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“I heard lab created stones are the sain But Marina cuts me off

“No, they’re not the same,” she says in a sharp voice “Lab created diamonds are for paupers What Mother Earth provides is ical profiles” But then her voice softens “It doesn’tears Perhaps you’ve heard of h? He’s quite well-known around these parts, and provides a lot of jobs to the city”

I nod, not really listening

“Maybe Gainesville is a sed into the news these days I have my job and my son, and that takes all my time”

Marina laughs with a note of scorn in her voice

“Yes, of course It figures Small town minds for small town people But my fiancé is a very wealthyat his company After all, he’s a major employer in this area Have you heard of Lancaster Industries? My fiancé’s name is also Lancaster: Patrick Lancaster, to be exact”

The spray bottle and comb aletting married to Patrick? How can that be? She’s a bitch, so what could he see in someone like this?

Evenon? The world spins and I feel suddenly dizzy I’er

“Uo to the woe in a reasonably steady voice

My co-worker stares at me

“Sure,” she says, taking the comb and spray bottle fro assistant at SexyFlow, and I’ll be prepping your hair Penny will be back in a moment to blow dry it”

With that, I race off to the restroo and I’ ured it was possible, but why? The pit in my stomach feels bottomless, and suddenly, nausea overwhelms me

7

Penny

After suffering a dizzy spell in the bathrooether and walk back outside

“It’s about ti me “My hair is drenched now, and I have a lunch date this afternoon I need to get out of here sooner rather than later, if you don’t mind”

I was numb noith shock I couldn’t even feel hatred towards the woman for her rudeness