Page 119 of Rules to Love By

“I’ll be careful not to get it wet. Promise.”

“And not too much steam, or you’ll have an explosion of frizz on your hands. I still say you should let me cut—”

“Thanks.” Marcus held up both hands. “I like it long.”

“At least let me take the clippers to the back.”

“Dad!” Eli took the clippers out of his father’s hand. “Let him up. You heard him. He has to shower and change, and he can’t be late for this.”

They had filled Eli’s father in on everything over breakfast, and Tyrone—he’d insisted Marcus stop calling him “sir” and “Mr. Benson”—had taken the entire story at face value.

“No, no, son—you’re right.” He patted Marcus’s shoulder and removed the cape. “Off you go now.”

As Marcus got up, Tyrone capped the tube of product he’d raked into his hair. “Keep this.” He handed it to Marcus.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. As in, really don’t mention it. I don’t give shit away to just anyone.” He winked. “My son would lecture.” He grinned, and Marcus couldn’t help but return the smile.

“I appreciate it, si—Tyrone.”

“Git going now. And good luck. And remember, don’t go into the station until your lawyer gets there.”

“I know. I have all the instructions Mr. Schiffer gave me. It’ll be fine.” He forced the confident note into his voice. Aunt Iris had always said if he looked the part, people would believe it, as long as he kept his chin up and his voice firm.

“And you’ll have Eli there for moral support,” Tyrone agreed.

“I will.”

Outside the barbershop, Eli took his hand as they walked briskly to the Oaks and up the front steps. “I’ll grab coffee and wait out here,” he said as they entered the main front room.

Marcus nodded, stole a quick peck, and hurried through to the kitchen.

Tris accosted him the second the door swung shut behind him. “Aren’t you going to be late? Hurry up. Ozzy’s gone to bring the truck ’round. Hey.” He tweaked a ringlet near Marcus’s ear. “That looks good. What did you do?”

Marcus chuckled. “Gave in to Eli’s dad.”

“He must have loved that.”

“All I could do to escape before the razors and clippers came out.”

“Still. Looks good.”

“Thanks.”

“Okay, hurry. Ozzy and I will be waiting.”

“For what?”

“You, dummy. You didn’t think we were going to let you take the scooter, did you?”

“You guys don’t have to. I’m sure you have work.”

“Ozzy’s his own boss, and I took the day off. We’re doing this with you.”

“Get in line,” Eli said from the takeout window. “Also, can a guy get a cup of coffee around here or what?”

“Of course you can.” Tris offered him a stiff smile as he pulled a mug from the shelf.

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