Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
Zola
I glanced around the salon, wondering if anyone else was sweating like I was, my body on fire. Was it that hot in here?
No, it’s the damn man in your chair, girl.
Despite coming in here looking like he hadn’t gotten a haircut in a long time, he smelled amazing, and his handsome face held me captive. He was definitely younger than me, I’d guess his mid-twenties, from the look of his skin.
Different people sat in my chair, day after day, some becoming regulars, and some I’d only see once and never again.
It was the name of the game when it came to being a hairdresser.
But I enjoyed making people look and feel their best. And I’ve learned a lot over the years and how skin looked at different ages.
Plus, I had a knack for it. Like second nature, it came so easily to me.
Yet there was something about him that stuck out to me.
Made me look twice. Made me question why my body woke up around him.
In a way, I’d never felt before, not even before having my daughter eight years ago.
I also couldn’t shake the urge to know everything about him.
It filled me from top to bottom, choked me with it, so strong I couldn’t ignore it no matter how hard I tried.
Why bother fight it? I had him in my chair, so I might as well use it to my advantage. “Do you live around here?”
The younger man perked up, a smile stretching across his handsome face. “Yes. Not too far from here. I purchased a piece of land on the mountain with my sister.”
“Nice. It must be gorgeous.”
“It is. Especially when sitting outside watching the sun rise or set.”
I nodded, picturing the sky full of colors. “I’ve always wanted to live further up the mountain. But with it being just my daughter and I, I need something close to my job and the schools in town.”
“That makes sense. How old is your daughter?”
“She’s eight. Going on seventeen.” I laughed. “She gives me a run for my money, that one. I suppose I did to my mom too. I’m an only child, just like she is, so we sort of get what we want.” I said in a teasing tone. “Within limits, of course.”
“My sister was the same way. I think girls like to grow up faster. I always told her to slow down, there’s no rush to become an adult. Problems get bigger.”
“They sure do. What do you do for work? Sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”
“It’s Mateo. I’m a lumberjack. Studied carpentry in school. Now I make furniture pieces and other items out of wood by hand. My sister runs a boutique shop where she sells a lot of them.”
“That’s pretty cool. I heard about that shop opening in town. Hidden Treasures, is the name, right? I’ve wanted to check it out.”
“That’s the one.”
“What kind of pieces do you make? Do you have a certain style?”
“All kinds, from chairs to tables, to custom designs. I’ll add my own little touches, but I like simple and classic.” Mateo described.
The conversation flowed as I trimmed his hair and beard. It was almost like we were on a date, getting to know the other. And when it was over, I didn’t want him to get up from my chair.
“It was nice meeting you, Zola. This was the first time I enjoyed a haircut.” Mateo said, as he sat up straighter in the chair.
I unclipped the cape and brushed his neck off with a large soft bristle brush to wipe off the tiny hairs.
Then I finished up with a bit more setting cream and one last spritz of hair spray.
“Thank you. What do you think of the cut?” I stood behind him while looking at him in the mirror as he inspected the job. I held up the handheld mirror in the back so he could see all around.
“It looks great. My sister will approve. She set me up on a date and even paid for this haircut.”
My stomach fell.
He had a date?
Why does it matter? You don’t know this guy. You’ll probably never see him again.
“Nice!” I faked an enthusiastic beat to my voice. “She’ll love it, I’m sure.” My stomach twisted in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Like when I was back in middle school, jealous when my crush paid attention to any girl but me.
He held my gaze for a second longer than I expected, and a lump formed in my throat. I swallowed hard, willing it away.
When he said nothing, I cut in, needing to get away from him as quickly as I could so I could begin to forget him.
“If you head over to the reception desk, Mary will take your payment. Thanks again for coming in.” I said as I busied myself with cleaning my area.
Usually I’d walk my customers out, helping with the payment, but I needed a second to breathe before I brought this guy in the back and jumped his bones.
My daughter jumped into my head, and guilt ran through me.
This is stupid. What am I even doing? Grow up, you’re thirty-five for fuck’s sake. And a single mom. Think about your beautiful daughter, Charlotte. She’s all you need.
But you’re also a woman with needs…
“Thanks. Here’s a tip.” Mateo stepped next to me, jarring me from my thoughts. He placed a twenty down on my small desk.
My eyes found his and my whole body froze at the intense look in his stare. He was feeling me, the same way I was feeling him. It was all there, plain as day, written on his handsome face.
But…how?
He was younger.
He didn’t want an older single mom like me.
I screamed adulthood in so many ways his life didn’t. Why take on someone else’s shit?
My eyes focused on the twenty-dollar bill. “You…that’s too…Mateo…” I handed him the twenty back, unable to get the words out, but he shook his head. He backed up slowly and winked before turning and walking away.
Gripping the sides of my desk, I stared at the money, unable to focus, to tear my eyes away, to even stop my breathing, my chest rising and falling with rapid succession.
What the hell?
Who is he?!?!