Chapter 42 In a while crocodile
In a while crocodile
It’s been a great couple of months since moving in with the boys. Work’s been busy, Sarah’s been amazing company, and things with Lucas have been… incredible. I’m starting to develop really strong feelings for him.
Honestly, I’m not even sure I want to move in with Dad when he arrives.
I told myself living with Lucas straight from leaving Sean was wrong, but everything with Lucas feels so right.
During the week, Rhonda—my boss—ended up letting Sandy go and Louise left straight after.
With most of the clients preferring Sarah and me, their days had become too quiet. Plus, they kept pulling the “sick” card too often. Rhonda was over it.
So, Sarah and I picked up a few more hours this week, and hopefully, that’ll continue.
I’m going to quit my job at The Tipsy Tap now that I’m getting more hours at the salon. The bar has been fun, but it’s not what I want to do long-term.
So during my lunch break today, I call my boss Mike.
“Camille!” He says happily.
“Hey Mike. How are you going?” I reply
“Good, good. What ‘bout you? What are ya calling for?”
“I’m good too. Well, I actually wanted to call to let you know I’ve decided to quit. I’m running out of time for a second job. I’m real sorry if that puts you in a jam.” I say sincerely.
“You’re fine mate. I get it. We’ll miss ya, but we’ll be okay. I’m happy for ya chick. I gotta head off now. But don’t be a stranger, alright?” He adds. “See ya later alligator.”
“In a while crocodile,” I say goodbye in the way we normally do. Knowing he will be fine, I don’t work enough to bother him too much.
Sarah and I just finished our last clients and are packing up for the day.
“What are you up to this weekend?” Sarah asks.
“I’m actually going to a family dinner with the guy I live with—Lucas. The one I told you about?” I smile. “I don’t really have plans for tomorrow. Probably just rest. How about you?”
“Nice! Yes, Lucas. Girl, you seem smitten. Your face lights up every time you talk about him. Your weekend sounds lovely.” She grins.
“Georgia and I are having a chill night at home tonight, then a movie and dinner date tomorrow. I feel like I spend all my time with her, and I don’t even care. I love it.”
“You’re such an amazing mum, Sarah. She’s lucky to have you. I’d kill to have memories like that with my mum.”
“You don’t do that kind of thing with yours?” she asks gently.
“Um… no. She died when I was young.” She reaches for my hand. “It really makes you appreciate how precious that time is. I just wish I could have one more girls day with her.” I smile sadly.
“Cam, I’m so sorry, Honey. I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like. You should come hang out with us one weekend.” She reaches out and holds my hand.
“I’d love that, how about this Sunday?” I say sincerely.
“Sounds great! Let’s meet at Gloria’s Cafe for brunch?”
We hear the front door open and look up—Rhonda walks in.
“Hey, ladies,” she looks between us. “Camille, could I have a quick chat?”
She gestures for me to follow her to the back room. Her eyes look glassy, like she’s been crying.
“What’s up?”
“I… don’t really know how to say this,” she begins. “I’ve decided to put the business up for sale.” Shock hits me, but I keep my expression neutral and let her continue.
“As you know, I’m not a hairdresser. So with me not being able to bring in money here…
Well let’s just say. This last year has been rough.
With Sandy and Louise basically just draining money; I’ve had to rely entirely on you to keep the place afloat.
And even though this week was better with you and Sarah, it’s just not enough to catch up.
I can’t keep going. I have to sell.” My mind is racing, but I stay quiet.
“I wanted to give you the first option to buy me out and take over. I’ll give you two weeks to figure things out, but if you’re not interested, I’ll put it on the market. I’m sorry, Cam. It’s just what I have to do.”
This is shit timing after quitting the bar. I’m stunned. But honestly, part of me saw this coming. I could always see what was wrong with how the business was run, but I felt powerless to change anything.
“Wow… I don’t know what to say. I’d love to run my own salon, but I need time to think about it—figure out if it’s even possible right now. Can I get back to you?”
“Of course. For you, I’d sell it for ten thousand. That includes all the furniture, stock, the business name Snips, clients and everything else. Rent would be your responsibility, obviously.”
“I’ll think about it, okay?”
“Okay. I won’t say anything to Sarah just yet—I don’t want her freaking out or quitting. I really need you both this month to help keep things going. Have a good weekend.”
She gives me a weak smile and walks out.
Sarah comes into the back room a minute later. “What was that about?”
I hesitate. “Oh, nothing… She was just asking about some clients. I’m heading home, you ready?”
“Yep, let’s go.”
We head to our cars and say goodbye.
On the drive home, I put on some Dean Lewis and let my thoughts shuffle through my head.
I’ve got about eight thousand in savings—maybe that’s enough or maybe I could get a loan? But is it even worth it? I don’t like the name Snips, and the place is so dated. I’d want to do a full refit. I don’t even know if I love the location either.
Maybe I’ll talk to Lucas.
He’s started a successful business—he might have some advice.