Page 108 of Captivating Anika

“We have a choice to make. We can open the day after tomorrow and hobble along with two licensed hairdressers and one assistant, until I’m fully recovered and we can get a few more bodies in here. Or alternately, we use this break to figure out what each of us individually and collectively are looking for, and what, if any, adjustments would need to be made in terms of the Chop Shop.”

“Wow, that’s a mouthful of a different kind,” Landon comments.

But I have my eyes on Molly, who looks like she’s about to bounce out of her chair.

“Molly?”

“I want to get my license,” she blurts out.

I smile at her. “Yeah? We can definitely help with that.” I look at the other two for confirmation. Both of them nod. “Anyone else have any personal ambitions?”

“Oh, honey, I have many, but none of them really career related,” Landon jokes. “Other than perhaps winning the North American Hairstyling Award one day.”

“Lofty dreams,” Fergie comments, before listing their own goals. “I just want to set down roots, both personally and professionally. It looks like I have working at a great salon with a fun team of people covered, now all I need is finding a place that’s affordable but a little closer than the dump I’m renting now.”

I glance at Landon, who looks back and seems to read my mind as he shrugs his shoulders. If I could rent out the apartment upstairs, it would definitely help make up for some of the income I may be losing before we get the salon back on track.

“Actually,” I tell Fergie. “I don’t know if a rental right above your place of work is a little too close for your comfort, but I have an empty apartment right upstairs.”

Their face lights up.

“Seriously? That’s empty?”

“I can help you move,” Landon offers enthusiastically.

“It’s empty,” I confirm. “I can show you around after we’re done here.”

“I’d like that.”

By the time Hog comes back, I have a better sense of direction and am once again hopeful for the future of the salon.

When I prompted them for ideas for improvements for the salon itself, Molly pointed out a few of the mirrors were chipped, and there was a crack in one of the basins at the washing station. Landon brought up paint as well, suggesting it could use freshening up, to which Fergie mentioned they’d done some work as a handyman and would be happy to put in a bit of elbow grease. Of course, Landon immediately offered Fergie his assistance.

So, the collective decision was made to keep the salon closed for the next two weeks. It’ll give the crew time to do some work, and me an opportunity to find a few additional hairdressers.

“Feeling better?” Hog asks, after I outline the plans for him on our way home.

“Much. Especially with Fergie renting the upstairs apartment.”

Fergie loved the apartment when I showed them, and easily agreed on the monthly rental amount I quoted them.

When we walk into the house, the boys greet us enthusiastically, putting a smile on my face.

“I did something impulsive today,” Hog starts, following me into the kitchen.

I immediately stop in my tracks and swing around. Impulsive is not really the man’s style, so I’m more than a little curious. He worries me a little when he holds up both hands defensively.

The, “Hear me out,” that follows isn’t that promising either.

“I’m listening.”

“I booked us a trip.”

I shake my head, I’m not sure I heard him right.

“What?”

“Grand Cayman, seven days, all inclusive, leaving Saturday.”

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