Chapter 6 Emmie
EMMIE
“Hey, guys! Welcome to Claws and Curls. What kind of cuts are we going for today?”
Bart is quick to respond. “Please don’t buzz me! I finally like my hair!”
I can’t help but laugh, half at his response and half at his dad rolling his eyes.
“There’s nothing wrong with a buzz cut.” Creed’s response is curt, but his eyes show a hint of embarrassment.
“I don’t mind it in the summer, but I like the length of the top right now.”
“So how about I trim the back and the sides? I might style the top just a little bit, but we’ll largely leave the length there. Would that work?”
Bart smiles, jumps into the chair, and we get started. When I look back, Rowan and Jim are playing with the toy cars in the corner, and Creed has found an empty chair to sit on.
“Claws and Curls. Explain that to me.” Creed is looking around the room, taking it all in.
“Well, I love doing nails and hair. Many hair stylists shy away from curly hair. But I actually have women drive from two hours away to have me maintain their curls. So, the name seemed fitting.”
Creed grunts, but his eyes continue to roam around the room. He smiles slightly when he sees the two younger boys playing in the corner.
Looking straight at Creed in the mirror, I start talking to Bart. “Has your dad always hidden his soft side under all that sarcasm?”
Bart smirks, and Creed is quick to respond. “Don’t tell her my secrets, Bart. I’m a hardened man. Cold. Unfeeling. Practically a villain. Ignore the fact that I once let a kitten nap in my toolbox.” Bart rolls his eyes in his dad’s direction.
I turn my focus to Bart. We chat about how fourth grade is going, how excited he is to be in his last year of elementary school next year, how he likes the new town, plus his plans for the swimming pool and baseball this summer.
He’s a super friendly kid, and it makes me wonder what happened to his dad to make him so gruff.
“Emmie, this is awesome! Thank you!” Bart can’t hide his excitement when I turn him around to see the final look.
“It should be pretty easy to manage. You might need to run a comb through the top, but the back and sides will be a breeze. You can even add some gel if Dad is ok with it.”
Bart crinkles his nose, and I figure that suggestion won’t be happening anytime soon.
“My turn!” Jim comes running up and all but bounces into the chair, barely leaving his older brother time to vacate it.
I chuckle and see Creed smirking out the corner of my eye.
“What kind of cut do you want, kiddo?”
“I want to look just like my big brother!”
Bart is quick to respond. “No, I want this to be my look. Figure out something for yourself.”
“I actually like Dad’s buzz cuts.” Jim has a sheepish grin on his face, looking over at his dad.
Creed speaks up. “Haven’t you always wanted to try a mohawk? What if Emmie buzzes most of your hair, but leaves a half inch mohawk down the middle?”
Before I have even fully processed what Creed is suggesting, Jim is squealing yes, and I know what I’m doing.
With most of his hair getting buzzed off, Jim’s new ‘do takes only a few minutes. During that time, he is happy to share all the happenings in second grade. Rowan sometimes chimes in with his take, Bart flips through a magazine, and Creed tries to pretend he’s not listening to every word.
When I turn the chair around, Jim is all smiles. The second I have the cape off him, he’s running around the salon like superman.
“My mohawk gives me superpowers!”
We all laugh.
“You boys head out to the truck. I’ll be there in a minute.”
Bart and Jim make a mad dash for the door.
“Rowan, can you please get all the toys picked up and put away? Creed, let me get your total ready.”
Creed stands up from his chair slowly, making his way up to the counter.
“Those were easy cuts, and it didn’t take too long. I’m giving you 50 percent off since this is your first visit. Any time the boys need another, I’d love to see you back here. But if you go back to buzz cuts at home, no judgement.”
Creed smiles. “You don’t need to do me any favors. I’m happy to pay full price.”
“You’re a single parent. You should take any favor you’re given.”
Creed hesitates. “Maybe. But how about this? Let me take you out to dinner next Friday. Then I won’t feel so bad for getting the discount today.”
My panties immediately dampen. Ever since the day I first ran into this studly man, I’ve been dreaming of him taking me on a date and having his way with me. But now that there’s a possibility of it actually happening, I’m almost awestruck.
I look down, sure my face is flushing. “I’d really like that.”
“Good. I think I can get someone to watch the boys. What time should I pick you up?”
I look at the books right in front of me. “My last client should be done at 5:30.”
“Perfect. Want me to pick you up here or at your house?”
“Here works, if that’s ok.”
“See you then.”
And just like that, Creed pays, flashes me that rare genuine smile, and walks out the door.
“Mom, do you have a date?”
I had totally forgotten my son was still in the room, which is odd for me because I’m so used to being in mom mode.
“Yea, bud, I guess I do.”
“Does that mean I get a sleepover with Grandpa and Grandma?”
“If they are free, yea.”
“Yippee!”