She looked out the window of the car as tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t believe this was happening. A month ago, they were living in their cozy two-bedroom home and now they were living in their car. The medical bills had piled up. Her job couldn’t pay the bills or necessities. Soon the call came from their landlord that they were going to be evicted. Her mom left her high paying cosmetics job because they diagnosed her with cancer and Haven had to step up and handle it all.
Haven hung her head in shame. “I’m so sorry this happened, Mom.”
Sherri looked over at her from the passenger’s seat. “Oh Haven, it’s not your fault. We will be back on our feet soon enough. I’m thinking about falling back on my cosmetology degree. I can watch some videos online and catch up on the latest and greatest trends. I can still make people look good.”
Haven ran a hand through her hair. “Now what?”
“Well, you know a lot about clothes and fashion. Maybe we could market ourselves as a package deal. You can dress people and I can bring out their natural beauty or handsomeness.”
Haven looked over, doubtful. “Who’s going to hire us for hair and makeup?” Haven asked.
“Do you remember I told you I toured with a country singer named Granger Steele?” Sherri asked.
Haven shook her head. “Yeah,”
“I was his hair and makeup gal. Maybe you and I could get a job together working in hair, makeup, and fashion.”
“Did you enjoy that?”
“I had a blast,” Sherri said.
Sherri had just graduated from cosmetology school and had applied to several jobs. She saw an ad in the paper for a local singer who needed a hair and makeup lady. She applied and a few days later got the call from Granger Steele. They met at a local cafe and ironed out the details and the rest was history. They traveled all over the Midwest that first summer and became fast friends. Granger was a funny, kind hearted, talented singer that the crowds loved. He had been to Nashville several times, but no one had called yet.
Then the magic call came. A label in Nashville was interested. He went and did his showcase and they signed him up the next day. Granger came home, and they went out to celebrate. Granger, his girlfriend, and Sherri. That’s when he asked her if she would accompany him on the national tour. She agreed and signed the papers and by fall they were on the road. Sherri was living the dream, traveling all over the world. She was making more money than she ever had in her life. Sherri and Granger went on five tours together. She watched her friend as he proposed to his girlfriend, was there when they got married, and went to visit when they had their only son, Gunner. Then everything crashed.
The summer after their fifth tour together, Granger died in a motorcycle accident. He was going through an intersection when a semi ran a red light. Sherri caught her breath at this memory. It still tore her apart after all these years. Gunner was only two. Sherri’s eyes watered as she remembered the funeral. There was media everywhere. Gunner sat in his mom’s arms, crying, while she did her best to hold it together. Sherri went through and paid her respects, and that was it. She never spoke or saw them again. Life went on.
Haven heaved a frustrated sigh. “I need to look at other jobs. Something to help pay the bills again. And maybe at least rent us a motel room each week to live in. No matter what, I’m determined to find another job. I can’t live like this forever and neither can you.” She logged onto the job site and applied for several jobs over the next few hours.
A few days later, she got a call from the local animal shelter. Two days later, she went for an interview. She felt herself relax when she walked into the lobby. She had always loved animals and thought working at a shelter would be fun. The manager asked the usual questions and then she asked the kicker. If Haven will work in all areas. She froze at this and mumbled something. As she walked out, she knew she didn’t get the job.
The next day, Sherri got a call about a receptionist job she applied for. Haven dropped her off at the doctor’s office and waited. She returned half an hour later with a dismal look on her face. She let Haven know they told her she wasn’t a good fit because she didn’t know all the latest computer software. Then the lady asked her how much she enjoyed working in cosmetology. Sherri said she loved it very much and then the lady mentioned her brother owned a local funeral home in town and was looking for someone to do cosmetics. Then she gave her his card and sent her on her way. Haven and Sherri both chuckled about this.
The next day, Sherri got into the funeral home site and applied. Haven had an interview later that afternoon at a local diner for a server position. The interview went as usual. We’ll be in touch. Three days later, Sherri had her interview at the funeral home. Although both women were hopeful, neither heard anything by the end of the week.
It was back to the drawing board. Haven let out a big, frustrated sigh Friday night as they sat in the car after eating deli sandwiches, chips, and soda for dinner.
She looked over at Sherri, desperation in her eyes. “What are we going to do, mom? All these interviews have led to squat.”
“I know, honey. We will have to be patient. Instead of looking here, we should look at jobs in bigger towns.” Haven sighed, frustrated by everything. She glanced over to see her mom perusing jobs and saw a smile flash across her face.
She glanced back at the screen, typing away. “Done,”
Haven looked over at her, puzzled. “What do you mean done?”
Sherri grinned at her, excitement building in her heart. “I looked at jobs in the bigger cities around here. I saw an ad from someone needing a makeup and wardrobe artist, so I applied. I’m sure with my background I’ll get it and when I do, I can pitch you to work with me as my wardrobe assistant.”
Two days later, Sherri was scrolling through her emails and couldn’t believe her eyes. It was a response from the person who needed the artist. They wanted to meet her the following day to talk about the job. She made a noise, and Haven looked over at her.
Haven looked over at her. “ What’s up?
Sherri dipped a fry in ranch dressing. “I got a response from the hair and makeup ad I applied to and they want to meet with me tomorrow.”
Haven’s eyes popped. “Cool. Where is it?
“Over in Pierceville.”
They got a hotel room. After putting the clothes on hangers and loading what personal items they needed in a duffel bag, they headed into the hotel and found their room. Haven had a calm, peaceful feeling that night when she went to bed. Maybe something would work out this time.
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