Page 192 of New Growth
Growth.
“Ellie!Thislooksamazing!”
My client beamed, tilting her head in the mirror as she ran her fingers through the sleek curls I’d just finished styling. “I mean—wow. You seriously snapped.”
I smiled, stepping back to admire the final result. “You look gorgeous. That color brought your whole face to life.”
Her grin widened. “I’m texting my ex. Immediately.”
We both laughed, and I handed her a compact mirror for a closer look.
I needed this. After that wild weekend in Houston, being back at EL’evations felt like a welcome return to something that made sense.
“Remember to use the setting cream I recommended with the oil we have up front,” I said as I gently fluffed out the layers framing her face. “Only wash with color-safe shampoo, deep condition regularly, and—”
“Ellieeee?!”
Johanna’s voice cut through the hum of the salon.
I looked up, already bracing myself.
“You’ve got… a gift.”
I sighed, the kind of sigh only stylists and mothers truly master. “Jo, please. Stop—”
I froze when I saw a courier struggling to fit five massive bouquets through the doorway. Roses. Every shade of pink and red. Peonies. Lilies. Eucalyptus spilling over the rims of glass vases.
The whole salon quieted as the courier deposited the last arrangement. I could already hear Esther and two of my regulars whispering behind me.
I walked over slowly, trying to play it cool, but my heart was hammering. My name was on every single card. And sticking out of the tallest bouquet was one envelope. I pulled it out and read it to myself:
“I know this weekend has been crazy, but I hope this will brighten your mood! Thank you for the amazing night together, Ellie. I already miss the taste of you on my lips, the feel of you in my palms, and the smell of you on my sheets. I hope these smell as good as you taste.”
My cheeks ignited as I continued to read it:
“Please join me tonight for dinner at our favorite restaurant. I have a lot more in store.
With all the love in the world. - Puddin’.”
Esther tilted her head. “Okay, but what does it say?”
I was too embarrassed to share, burying my face in the card. Hope, always impatient, snatched the card from my hands before I could stop her.
“Hope—” I warned.
She read it out loud enough for everyone within ten feet to hear. “Thank you for the amazing night together, Ellie. I already miss the taste of you on my lips—”
“Oh God,” someone whispered.
But Hope kept going.
“—the feel of you in my palms and the smell of you on my sheets. I hope these smell as good as you taste?”
She shoved the card into my chest, her face twisted in disbelief. “You slept with El?!”
The salon was dead quiet, but I could still hear the slight shift of uncomfortable clients flipping through magazines, pretending not to eavesdrop.
“I knew it!” Esther shouted.
