Page 195 of New Growth
I raised a brow. “Tonight?”
“Yes, tonight. You deserve to feel good after all that drama. Wear that red silk dress. The one that makes him lose his whole damn mind.”
A smirk tugged at my lips. “He really does love that dress.”
Esther nodded in approval. “Exactly.”
Across the salon, Johanna poked her head out from the reception desk. “If you’re getting cute tonight, let me do your makeup!”
“I already called it!” London piped up from the back. “I’ve been dying to try that dewy look on her. With the shimmer liner and glossy lips? Chef’s kiss.”
“She doesn’t want that goddamn granny makeup,” Johanna argued, rolling her eyes. “She needs a smokey eye. Sultry. Sexy. Give the man something to dream about.”
Chelsea leaned over the counter, twirling a comb between her fingers. “Okay, but let me do your hair. You’ve got the perfect twist-out going right now for a French roll.”
Johanna grinned. “Yes! Classy with just ahintof sluttiness. Perfect balance.”
“Y’all are ridiculous,” I muttered, but warmth spread through my chest. These women really weren’t just coworkers, and maybe that was the part Hope never understood.
“Fine,” I said with a soft laugh. “Do whatever you want. Just… remind me to text El and tell him I’m dressing up, so he better plan something nice.”
“You won’t need to,” Esther said with a knowing smile. “Something tells me he has it covered.”
?
“And then the girl had a full-blown crash out in the middle of the salon,” I said, still half in disbelief.
“Seriously?” El asked, his tone laced with concern, even through the phone.
“Seriously, Puddin’. She said she didn’t like me. Called me a drunk. Said I was just like Ryan. Then yanked the extensions out of my hands in front of clients.”
“All that because I sent you flowers?”
“Apparently,” I muttered, still irritated.
“Jesus,” he breathed.
“I know.” I exhaled hard, leaning my head against the cool car window as the driver turned into the familiar tree-lined avenue. “I had to kick her off the model list for the expo,” I added. “There was no other choice. I can’t let that mess up everything me and the other girls have worked so hard for.”
There was a pause. I could almost hear him clenching his jaw on the other end.
“Damn.” His voice was lower now. “I’m so sorry, baby. That’s… a lot. Are you okay?”
I glanced down at my dress, smoothing the fabric over my lap.
“I’m good now,” I said gently. “Just had to get it off my chest. But let’s not make it the focus of tonight.”
“It definitely won’t be,” he promised, voice warm and sure in my ear. “Are you here?”
“Pulling up now,” I said, just as the car slowed to a stop in front of Tony’s. The valet opened the door, and I stepped out into the evening air. “And thank you for sending the ride, by the way. Classy touch, Mr. Greene.”
“Of course,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “When you get inside, give the hostess my name.”
My brow furrowed as I walked toward the entrance. “Why? Can’t you just tell me where you’re sitting?”
“New rules, baby. She’s gotta escort you over.”
“Since when?” I asked, suspicious.
