Chapter 1 #3
I hand it to her. “Look, I know this is probably a long shot. I don’t have a business degree or any fancy schooling.
My credit’s for shit because my ex took out fraudulent loans in my name, and I’m still dealing with the fallout from all that.
” I straighten my back and my resolve. “But I’m a hard worker and opening my own hair salon is my life’s dream.
I’ll give it everything I have if you give me a chance. ”
We’re momentarily interrupted when Cumar appears, setting down a steaming cappuccino with a leaf drawn in the foam. “Your usual,” he tells her.
She reaches out her hand and pats his arm. “Bless you, darling. One can never have too many cappuccinos if you ask me. Just put it on my tab.”
He smiles at us both and returns to the counter again.
Astraea sips her drink and flips through the pages of my proposal while I sit there sweating bullets.
I put a lot of work into my pitch, and I didn’t try to bullshit her with anything in there either.
My approach is to start small but classy and scale up over time.
Everything I’ve mapped out should be sustainable for the first few years until I get established.
I just need the start-up capital to get the ball rolling.
Eventually, she sets the folder down and grins.
“This looks solid to me. Mystic Hollow has needed a hair salon for ages. They used to have a barbershop back in the day, but it closed when the owner retired.” She taps one pointed nail on the closed folder and cocks her head at me.
“Do you think you could work with the diverse range of clientele this town has? There are more Otherkind here than there are humans, and their needs are vastly different than what you may have encountered before.”
My heart hammers in my chest, and I clasp my hands tightly under the table.
“My experience is mostly working with human hair, yes, but I’ve taken a few workshops on styling hair and fur for some Otherkind species.
I plan to continue learning and training so I can make every client of mine feel gorgeous when they leave my salon.
I’m confident I will pick things up fast.”
That’s one trait of mine that’s served me well over the years.
“How well do you think you’d fit in here as a new resident?” she asks, studying me carefully.
I shift in my seat. “Well, I can’t say for sure.
I’ve lived in the city all my life, so a small town will be an adjustment, but I like the peaceful vibe I’ve felt here so far.
” I give her a lopsided grin. “To be honest, I’ve found dealing with Otherkind preferable to dealing with humans most of the time.
I’ll be super dedicated to my clients, and I’ll work on building ties in the community with other business owners.
After all, in a small town like this, helping each other out means we’re all more likely to succeed. ”
Something flickers in Astraea’s eyes, as if she can somehow sense what I haven’t told her about.
“You show wisdom beyond your years, which is refreshing.” Her eyes go distant.
“Many come to Sanctuary Havens looking for safety and peace but often find so much more. No matter what brought you here, please trust me when I say that Mystic Hollow can heal your heart and soul, Skylar. It’s one of the fundamental reasons Sanctuary Havens were created.
Everyone here has a story, and many have painful experiences from their pasts, but Mystic Hollow has become their safe haven. It could become yours as well.”
Her words echo Cumar’s from earlier and suddenly my heart squeezes with an intense and desperate kind of longing.
“What I want more than anything is a place I can call home. Somewhere I can be me and don’t have to be looking over my shoulder all the time, you know?”
She tilts her head. “Since you mentioned starting over, am I correct in assuming nobody will be joining you here?”
I grimace. “Fuck no. I’ve pretty much decided to never date again. Giving up men, just like cigarettes.”
I hadn’t planned on outing myself so quickly, but Astraea doesn’t give off homophobic vibes. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s queer too. I’ve always had good gaydar.
She nods and gives me a mysterious smile. “Ah, I understand. You have other priorities. For now.”
I ignore that last bit and run a hand through my hair, wondering when and where I’ll get my next shower. “I’m one hundred percent focused on getting a job so I can save money to start my business,” I say firmly.
She suddenly stands, cocking her hip and resting a hand on it. “Then you’re in luck Skylar Wright. Consider me your miracle worker goddess.”
My mouth drops open. “What?”
She chuckles. “Come along. Bring your proposal and let’s head to Mystic Hollow Bank. They have several small business loans for people in precisely your situation. I’m sure we can convince them to give you and your salon a chance.”
I blink and continue to gape at her. “Really?”
It can’t possibly be this easy. Can it?
She brushes some nonexistent lint off her sleeve and smirks. “Darling, I’m a goddess. Let me show you how divine intervention works!”
She doesn’t have to tell me twice. I’m hot on her heels as she strides out of the coffee shop with full-on diva vibes.