The Chocolate Garden (Dare River Book 2) by Ava Miles Page B

would be alone with the children, and it was high time she started discovering more of what she enjoyed. Swinging seemed to top the list, but she’d only just gotten started.
    “Higher, Rye,” she called out.
    “That’s my girl,” Rye shouted and pushed her harder.
    Her blond hair rushed around her face, and she decided to lean back even farther and stretch her toes all the way to the stars.
    She had never felt more free.

Chapter 5
     
     
    Tammy had started the day on a high after ordering her new business cards, but a luncheon with the Dare River Ladies Circle had deflated her good mood. Her back was stiff as an ironing board as she walked down the sidewalk through the muggy heat to her BMW. After being asked to show some photos from Rye’s wedding, her new acquaintances talked nonstop about how lovely Tory had looked and how beautiful Tammy’s children were.
    All had been perfectly lovely except for one remark that had stood out. And it had been repeated so often Tammy had wanted to dab her napkin in her ice water and place it on the back of her hot neck.
    You look exactly like your mother.
    Being like Mama was the last thing she wanted.
    When she reached her car, her perfectly coiffed image was reflected back at her in the storefront windows next to it. The face, hair, and dress all made her Mama’s twin. Her knees buckled. Leaning against the hot car, she welcomed the sensation of the searing metal meeting her chilled skin. Didn’t care if her lilac linen dress was smudged with dirt now.
    Her eyes darted to a salon two doors down. She’d heard its name mentioned by some of the ladies at the luncheon as one of the best places in town.
    It was past time for a change.
    Moving before her courage failed her, she pushed away from the SUV and headed to the apple green door. The door chimed soothingly when she opened it, like raindrops set to an enchanting concerto. The salon had an earthy wood lawn scent, but underneath it, she could smell shampoo and hairspray.
    The woman manning the white reception desk greeted her.
    She took a deep breath. “I’d like to make an appointment, please.”
    “For when?” she asked.
    “Today, if possible.”
    “You’re in luck. Normally we’re booked up three weeks in advance, but Marie just had a cancellation. Her client’s husband had a heart attack this morning, bless his heart. Can you come back in two hours?”
    Tammy wanted to bite her French-manicured fingernails while considering. She knew she’d chicken out if she went home.
    “Of course,” she replied with more conviction than she felt.
    “Great, we’ll see you then. I don’t know if you’re planning on going home or staying around, but there are some lovely shops in the area.”
    “Wonderful.” She watched as someone swept up locks of blond hair, the same shade as her own, on the hardwood floor. Her chest felt like she was in a metal compressor.
    She could do this. She would do this.
    When she walked out, she had to breathe shallowly since she was light-headed. When the feeling finally passed, she looked around. The boutiques were upscale, and she knew Amelia Ann shopped here frequently, particularly at the edgier ones. If her sister hadn’t been at work at the law firm, she would have called her for moral support.
    But perhaps it was better that she do this on her own.
    Being responsible, she called her babysitter, Alice, to say she would be longer than expected, and entered the first of the stores Amelia Ann had raved about. She wondered if her sister had been using one of Mrs. Augusta’s methods: Drop hints until people do what’s best for them.
    Radical Southern had a lush peach door. The clothes on the mannequins were too colorful for Tammy’s taste, but the fabrics were high quality and tailored. Most had bias-cut necklines as opposed to the conservative ones she wore.
    Her sister’s wardrobe now boasted skinny jeans, tights, jeggings, and flowing skirts and dresses that symbolized her newfound