by Aspen Drake
“It is weird that he didn’t even ask for references.” Olivia looks me over again. “When he hired me, he had to meet with Ming and Nancy personally to make sure their reference was genuine.”
Frankie is nodding again while putting a stack of clean towels in a cabinet. “He’s made more than a few people run out crying during interviews.”
“Well, it was rocky there for a minute and he started to walk away from me but…I guess I convinced him otherwise.” I walk to the fresh towels and begin to fold them. “He totally changed his attitude when I mentioned Ming. Maybe he trusts her judgment after you?” I say to Olivia.
That makes perfect sense to her. “Yeah, maybe.” She turns to Frankie. “Well, anyway, I wanted to make sure she knew who to go to for anything.”
“Absolutely.” Frankie gives me another hug. “Anything you need, you just ask. And if you’re bored, you’re always welcome to help me fold.”
“Thanks, and I will.” I wave as Olivia drags me to her station.
There’s a post-it on her mirror.
Abbi cancelled. Marta will be in at 5:30.
-Paige
“Oohh.” Olivia guides me to sit in her chair. “This is perfect. I can do your hair.”
I grab a clump of my brown strands and hold them in front of me, inspecting the ends. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“Nothing’s wrong with it but we could take a few inches off and maybe add some layers.”
I glance at her through the mirror. “How many inches are we talking here?”
“Umm, three?” She smooths out a lock of hair and stops about five inches from the end. “Or four?”
My stomach clenches but I agree. “If you think it’ll look better.”
“I do.” She spins the chair around and drags me back to Frankie for the best shampoo of my life. His fingers are like a drug as they massage my scalp. I’d pay good money just for that treatment every day.
An hour later, I don’t even recognize myself. The golden highlights that reached the middle of my back are gone and I’ve got a blunt shoulder length bob. I love it.
I’m admiring my new look when I feel a warm body behind me. “That’s different.”
“Um, hi, Nate.” I turn and face him. “What do you think?” One thing I can trust from a gay is the truth about how I look.
His fingers flit through a few strands below my ear, barely brushing my lobe. A shiver passes through me at his touch. God, he’s beautiful. His face is only inches from mine and my stupid body leans into his touch before I realize it and pull back.
His cologne is faint enough to make me want to dive into his neck for more. It’s unlike anything I’ve smelled before. I inhale deeply then look up to see him watching me. Fuck.
“Olivia did a great job.” He drops the lock of hair and walks away.
Not exactly a compliment but at least I know she didn’t mess it up.
~**~
Gabi is already home when I get back to her place just after six. “I brought Chinese.”
As she sorts through some mail, I drop a bag of cardboard containers in front of her. She smiles up at me. “Well, you look much better than you did last night.”
“I got a job.” I slip into the chair across from her and start unloading the bag. “And I get to have lots of sleepovers with my bestie.”
Laughing, Gabi reaches for a fortune cookie and cracks it open. “Okay, I’ll eat to that.”
“Hey, you’re supposed to save those for the end.”
She tosses an unopened cookie to me. “Says who?”
“I dunno?” I look at it and try to come up with a reason to wait. “Maybe no one?”
“That’s what I thought.” She holds hers up. “On three.”
We count down together and pull out the slips of paper.
Gabi has a frown on her face as she reads hers.
“What?” I ask, curious about her expression.
“It says, ‘You will be offered the chance of a lifetime. Say yes.’”
I nod. “That sounds good. Mine’s a little more vague. It says, ‘Trust your intuition.’”
She shrugs. “Eh. I guess those are decent. Let’s eat.”
We each take a container and dig in. I’m halfway through my cashew chicken when Gabi starts the interrogation. “So where is this brilliant place that hired you?”
“Fierce Salon on Santa Cruz. It’s really high end and I know a stylist there so she got me the interview.”
“Fierce? Did you meet Nate Edwards?” She puts her chopsticks down in a rare display of food self-control.
