Page 29 of Whatever You Want

“It can’t be easy trying to find someone at this point in your life, especially with the way men lie and cheat. They only seem to want one thing and once they get it, they are on to the next willing participant. If you’re going to put yourself out there, you’re going to have to get a little work done. There is too much competition out there. You’re going to want to stand out.”

I didn’t even know where to begin or why she was even telling me this. I wanted to feel sorry for her, but my gut told me there was a reason behind this visit. She made me feel highly uncomfortable, and there wasn’t a chance in hell I was cutting her hair.

“I’m sorry to hear about your relationship troubles. I understand how that could be upsetting. Let me take a look at my schedule.” I peered down at the computer and pretended to look it over. “I’m afraid we don’t have any available appointments today.”

Her mouth pressed into a firm line. “When’s your next opening?”

“One of our stylists has an opening next Thursday at three p.m. I can pencil you in if you’re still interested.”

She tapped her red-painted fingernail to her lips. “I’d like to request you. When’s your next available?”

This entire encounter was bizarre. “I’m sorry, but I’m not accepting any new clients at this time.”

Her head jerked back. “Really?”

“Yes, I’m afraid that I’m all booked up. I didn’t realize how full my schedule was until I just looked at it.”

She was about to respond when Kara walked over and placed her hands on the back of my chair. “Everything okay over here?” she asked with concern, obviously picking up on the tension.

“I’m trying to convince Ava here to fit me in.”

Kara’s eyes slid to mine, glancing between me and the Megan Fox lookalike. I could tell she wasn’t sure how to take this woman any more than I did. She smiled tightly while rounding the desk. “Your name is?”

“Vi.”

“Hi, Vi, I’m Kara,” she said quickly while leaning forward to look at the computer monitor. I pushed back from the desk and stood up so she could sit. “Let me take a look and see what we can do.”

Kara opened up her calendar and looked over the screen. “I can fit you in next Saturday at one p.m.”

I pulled my phone out of my bag, trying to act like I wasn’t paying attention.

“Ava said there was an appointment for next Thursday.”

“That was a mistake. I forgot to add a client in that day.”

I bit back my smile. There was no mistake. She purposely scheduled her on my day off.

“Fine.” She huffed in frustration. You could tell she wasn't happy, which made no sense. My psycho meter was going off because the woman was clearly nuts.

Kara handed her an appointment card, and I breathed out a sigh of relief when she spun on her heels and strode away.

She raised her hand and waved goodbye like we were long-lost friends. “Bye, girls, I’ll see you next week.” She threw an overstretched smile over her shoulder. It seemed insincere, and I didn’t trust it.

I waited until she was out the door before turning to Kara. “Is it just me or did she seem a little crazy?”

“She was definitely two cans short of a six-pack.”

I massaged my temples, trying to get myself to relax. I couldn’t quite kick the feeling aside that I had a target on my back, and I had no idea why.

The punctual knock on my door had me drawing in a deep breath. Glancing in the mirror one last time, I convinced myself that this was just dinner. There was no reason to be nervous. After all, it was just Logan.

I smoothed a hand down along my stomach. The diamond princess cut stone on my left finger glinted in the dim lighting.

“I’m so sorry, Drew,” I whispered, looking up at the ceiling as if he could hear me.

I placed a hand over my racing heart and swung the door open. A wave of heat sprung to my cheeks, and my mouth watered at the sight of him. He looked devastatingly handsome in his dark, fitted jeans and white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

It was a simple look, but it worked for him.

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