Page 32 of New Growth
“Okay,” she admitted grudgingly. “That’s impressive. I didn’t think you actually had it in you.”
This woman would not just give me my props, huh?
“You doubted me?” I teased.
“I mean, yeah,” she said with a smirk. “But I stand corrected. You did your thing.”
Esther hugged me tightly, her joy contagious. “You’re amazing, Ellie. Seriously.”
“Thanks, Es,” I said, feeling the warmth spread through my chest. It felt so reassuring to prove myself worthy of being here. Esther was right; all I needed was a purpose.
“So, what now?” Esther prompted.
“Now. I think it’s time to put my skills to good use,” I beamed, even though my nerves were on edge with this announcement I was about to make. “I want to open my own salon.”
Esther’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes, yes, Elliot! I love that idea. Are you going to do it here or back in your hometown?”
I shrugged, knowing that my response to these questions was going to shake their faith in me. “I don’t know. I haven’t figured out all the details yet.”
“Hm. Salon, huh?” Hope tapped her chin thoughtfully. “You know, I might actually have a connection for you.”
I glanced at her in surprise. “Really?”
“Yeah. One of my close friends is a real estate agent in California. She has a building for sale in a prime location. It’s in L.A., close to the beach. You should check it out.”
“California?” I echoed. The idea sounded both thrilling and daunting. I thought of Houston and Phuket as options, but I didn’t consider a third place entirely. Moving again sounded scary, especially so soon and to Los Angeles, of all places. I bet the clientele would be high-maintenance. “Sounds like that location is designed to cater to the elite.”
Hope nodded confidently. “My friends are high-profile and ridiculously wealthy. Trust me—they’d love to be your clients. We could even partner up. I have connections, and you have the talent.”
“Aht, aht, aht! This is Elliot’s thing, Hope.” Esther warned. “You have a habit of getting overly involved and taking over. Just give her the contact and let her decide what she wants to do with it.”
With a pout, Hope grabbed her phone and scrolled through for the number, all while mumbling to herself.
I faced Esther. “You really think I could do something like this?” I asked cautiously.
“Absolutely,” Esther said without hesitation. “You’re talented, Elliot. People will flock to you, with or without Hope. But ultimately, it’s your decision. Just don’t sell yourself short.”
I grinned at her confidence in me. “Thank you. Any chance you’d consider working with me?”
“As a nail tech, right?” Esther cocked an eyebrow.
I giggled and nodded.
She pondered the thought for a moment before replying. “I’ll think about it. Sort out the details and let me know your plans. But just so you know, I may be more inclined to accept if employee discounts are offered for your services.” She twirled a finger around a curl with a grin.
“Don’t be greedy. She already did your hair.” Hope called out from the couch. “Besides, you’d hate California.”
“Probably, but I wanna stick with Ellie.” Esther bumped me with a wink.
Hope rolled her eyes at the interaction and came to me with her phone in hand. “Here, Ellie. I’ll give you her number.”
“Great, thanks.” I looked around for my phone as Hope tapped her feet impatiently. Finally, I found it on the coffee table. As I looked at the date on my phone screen, my cheerful mood faded, and a heavy weight settled in my chest.
Today.
My hands stilled, and I swallowed hard, trying to push the thought away.
Hope’s keen gaze zeroed in on me. “What’s wrong?”
