Page 14 of Emergence and Ascendance

"Okay…so why do you think you need to let it go? Shit, everyone I know is natural. It's either locs or just straight up natural hair."

Tezni and I both went natural during college and our resources were limited. She studied and learned so much about natural hair to make sure ours didn't look a hot mess that she ended up starting an entire in-house salon in the dorms sophomore year. That moved to the apartment we shared junior and senior year. After graduation she worked at several shops before coming to me with the idea about starting her own. We worked on a business plan, she got a loan, and Hair Harmony took flight. She refused to let me fund the launch of her business but I forced her hand and assisted with furnishings she needed like style seats and supplies.

Hair Harmony took off but then things took a nosedive when Tezni partnered with a manufacturer to mass produce her organic hair products. She lost so much money, never really fully recovered, and refused my help, stating she would figure it out. I was trying my best to let her but she was my heart and I didn't like seeing her unhappy or struggling. I also understood Tezni's need for independence and to make this work on her own.

"I have consistent clients, but I've also lost a bunch. The area around the salon is not the greatest anymore and clients don't want to make the drive. They're willing to do in-house. The upcharge to travel is good but that means I'm driving all over the city and hardly ever at the salon for those who still come there and it's just a lot."

"Can I help?" Tezni was just as stubborn and independent as me, so I learned asking if she wanted my help versus demanding she accept it was the best course of action.

"If you can magically pull a solid clientele for me out your ass, then yes. If not, then I'll figure it out."

"Well…" I grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved it in my mouth. "I haven't shitted clientele in a while but I'll see what I can do for you, friend."

She sputtered a laugh and tossed a few kernels at me. "You're an ass but a lovable ass."

I playfully brushed my shoulder. "I do what I can, but seriously, I know you love that shop. Have you considered a new location?"

"I have and I can't afford it. I'm still trying to come out of the red after that deal with Jux."

Jux Manufacturing, who'd screwed her.

I nodded in understanding. "You'll let me know if I can help, right?"

"I will."

I narrowed my eyes and she rolled hers. "I will. I promise, and in fact, can you help me find some locations to consider? Even if I can't afford it right now, I do know it's necessary."

Progress…

"I'll get a list of areas together that will work for what you need, have the appeal to bring in the clientele you want, and are still affordable."

"I appreciate you." Her words were sincere and I blew her a kiss. "I can't believe you're leaving next week and will be gone for a month. I'm going to miss you."

"Says the woman who made sure to keep me there for a month by forcing me into a contract as a living blow-up toy."

She almost choked on the popcorn. After clearing her throat and downing several gulps of wine, she adjusted. "I'm trying to help you figure out what's next in your life and you're stubborn as hell. The transition requires a gentle but firm shove."

"There was nothing gentle about what you did, Tez, manipulation, credit card theft, and boundary violations." I side eyed her.

"I will agree to all of that except the credit card theft. If I purchased something for myself, that would apply, but I paid your membership."

"To a club I had no interest in being a member of, hoe."

She shrugged, as if unbothered. "But the point is, I'm going to miss you."

"As you should."

Tez shot me a bird then lifted from the sofa, taking the popcorn with her. "I need real food. Let's order."

"On it." I was already reaching for my phone to swipe through our usuals. Being without my girl for an entire month was going to be hard because what the hell was I going to do with my time?

Get spanked and fucked…

I groaned and pushed the thought to the back of my mind because after all the videos I watched, I wasn't sure I could do this. But like it or not, I was going to try.

four

Christian.

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