Title: Pink disaster
author: Cindy Ryan
category: future fic, short story
summary: Sam has to deal with a uncooperative hair color

Actress Samantha Swift stared horrified at her reflection in the mirror. The hair dye that had been used on her hair for a tv commercial shoot earlier that day had not washed out as the hair stylist had promised. Sam had just got out of her second shower and her hair was still a vibrant neon pink. It was five pm on a thursday in September. Sam had a dinner date with her PI partner at seven thirty in west L.A. She had absolutely no time to go buy a wig, take another shower, or buy some other hair dye. What was she going to do? This color was not going to go with the dress she'd picked out. Sam knew she could call Eddie and suggest they eat in. Sam decided against that since tonight's meal was a celebration of a span of successful cases. She should just ignore the disaster and own the hair color. It was Los Angeles after all, no one would blink at the color. She might even get compliments.

With a sigh Sam glanced at the clock on her cell phone resting on the sink counter. She had a barely enough time to find a new outfit and get to the restaurant on time. Muttering a curse Sam went into her bedroom and threw open the closet door. She would make this work somehow. After all Eddie had done for her in the last two years she would not ruin tonight.


Private Investigator Eddie Valetik was perusing the menu when he heard footsteps approaching the back table he'd reserved for tonight. He looked up expecting his girlfriend and partner Samantha Swift. It was but Eddie did a double take as Sam reached the table. Over the past two years Eddie had seen Sam in a variety of hair styles and colors it went with the territory of being an actress. However the color she was wearing now might be visible from the space station.

"Hi."Eddie greeted fighting a laugh.

"Hi."Sam replied as she kissed him before sitting down. "Sorry, the hair dye from today's shoot didn't wash out as instructed."

"It's alright."Eddie commented a chuckle escaping despite his best efforts. "Though if you keep that hair color we'd be able to save on the electric bill."

Sam playfully hit his right shoulder with her menu. Eddie grinned.

"I like the dress though."Eddie complimented.

Sam was wearing a simple sun dress that was light gray in color with matching sandals.

"Thanks."Sam replied with a smile.

They placed their order a few minutes later when the waiter arrived. After the waiter left Eddie stood and leaned across the table and kissed Sam. As he sat down he took the actress's left hand in his and interlaced their fingers.

"Love you no matter what hair color you have."Eddie said softly.

"I love you too."Sam replied as she she squeezed his hand.

end