One-Way Traffic, by Ceinwen E Cariad Haydon

My hairdresser, Jane Daniels, really gets me. I’ve been going to her for the last seven or eight years, since just after I married Dan. Dan’s not an easy man, though he’s a high carat looker. We’ve had our moments and I might have left him before now, if it wasn’t for Jane’s wise words. When my Dad died a month before my eldest was born, I struggled to hold it together, but our weekly blow dries kept me going. She’s laughed with me, sympathised with me and reassured me through so many life events, I don’t know how I’d cope without her. It’s down to her that I got my promotion last year, I nearly chickened out of applying but Jane wouldn’t have any of it. And, she made me look like a million dollars for my interview. It’s strange though, I know very little about her life, it’s all one-way traffic.

I’m having my colour done today. That means three hours with Jane, and God I need it. It’s Dan again: innocently, I opened his credit card statement. Three payments for meals in a swanky eatery, one I’d always fancied trying. The dates? When I’d taken the kids to Mum’s for half-term. He’s taking me for a fool, the bastard. Mustn’t do anything hasty though, he’s a good earner. Jane’ll put me straight.

The car park behind the salon is rammed, so I head for the supermarket. When I rush in, late, the receptionist smiles up at me,
‘Karen will be looking after you today. Jane’s left us.’ How could she? I run back to my car and sit there shaking. When I look up, I see Dan’s Audi in the petrol station and Jane Daniels is kissing him hard on the mouth.