Page 38 of New Growth
I sighed, already knowing where this was going. “I’m booked for the week, Hope. I’m booked for the month, actually.”
She knew that.She also knew perfectly well that I was taking fewer clients to focus on the business side of things. After all I’m only one person, and unfortunately, as the owner of the business, my availability for hairstyling was limited.
Hope huffed. “Ellie, don’t be difficult. It’s Fashion Week! Do you realize how many people will see your work?”
“I do realize, Hope. And like I said, I’m booked. What do you expect me to do? Cancel paying clients to do afree style?”
Hope rolled her eyes. “You’re paid in visibility, Ellie. We’ve been over this.”
“Yeah, well. The bank doesn’t take visibility checks now, does it?”
She gave me a pointed look, and I squirmed in my seat.
“Look, any other time, I’d love to help, but I am completely booked solid.”
My explanation clearly fell on deaf ears. “So, you really can’t do one head from now through Friday?” She asked with such a commanding and condescending tone that I almost thought she borrowed it from Ma.
I wiggled uncomfortably in my seat. “No, Ireallycan’t.”
She rolled her eyes again and leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms.
“Whatever, girl.”
I ignored her constantly present irritation and tried to get back to the actual business part of this meeting. I took a sip of my coffee before I asked, “So, how’s the social media stuff? Esther said you told her you wouldn’t post her work.”
Hope scoffed, her expression twisting in annoyance. “She’s being a complete drama queen. Her work is getting sloppy, and I don’t think it represents the brand.”
I frowned. “Her work is not getting sloppy, Hope. Don’t say that.”
“It is! Melissa had a French tip set from her last month, and she said it was giving Spanish suggestions.”
I almost choked on my coffee. “Spanish suggestions?”
Melissa was one of Hope’s high-maintenance friends who practically lived at EL’evation. I’m sure the set Esther gave her was perfectly fine. Especially since she got it for free, of course.
“Melissa doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” I said firmly. “Esther is one of our top performers and most requested staff. Her books are filled out until next year. The girl out-earns me!”
Hope smirked. “First off, she only out-earns you because you only take three or four clients a day. And second, demand isnotan indicator of good craftsmanship.”
I sighed, setting my coffee down. There had to be something deeper going on here.
“What’s wrong with the two of you?” I asked, my tone softer now. “You used to be inseparable. Now it’s like you can’t even be in the same room. What happened?”
Hope’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Well, you know what they say. Never mix business with friendships.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I did, and I seem to be doing fine.”
“Yes, but you’re different, Elliot. You can take criticism. Your head isn’t shoved so far up your ass that you can’t tell when someone is trying to help you.”
I tilted my head. “What does she need help with?”
“Everything, clearly!” Hope scoffed. “When she got here, I told her she could stay in one of my dad’s condos, but she insisted on rooming with you. Then she started canceling our lunch dates, ditching plans, and leaving me hanging at the club!”
“That doesn’t sound like Esther.”
Hope let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t know the real her. She puts on this fake persona around you, and I honestly can’t believe you fell for it. Seriously, Ellie, you’re smarter than that.”
Esther was faking with me?
