Page 95 of New Growth
The girls gathered around the salon’s reception desk as Esther recounted this weekend’s events. On Mondays, we had a staff meeting before the salon opened to discuss the schedules and plans for the week.
At this staff meeting, I wanted to announce my ideas for the Hair Expo, but apparently, my team was more interested in my personal life.
Johanna’s eyes widened at Esther’s words. “Damn. Just like that?”
“Just like that,” Esther confirmed, shaking her head with approval.
When I got home from El’s, she bombarded me with questions, letting me know that avoiding her after the restaurant was the right choice.
Still though, she was not convinced that nothing happened between Elliot and me. I couldn’t say I blamed her, I wouldn’t believe me either.
London let out a low whistle. “Wow, Ellie, he don’t play about you.”
I rolled my eyes, shifting in my seat. “He was just upset about the date. We talked about it, and it’s fine now.”
Chelsea cocked her head, clearly amused at this whole conversation. “Why was he upset if you’re not dating?”
I hesitated. “He’s… protective. He doesn’t think I should be going on dates I don’t want to.”
“Oh, please,” Hope snorted, still engrossed in her phone as always. “Is he your daddy?”
Esther leaned in, completely ignoring Hope’s comments. “Elliot, level with me now. You had to have given him some to have him acting that way.”
I scoffed. “No, I haven’t. The answer isn’t going to change no matter how much you ask it.”
London raised an eyebrow. “Not even close?”
“No, not even.”
Chelsea wasn’t convinced. “So what did you two do all night when you went over?”
I shrugged. “Nothing. I just took a shower, and we went to bed.”
Johanna smirked. “Not even any finger action?”
I shot her a look. “Girl.”
Esther wiggled her eyebrows. “You rubbed that big ole country booty up against him?”
“No.” I rubbed my temple. All this speculating was giving me a headache. “Why are y’all so invested in this anyway? It’s not this deep.”
“Girl, it is this deep!” Esther exclaimed with a bit too much excitement. “From the time I’ve met you, you’ve never been interested in any man. In fact, you slept in my bed so much, I thought you swung both ways with your clingy ass.”
I narrowed my eyes at her for telling my business.
“Now you laid up with a man, going on coffee dates and spending the nights over at his place? I’mveryinvested in this,” Esther grinned.
“It’s nothing to invest in,” I sighed. “I don’t know why he’s interested in me this much. I wish I knew so that I could turn it off.”
Hope, sounding bored, leaned back in her chair. “It’s a simple answer.”
Esther turned to her, already annoyed with her presence. “And what is that?”
Hope blinked, unimpressed. “Are you slow? Elliot hasn’t given it up yet, so he’s playing nice until she does.”
London’s face twisted. “Absolutely not.”
Johanna scoffed. “No way. You remember all those bottles he sent over at the club? He’s so into her.”