“Yeah, he’s the one who hired me.” I shovel some fried rice in my mouth. “Know him?”
“Know him?” She barks out a short laugh. “I fucked him a few years back.”
My jaw drops and I almost choke. “What?”
“Yeah.” She has a dreamy look in her eyes as she gazes out the back window. “He’s so beyond gorgeous.”
“Isn’t he gay?” None of this is making sense unless he swings both ways.
Gabi laughs and looks at me like I’ve grown a second head. “Have you met him? He’s 100% slut but as far as I know, it’s always with women. Mostly model types. I think he was really drunk the night we hooked up.”
“When?” I whisper, completely fascinated by this new piece of information.
“Right before I met Matt.” She looks a little embarrassed as she comes clean. “We were at a New Year’s Eve party and both ended up in a dark room at midnight and just went for it.”
“You just met him and fucked him that night?” I’m astonished I’ve never heard this story before.
“Um, more like I met him and fucked him within about fifteen minutes.” She gets up and grabs a couple hard ciders from the fridge. “You’ve seen him. If he knocked on the door right now, I’d drop my panties and hop on with no questions asked.”
“And you call him a slut.” I have to laugh. “I can’t believe you never mentioned this.”
“Eh.” She shrugs and takes a long pull from her bottle. “It’s like one of the fantasies that you aren’t entirely sure happened so you don’t tell people because you’re afraid they’re gonna tell you it was just a dream or something.”
I nod, not completely sure what she means but not interested in a deeper explanation. I’m still trying to processes the fact that the beautiful Adonis that I’ll be working next to everyday is not gay and apparently fucks strangers at parties.
Not only that, during the few encounters I had with him today, he showed less interest in me than the confirmed gay guy. Talk about a blow to the ego. I guess this is the universe’s way of confirming I need to give up on dating for a while. I have an amazing opportunity with Fierce and I can’t blow it.
With a full belly, I finally turn my phone back on. Six missed calls and a list of texts I don’t bother reading.
“Did Shane call?” Gabi burps then laughs. “Excuse me.”
“Yeah. You’re both pigs.” I kick her shin lightly under the table.
“Maybe but I’m the cute little pink kind. He’s a disgusting boar that needs to be castrated.”
“Whatever.” I load the empty containers into the plastic bag and carry them to the trash. “He’s someone else’s dickless boar now.”
“Are you going to talk to him?” She grabs the leftover fried rice and takes it to the fridge.
“Nope.” I pull another cider out before she closes it and lean against the counter. “I may need to pick up some more clothes but I can wait til the weekend. He’s supposed to go to some convention thing on Saturday.”
“I’ll go with you.” She takes my hand and drags me to the couch. “But tonight, we find some Matthew McConaughey on Netflix and figure out what you need to list in the online ad we’re gonna post for you.”
“Online ad…like for a dating site?”
“Yeah. This way I can help screen the guys that are interested to make sure you don’t get stuck with another douche.”
“First of a
ll, I told you I’m done with men for a while.” I flick her arm. “And second of all, I’m glad you think so highly of my judgment.”
She settles on a movie called Mud. I’ve never heard of it but I curl around a throw pillow and get comfy.
“I just want to make sure you find the perfect guy next time. You deserve it.”
I yawn and put my feet up on the ottoman. “Thanks but no thanks. Maybe in a year or two.”
“Umm hmm.” She looks at me with one eyebrow cocked. “We’ll see about that.”
Chapter Eight
Nate
Since Marilyn gave me the truth about why Mom invited me to dinner, I’ve been in a bad mood. Apparently, Dad has a business associate with a daughter ‘about my age’ and single. That has to mean ugly or obnoxious or both.
Ugly I could probably handle but obnoxious is a deal breaker. I’ve been with obnoxious. I was with obnoxious two nights ago. I’m done with that for a while.
