Page 194 of New Growth
“I agree,” I said, smoothing my apron as I met Hope’s glare. “Get out.”
She blinked like she hadn’t heard me. “What?”
“If you don’t like me, and we’re not friends,” I said, tilting my head, “then why the hell are you in my place of business?”
Hope hesitated. But I didn’t.
“Just get the fuck out,” I repeated. “Seriously. And don’t come back.”
Her mouth parted in shock. “You’re kicking me out?”
“I am,” I said. “And don’t worry about the expo. I don’t want your energy anywhere near it.”
She stepped forward like she might plead. “Ellie—”
“Now, Hope,” I said firmly. “Get.Out.”
Esther crossed her arms and added, “You heard her. Get your trifling ass out.”
From the reception area, Johanna clapped. Chelsea smiled like she’d been waiting for this to go down.
Hope glared at me, breathing hard, hands curled into fists at her sides. But she didn’t say another word. She turned on her heel and stormed out, the salon door slamming shut behind her.
Silence settled for half a second before someone muttered, “About time.”
I took a breath then turned to my client. “I am so sorryabout that.”
She shook her head. “Girl, are you kidding? I just got a front-row seat to the most entertaining episode ofEL’evations. You’re good.”
I smiled, finally able to breathe again.
Esther leaned over and whispered, “You want me to write Hope’s name on the banned list?”
I nodded. “Use permanent marker.”
I swallowed down the tightness in my throat and turned back to my client, pasting on a smile I didn’t fully feel. My hands moved out of habit but my thoughts were somewhere else entirely. Still wondered if I could’ve done something differently.
But no.
Not this time.
When my last client left with her freshly styled curls, I finally allowed myself to exhale. I swept up the hair clippings, wiped down my chair, and leaned against the station mirror, staring at my reflection.
Tired eyes. Tight jaw. All the glow I walked in with, courtesy of El, was now gone.
Esther appeared beside me, arms crossed over her chest, a single brow raised.
“You good?” she asked, not unkindly.
I nodded, even though I wasn’t sure. “Yeah. Just… tired.”
“Mmhmm.” She tilted her head, appraising me like a puzzle she already knew how to solve. “Sit your ass down. I’m doing your nails.”
I blinked. “What?”
“Don’t argue with me, El.” She grabbed her kit before I could protest and patted the empty chair at her station. I sat and Esther got to work in silence.
“You should get dressed up tonight,” she said suddenly, eyes still focused on my fingers. “Let El spoil you a little.”
