Page 38 of Cut up
Footsteps. I freeze.
Lucas walks in, eyes down, glued to his phone. He looks up, startled when he notices me.
“Hi,” my voice calm despite the fact that I’m standing here nearly naked.
He looks me up and down, something unreadable in his expression.
“Uh—hey. Sorry if I scared you,” His fists are clenched, like he’s holding himself back. I kind of wish he wouldn’t. “Just had to grab something from my office.”
His eyes linger over my body, and I remember hehasseen me naked before. I squeeze my thighs thinking about the last time and how much I’d like to do that again. I bite my lip.
Then in walks Tyler. “Come on, Lucas did you get it?” His eyes widen in surprise when he sees me half-dressed in the kitchen.
Without a word, I turn and hurry back to my room to change, feeling awkward and exposed. By the time I’ve pulled on my black high-waisted jeans and work shirt, they’re gone.
I don’t know why it felt so awkward. They’ve seen that much of my skin when I wear my bikini.
My phone buzzes.
Danielle: See you this arvo girl! <3
Me: Can’t wait :)
I blast some Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams through my car speakers on the way to work.
When I pull into the car park, I spot Sarah heading in too. Today is going to be a good day.
“Hey! How are you?” I greet her with a quick hug.
“I’m good. Just dropped Georgia off for her first day, and honestly, I feel sick,” she admits. “I know it’s the first day for a lot of them, but I’m so nervous for her. It’s a new town and a new school. I just wish she knew someone. But she’s brave. I’ve got to remind myself that she’s got this.”
“Aww, Mumma bear. I don’t think you’ll ever stop worrying, it just shows what a great mum you are. A clean slate might be exactly what she needs. She gets to choose who she wants to be here.”
“Thanks,” she says with a soft smile. “You’re right. I just have to hope she makes good choices. Either way, I’ll be there for her.” As we walk inside, Rhonda looks frazzled at the front desk.
“Oh, thank God you’re here! Sandy and Louise both called in sick,” her eyes wide looking between us. “Sandy didn’t have any clients, but Louise had a full day. Sarah, do you know how to do perms?”
“Yep, I can perm. I’d love to help,” Sarah says with genuine excitement. It’s the perfect chance to show Rhonda what she’s made of.
“Great. Thank you! Well, I’ll leave you ladies to it then” Rhonda grabs her bag and bolts.
“Well, looks like it’s just us,” I say to Sarah.
“Do they do this a lot?”
“All the time. They complain when they don’t have enough clients, but then cancel whenever it suits them. No wonder they can’t keepanyone coming back,” I try not to sound too bitchy. But honestly, I’m over it. I saw them tagged in a photo on Facebook late last night doing shots—Tequila Tuesday at the Mexican joint. Definitely not sick.
“Well, their loss is my gain. I actually like doing perms,” Sarah says cheerfully.
“Great, because I hate them,” I laugh. “I’m all about lived-in colours. Something low-maintenance but beautiful. I’ll do almost anything, except a perm.”
She laughs. “I’m happy to do them all for you! Let’s get started.”
We set up for the day and blast a pop playlist, no Rhonda, Sandy or Louise, means we get to control the vibe.
The day flies by, especially since it’s a short day today.
After we finish our last client, we have a debrief.