I don’t mind a quick fuck with someone I’ll never see again but I stay away from people that my family associates with. I learned that lesson when I was twenty and brought home a model that went from my bed to Roman’s on the same night. He was only seventeen.
We’re both lucky we didn’t catch something from her but I did learn never to bring girls home and Roman learned that he owed me for the rest of his life for that shit.
Despite my better judgment, I haul ass up the hill to the estate I grew up on. There’s a limo in the parking circle. This is unusual. Mom and Dad have wealthy friends but most like to boast about being young and virile enough to cruise around in little sports cars or luxury sedans. No one uses a driver to visit a friend for dinner.
I park my sporty Lexus behind the black Town Car. When I let myself in the front the house is quiet so I wander toward the kitchen. The sounds of muffled chatter is coming from my dad’s office. He’s sitting at his desk with a glass of scotch while another man is pacing the length of the room. I knock on the doorjamb to get their attention.
“I’m sorry to interrupt.” I nod politely at the stranger then look to my dad. “Where’s Mom?”
“Nathan, son.” Dad stands and opens his arms toward me. “We’ve been expecting you.”
I’m immediately suspicious. There is no reason for my parents to expect anything of me, much less my presence. They wrote me off as a reliable heir years ago. Now I’m just decoration at parties and a scapegoat for all that’s wrong in their lives.
“Why?” I take one step into the room then stop. “What do you need me for?”
Dad laughs off my skepticism. “Son, relax. I just want you to meet our guests.”
I turn toward the white haired man that is appraising me like a side of beef. “Hello.”
He takes one step closer and reaches for my hand. “Nathan, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I wait for an introduction but it doesn’t come. Finally, I have to ask. “And you are?”
The man laughs and pats my shoulder then pulls out a business card and tucks it into my left hand. “Harris Newport of Dorchester Valley Vineyards. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Well, that makes one of us.” I chuckle lightly then glare at my father. What the fuck is his game?
“Don’t be rude, Nathan.” Dad is playing the part of devoted father well. “Harry and his family are visiting to discuss some distribution options overseas.”
“Welcome.” I offer a brief nod before turning away. I’m not getting involved in anything related to the vineyards. Dad bought those as a pet project and they’ve become his obsession. “I’m going to find Mom.”
“Just a second, son.”
Shit. Here it comes. “Yes?”
“The Newports will be in town through the end of the month.” He takes a deep breath and appeals to me with his eyes. “And their lovely daughter, Audrine, has been bored to tears so far on this trip.”
“Is that so?” I hold his stare, imploring him to tread lightly so I’m not forced to embarrass him in front of his guest.
He ignores me and my warning. “I assured her that you’d love to take her on a tour of the city this weekend. She’s quite a lovely girl and wonderful company.”
“I wish I could but I have an engagement this weekend. Perhaps Roman is free.”
Just then, my asshole of a brother walks in and pats my shoulder. “I’ll be in Vegas this weekend but I’m sure Audrine would love to accompany you on your engagement.”
I take his hand off my shoulder and squeeze it. I don’t ease up until he buckles slightly under the pain. With gritted teeth, I look back toward Mr. Newport. “I’m sure that’ll be fine.”
“That’s for the impound retrieval, big brother,” Roman whispers in my ear as he shakes out his hand. “Now we’re even.”
I smile and lean into him. “We’re nowhere near even, fucker.”
He laughs and steps out of my reach. “Mom and the ladies are waiting in the parlor.”
He’s gone before I can kick his ass.
~**~
Audrina is a pretty girl. Just a few years younger than me, she’s surprisingly close to what I would choose in a date. Her legs are long and slim and her chestnut hair flows down to her waist. It’s stick straight and shiny enough for me to know she spends hours getting it just right.
Since I don’t do high maintenance, I quickly dismiss her as anything more than a one night fuck. But, since she’s here on business with my father, I don’t put much thought behind it. I’m much more focused on finding a way to get back at my brother.
