Page 151 of New Growth
She rolled her eyes hard. “Yes,Elliot.”
I started sorting through my supplies, letting the busywork distract me from the tightness in my chest. “Yeah. I did.”
“And?”
And I have feelings for him. And I kissed him. And I almost had sex with him.Twice.
“And nothing. He said he’s not interested.”
“Not interested?” she scoffed, laughing bitterly. “And why the hell not?”
I didn’t answer. Not because I couldn’t. I had answers. Plenty. But I was too damn tired to try and convince Hope of something she never wanted to hear. When someone didn’t respect a no, there was no answer that would ever feel satisfying.
“Because he wants someone young with her own shit and a fat ass. Not some old woman living in her daddy’s house.” Esther added, not looking up from her client’s hand.
My eyes snapped to her. “Esther.”
Hope turned like she was ready for war. “No one is talking to you, bitch.”
Esther dropped the client’s hand and stood slowly. “What did you just call me?”
“Hey, hey,” I cut in, stepping between them. “None of that. Not in the salon.”
The tension didn’t move right away, but Esther exhaled through her nose and sat back down. “Get your friend, E,” she said, shaking her head.
I nodded, then turned to Hope. “Let’s talk outside.”
She huffed and stormed out without another word, and I followed her to the back alley, the late morning heat already sticking to the back of my neck. I crossed my arms and waited for her tantrum to start.
She didn’t disappoint.
“What’s going on? What’s your problem?”
“My problem?” she snapped. “You were supposed to put me on with Elliot. Did you even try?”
I closed my eyes, massaging my temples like that would do something. “I did.”
“And?”
“He’s just not interested, Hope.”
“Why?!”
“Can you calm down? It’s not that serious. You can meet other guys—”
“What exactly did he say, Ellie?”
I hesitated, knowing the real reason would only bruise her ego worse. “He said… because we’re friends, he wouldn’t do that. It’s about respect.”
She rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might stick. “That’s so stupid.”
“It’s his decision.”
“We ain’t even that close,” she muttered under her breath.
Wow.That one landed but I didn’t respond.
She looked me up and down with disdain as if I had something to do with it.
