Chapter 23 #2
“Hold on a sec,” Akram says, raising a clawed finger.
He runs back to the van and gets something out of the back. I stare in amazement when he unrolls a large homemade poster once he’s returned inside.
“Let’s put this in the front window,” he suggests.
Akram’s artistic abilities are seriously impressive. The sign says in big bold letters: “Cocktail or mocktail and a blowout? We’ve got you covered! Pamper yourself in style. Harvest Festival weekend only!”
He’s embellished it with some cartoon-like drawings of fall leaves, pumpkins, a pair of martini glasses, and scissors and a hair dryer. It could have turned out really cheesy, but it looks surprisingly professional yet fun.
We soon discover that it also does a damn good job of luring in our first clients of the day, who appear quite eager for some of the pampering we have to offer.
For the next few hours, we both stay plenty busy.
While folks wait to get their treatment from me, Akram keeps them well-plied with drinks, light snacks, and conversation.
He knows just how to chat up his customers, and I can see why Akram’s Oasis is such a success.
Making a professional connection with him has already been more than worthwhile.
As I work, I take my time getting to know the residents of Mystic Hollow who sit in my chair.
After I finish up with a client, I take notes in a special notebook so I know how to do my best work for them when I see them again.
Today, I’m operating with the mindset that I’m meeting my future regulars.
A little before lunch, the very tall ogre waitress from the diner, Flo, comes in.
“Hello, boys! I’m here for a mocktail and a blowout before my shift at the diner. Do your magic!”
She sits in my biggest swivel chair and I have to pull out my small stepladder so I can reach her head.
“Oh, this is nice, honey,” she coos with pleasure. “It’s been far too long since we’ve had a hairstylist in town. And look at you, catering to all different Otherkind with these great chairs.” She flashes me a toothy grin. “I have a feeling I’ll be coming back here regularly.”
I beam with pleasure. “I’m glad you like the setup I’ve created. How did you hear about the salon?”
There’s a knowing smirk on her face. “Honey, Hal and I have been friends for a decade now. When he dropped by a few days ago to tell me you were opening your salon and encouraged me to come by, there was no way I’d say no.
Hal’s helped me a lot over the years. Heck, he’s helped just about everyone in town at one time or another. ”
My heart does that pitter-patter thing in my chest that happens whenever I think about my boyfriend, and my voice comes out in a faint whisper. “Hal asked you to come?”
She smiles. “He’s good people is Hal.” She pauses. “Well, he’s a good sasquatch, but you catch my drift.”
I swallow back the lump in my throat. “He really is. I’m not exaggerating when I say he’s the very best man I’ve ever met.”
Flo reaches out a large hand with manicured red nails and pats mine. “Hal’s been alone for far too long. I’m glad he’s found someone who appreciates him properly.”
I feel my cheeks flush, and I smile so hard it hurts. “He’s it for me and I’m it for him. We’re both in this for the long haul.”
Who would have ever thought such a magical thing could happen for me?
Flo chuckles. “I think most of us figured that out before the two of you did. Mystic Hollow is a small town, honey. All of us could see the two of you are meant for each other. I’m thrilled you didn’t take too long to figure it out.”
So am I.
“Me and Hal are meant to be, you got that right.” I clear my throat. “Now, why don’t we get you washed so I can give you the best blowout you’ve ever had.”
Twenty minutes later, Flo is preening in front of the mirror and clearly pleased with my work. The bell above the front door of the salon jingles, and I turn to see a gargoyle delivery guy carry in an enormous vase full of flowers and an accompanying balloon bouquet nearly as tall as Flo.
“Is Skylar Wright here?” The gargoyle asks, trying to peer around the enormous display in his arms.
I hurry over. “That’s me.”
I help him get the flowers and balloon bouquet situated at the host station by the entrance. As I stare at the surprise gift, my heart pounds like a bass drum.
“Who sent this?”
The gargoyle smirks at me as I sign the clipboard indicating I’ve received my delivery.
“I’d say someone who likes you an awful lot.” He winks. “There’s a card attached to the balloons. Enjoy.”
He saunters out, and Akram and Flo crowd around me as I open the card with a shaking hand.
Dearest Skylar,
Congratulations on your opening day, sweetheart! May your wildest dreams come true, and may your days ahead be full of pure happiness. I’m here to help you, and stay by your side, every step of the way.
All my love,
Hal
Flo sighs dreamily. “Now isn’t that romantic?”
Akram grins. “I’m happy for you both. Congratulations.”
“They were cozied up in the diner not too long ago and I could just tell,” Flo confides. “Those two are the genuine article. True soulmates.”
“All right, enough gossiping about my love life,” I grumble, all while secretly pleased by her words. “Let’s get back to work. Flo here needs another mocktail, don’t you?”
She pats her shiny hair and sashays over to Akram’s impromptu bar. “You know it, honey.”
I clean up my station and get things ready for whoever shows up next. But moments later, I’m surprised when the door opens and Hal’s friend, Ryder, strides in, looking around the place with open curiosity. I only met him briefly on the night I moved into the B&B, but haven’t seen him around since.
He doesn’t say anything at first, just pulls a small notebook out of the pocket of his jacket and a pencil from behind his ear and starts furiously scribbling something.
“Can I help you?” I ask uncertainly.
His tongue peeks out between his teeth as he finishes writing whatever in his notebook, then he closes it and puts the pencil back behind his ear. He turns his focus toward me and stares at me in a way that soon turns uncomfortable, like I’m some odd specimen he’s trying to figure out.
He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I’d like a haircut. We can talk while you work. I’m all about multitasking.”