I’m glaring daggers at Roman when a strong perfume wafts up my nostrils. I hold back a sneeze as I look to Audrina.
“So, Nathan, do you work with your father?”
I hold back a laugh and shake my head. “Definitely not. I’ve never been interested in his businesses.”
“No?” As she takes a sip of her wine, my eyes linger down to her chest. Her dress wraps around the front so I can see almost to the nipple of her small breast. It’s nice.
She notices my wandering eye but doesn’t comment. Instead, she leans closer as if giving me a better peek. “What do you do then?”
“I run a hair salon.” This is where I generally get dismissed as gay. That’d be best case scenario here. But I’m not so lucky.
“So you’re surrounded by beautiful women all day.”
“I am. It’s a rough life but I manage.” My mother catches my eye from across the room and offers an encouraging smile. “And what do you do?”
“Mostly business development but I’m also looking at some local real estate for possible expansion.” Her eyes are glued to my arms as I bring a glass of wine to my lips. They dart up to my mouth as I take a drink. I have to close my eyes to keep them from rolling.
“That’s cool.” Roman is with Mom and holding back a laugh. “Please excuse me.”
I don’t give her time to respond as I close the distance to my mom in a few long strides. “What’s this all about?”
Roman full-on laughs. “Dad told you he wanted you to entertain Audrina, right?”
I eye my mother. “He’s not serious, is he?”
Her eyes soften for a moment. “Honey, don’t be so dramatic. I know you entertain women all the time for your own benefit. You can do this favor for your family.”
My jaw drops. “Are you seriously pimping me out to get some wine deal signed?”
She laughs awkwardly and smacks my arm.”Shh.” She glances at the Newports to make sure none are within earshot. Dad has them all at the picture window overlooking his private vineyard. “We’re doing no such thing. We just want to make sure they all enjoy their time on the Peninsula so we can strengthen our relationship. It’s important for the business.”
“You knew about this?” I poke Roman’s chest but he curls away before I can really make an impact.
“Payback’s a bitch, big brother.”
Here’s a sneak peak at Fierce Salon: Episode 2.
Amy
When I walk into the salon at exactly nine thirty-two on my first official day, I don’t really know what to expect. I half expect Nate, the gorgeous owner that hired me without checking references, to tell me he was high at the time and ask me to leave the premises.
When I find him waiting at the front desk with the Wall Street Journal, I don’t know what to say. He doesn’t have that same problem.
“You’re late.” He puts down the paper and grabs a coffee cup.
“I’m sorry.” I glance at my phone and then at the clock on the wall. “I thought you said to get here at nine thirty.”
“I did.” He takes a sip and finally looks at me. “It’s nine thirty four.”
Well, now it is…it wasn’t when I arrived. “Um, okay. I’m sorry about that.” I shift from one foot to the other. “It won’t happen again.”
He nods once. “See that it doesn’t.”
Damn. Four minutes on the job and I’m already in trouble.
He walks toward an empty station in the back and I silently follow. When he sits in the chair I stop short, confused by what he wants me to do next.
“Put your things in the cabinet. The drapes and your smock are in the bottom drawer.” After a moment of me just staring, he finally notices I haven’t moved. “Is something the matter?”
Nate’s crystal blue eyes lock onto mine through the mirror. His features soften like he isn’t pissed anymore but he still doesn’t like me for some reason. I don’t know what I’ve done but it’ll take some effort to win him over.
That’s fine with me. I’ve been underestimated my whole life and I won’t let him or Shane or any other man treat me like I’m too stupid to take care of business.
I square up my shoulders and step to the cabinet. “Not at all. I’ll be ready in just one second.”
I open up my case and pull out my favorite shears then slip into the black smock with the words Fierce written across it in teal lettering. I really want this job to work out. I need it to work out. I catch myself tracing the letters with my fingers as Nate clears his throat. Where’s all this sentimentality coming from? I must be PMSing.
