist, offering alternatives to the hard-hitting news by sharing uplifting stories that brought smiles to people’s faces instead of fear. While my stories might not make readers feel pampered, if done right, they’d at least provide an escape from the stresses of their own lives for a little while.

We continued to chat until it was time for the dryer, and it was the most enjoyable conversation I’d had with anyone in Pleasant Hollow, besides Finn, since arriving. Twenty minutes later, she assured me my nails were smudge-proof. With Laura’s permission, I snapped several photos of her and the interior of Twinkly Nails. Then I said my goodbyes, with no regrets over leaving a generous cash tip I couldn’t afford.

I stepped out onto Main Street and searched for my dad’s cloud in the sky. Laura was right. I felt relaxed…like things would be okay.

For the first time in over a week, I remembered what it was I loved about being a journalist. I was excited to talk to more people. Laura was passionate, ambitious, competent, and warm. I was surprised she’d lasted so long in Pleasant Hollow, where, at first impression, like-minded people seemed in short supply. If the second impression was the charm, I looked forward to getting it.

I didn’t have a story yet, but I was confident that when I revisited my notes in a couple of days, the answer would stare back at me like a hidden message revealed at last.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

Motivated by my success at Twinkly Nails, I was eager to keep the momentum going. I had no destination in mind other than skipping over Mel’s Hardware Store and Lickety Splits for now.

I skulked past the latter with my hand shielding the side of my face in case Jan was watching out the window. If Finn paved the way, I could make my own better second impression at both businesses later.