Caroline was getting discouraged that Nicola hadn't called. She had been home about a week and tried to keep herself busy so she didn't hyper analyze why there had been no contact.

When she finally did call, Caroline was in the chair at her hairdresser's. Assuming it was her mum, she looked at the phone and broke out in a smile when Nicola's name flashed on the screen. She apologized to Sandy and said she had to take the call. Sandy put the scissors down and walked over to the water cooler to get a drink and give her some privacy.

"Hi, Nicola."

"Caroline, have I caught you at a bad time or do you have time to chat?"

"Actually I am at the hairdresser just now. Could I call you back in about a half hour?"

"Absolutely. I'll look forward to it."

"Me too. I'm glad you called. I'll call you from the car in a bit." Caroline looked at the phone and smiled as she pushed the END button and slid it back into her purse.

Sandy was watching her from a distance and noticed the energetic change in her body language. As she came back to stand behind her, she couldn't help but smile at her in the mirror. She picked up the scissors and started to cut her hair again and thought to herself that she hadn't seen her look so happy since before Kate died and her curiosity was killing her.

"That was a short call. Is everything all right," she asked coyly, knowing Caroline was intensely private and wouldn't give up any details easily.

"Yes. It was probably going to be a long call and I said I'd call back when we're done." Caroline quickly changed the topic to asking about Sandy's mum. She had broken her hip and was in rehab the last time Caroline was in her chair.

Sandy chuckled to herself as she knew what Caroline was up to and decided that after knowing her for the past 15 years she would push her a little bit to see if she could get any details. "Mum's on the mend. But how are you? Your eyes are getting their sparkle back a bit. Are you doing better?"

"It's getting easier. Flora is growing by leaps and bounds and my boys are doing great. I really have a lot to be thankful for and I am starting to focus more on the good things rather than the sad things," she responded.

"Good for you. Have you started going out yet? I know it hasn't been that long but I bet you have people lining up for you," she said softly.

"You're transparent, you know that don't you Sandy? One phone call and you're like a dog with a bone," Caroline observed.

"Guilty as charged so you might was well fill me in or I might lose my concentration and give you crooked bangs," Sandy teased.

"Is there such as thing as hairdresser-client confidentiality?"

"For you, absolutely," Sandy responded without missing a beat.

"Actually I could use a sounding board. I ran into a classmate from school on the plane coming back from the States. We had a great time reminiscing and I think she's interested in me. I think I could be in her as well but I just don't know if it's too soon or if I'm ready for any sort of a relationship," she began.

"Only you can decide when you are ready but I don't think it's too soon," Sandy offered. "What does your family think?"

"William is the only one who knows and he keeps hounding me to call her rather than wait for her to call me. That was the first call she's made since we traded numbers a week ago. As for the rest, I haven't talked to Mum or Gillian about it yet."

"Why not? What are you afraid of? Scratch that. From what you've told me about them I'll bet Gillian will tell you to jump in the sack on the first date and your mum will likely be anything but supportive if there are no male parts involved. How did I do," she asked.

"Yep. That's exactly what I expect from them. If I learned anything from Kate, though, it's that I have to just do what I think is right and not look for approval from anyone but myself. I just don't know what I think is right," said Caroline.

"What's the worst thing that can happen if you go out with this person and have some fun?"

"I could use some fun right now, that's for sure. But to be honest, I had a crush on her back in school and I am a little concerned that the reality may not be as good as the fantasy. Know what I mean?"

"Caroline, there's only one way to find out. When you call her, ask her out if she doesn't ask you out. But if she waited a week to call you, I'll bet she'll beat you to it," she said as she removed the smock and gave her a hand mirror so she could look at the cut from all angles in the big mirror on the wall.

"Do you want to schedule your next cut and color or call when you are ready," Sandy asked as she took her payment.

"Would you mind if I call for an appointment? I think I just want to get to the car and return her call," Caroline said with a bashful blush starting to rise in her cheeks.

"I wouldn't want it any other way. Good luck and remember, I want details when I see you again," Sandy said with a wink. In a flash, Caroline was out the door and it looked to Sandy like she was placing the call before she even unlocked her Jeep.