Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 60700 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60700 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
I expected this question and prepared a dance around it. “I consider myself a mentor to all the other stylists at the salon where I cut. They are always calling me over for a consult, and I’m the one who they trust to cut and color their own hair.”
One of the panelists smiles at me. “Who cuts and colors your hair?”
“I do,” I admit.
“You don’t trust anyone else?”
“Well, not really. Not to do it the way I want it.”
The woman smiles and jots something down, but I have a feeling I just scored a point.
“All right, Lexi, now we’re going to put your slides up on the big screen, and I’d like you to stand up and explain how you achieved each of these looks and why you chose this design for the client.”
I draw in a shaky breath and stand. The photo of Gina appears on the large screen at the front of the room. I walk over. “I chose this look for Gina because of her high cheekbones. I wanted something to highlight, rather than hide them. The jaw-length layers frame her face, and the bold color gives it a bit of spunk, which fits Gina’s personality.”
I turn to look at the panelists, who appear attentive, if not encouraging. “To achieve this look, I cut the baseline into a diagonal forward and tapered the nape with some graduation. Then I cut some textured, round layers in and over-directed the front to the back layers. For color, I colored the nape area darker and paneled some light and dark color pieces in the front to accentuate the diagonal forward haircut.”
I continue through the rest of the slides, gaining confidence as the panelists asked questions I can answer.
“Thank you, Lexi, that will be all for today. If you make it to the next round of interviews, we will ask you to pick one of these looks and teach a sample class to hair stylists. You should hear from us by the end of the week, either way.”
“Thank you.” I shake hands with each of the panelists before I exit.
When I reach the sidewalk outside, I pull out my phone. The number I call up first belongs to Bobby.
When did he and Gina trade importance in my life?
I shake my head. If I don’t watch out, I'll get in too deep with him. He said he'd do anything for me. It seems I share the sentiment. I'd do anything to please him. Things I never dreamed I would let a man do to me. Or want a man to do to me.
But I do want it. Every pain he inflicts, every act of dominance only heightens my desire for him.
He picks up after two rings. “How’d it go?” he asks without saying hello.
My heart skips a beat. He remembered. Gina would have needed reminding.
“Great! At least I think it went great. It’s hard to tell because they just sit and stare at you and make notes on their notepads. But I did as well as I could have. I felt good. I felt confident.”
“Congratulations! Are you headed home? Why don’t I pick you up there in an hour, and we’ll go out to dinner to celebrate?”
My heart tumbles around in my chest. “Sounds great, thanks!”
I take the subway train home and open the door.
I stop short when I see someone inside. It's cleaning day, but they should have been gone by now.
“Oh, great, you’re home!”
I stare in shock as Stacy, Bobby’s ex-girlfriend, walks toward me with a smile, carrying a half-full glass of wine. She's wearing a tight leather mini-skirt and even smaller top, her breasts practically spilling out of her push-up bra.
“Wh-what are you doing here?”
“Bobby asked me to come. He didn’t tell you?”
My stomach tightens. I hate everything about this–especially after what happened last time I talked to her. “Uh, no.” I pull my phone out to double-check for a text.
Stacy lowers her lashes and gives me a seductive look. “Yeah, he said he wanted to try a threesome with the two of us. Maybe he wanted it to be a surprise.”
I continue to stare blankly at my cell phone as if it would somehow decode the situation. Was that why he arranged to meet me here so early? Not to take me to dinner but for a threesome?
I feel nauseous. I have no interest in a threesome. Especially not with Stacy, whose cheap floozy look and pushy personality turn me off. Maybe if Bobby were here, I would feel differently. He's pushed me sexually in other ways, and I enjoyed it. But God, he should’ve talked to me about it first! And to say we're celebrating my interview and then pull this surprise instead– none of it sits well with me.
“Mind if I put on some music?” Stacy asks.