Page 104 of New Growth
“I’m so sorry about this,” I said quickly, moving toward her. “It’ll only take a moment.”
She waved me off with a kind smile. “No, it’s totally fine. I woke up late, so of course you took someone else.”
Relief washed over me. “I’m almost done. Chelsea will get you washed up in the meantime. I won’t charge you for the wash—I’m really sorry again.”
Chelsea shot me a look that saidyou owe me, but nodded and led the client toward the back.
I rushed through the last few sections of Hope’s hair, smoothing the strands down with my hands and barely fighting the urge to roll my eyes.
She turned to the mirror, fluffing the ends with her nails. “This looks a little flat, but I guess it’ll work for the photoshoot. Thanks, Ellie.”
“Uh-huh,” I muttered, biting down my annoyance.
“Don’t forget to talk to El for me,” she said, grabbing her bag. And just like that, she walked out.
Without paying.
Esther folded her arms, watching the door swing shut behind her. “The heifer could’ve at least tipped.”
I sighed and rubbed at my temples, a slow throb building between my eyes. “Stop.”
But she wasn’t wrong.
I waited until Chelsea returned and gave me a discreet nod to let me know my client was settled, then quietly slipped past them all and ducked into the break room.
The second the door shut behind me, I let out a deep breath, opened my purse, and grabbed my flask. I’d been off it all month, barely needing a sip. I cracked it open, took a long sip, and leaned back against the counter.
One sip turned into three.
Then I just stood there for a moment, eyes closed, letting the silence stretch.
Maybe I needed more than a drink. Maybe I needed space from all of it.
?
“How was the meeting with the editor?”
El let out a long sigh, swirling the wine in his glass before taking a sip. “Unnecessarily long. People underestimate the power of sending an email. Saves everyone time and money.”
I speared a piece of pasta, twirling it on my fork. “It might be better to connect in person. Discussions flow easier that way.”
El scoffed. “Yeah, well, not when I’m on a time crunch. Submissions are a month away, and I haven’t even started outlining yet.”
He rubbed his eyes, exhaustion creeping into his voice. “This might be one of our last nights out for a while, Peanut. I need to start pulling all-nighters.”
I nodded. “I get it. I need to focus on the hair show anyway.”
I pushed my pasta around my plate some more, debating my next words. The thought had been circling my mind all day, and if I didn’t say it now, I never would.
“Speaking of…” I hesitated. “Maybe we should start spending less time together. Like… sleeping in our own beds.”
El raised his glass to his lips, smirking over the rim. “I sleep in my bed just fine.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You know what I mean.”
He leaned back in his chair, studying me. “Why are you so obsessed with this? It works for us, Ellie. It’s not hurting anyone.”
“It could.” I swallowed. “It’s just cuddling now, but what if we become dependent? I’m not ready to date yet, but I’m sure you are. What if you meet someone and want to bring them home? Where would that leave me?”
