Page 79 of Love at Teamsgiving
Between kisses, he says, “Burt is a fine feline specimen.”
We both laugh and when we kiss again, I believe him. I believe myself. I believe in us.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Because Junie has beenbusy preparing for the salon’s launch, she hasn’t been attending my away games. The arenas somehow feel colder without her here.
We’re on a winning streak and the commentators and fandom alike have been saying that my game is “Explosive,” that I’m a sensational “Stick Sniper,” and I treat the puck like a slingshot, scoring more goals this early in the season than I have previously in my career.
It bodes well. Only, Badaszek has hardly said two words to me. Okay, he’s said four. Yes, I’m counting. Vohn is more communicative, but I see our head coach discussing plays with the other guys on the team, so what gives?
It’s not like I need his approval or for him to tell me I’m doing a good job, but it’s odd, given I’m still the new guy.
The flight back to Omaha is short after this game against the Cascades—yes, my former team. It was nice to see some of the other guys, but the Knights were a six-man demolition derby and I don’t think they appreciated that.
I check my phone, eager to have eyes on the cameras at the salon. Not because I’m a creeper, watching Junie, but I set a trap and have my brothers on call should the vandal bite.
No such luck. They didn’t take the bait. Someone else will get to enjoy the bowl of full-size candy bars—like the guys at the fire station. Even though they didn’t have to put out a fire or rescue anyone, the day the smoke was coming out of the salon, they were professional and helpful.
Perhaps the series of unfortunate events were merely hiccups or it could be that I have a crazy fan or enemy. Wouldn’t be the first time.
Junie doesn’t let what seem like acts of sabotage stop her from her plans for the grand opening of the salon. Nor does she heed the advice from the moms that the Day of the Dead might bring bad luck.
I heard her telling her mother that she thought it was auspicious.
After merely four hours of sleep, I’m caffeinated and in attendance at the grand opening of “Junie’s Hair Salon.” Yes, that’s what she named it. Short and sweet, just like the owner. Well, and a bit spicy too, especially her third attempt at making a pumpkin pie. Suffice it to say, she went a bit heavy on the cinnamon.
The A-2 Carpentry Crew did an amazing job bringing the old-world, modern-day vision shared by the moms and Junie to life.
Guys & Dolls back in Manhattan was a vintage ode to barbershops and Broadway. Junie claimed she wanted something sleek and sophisticated, while the moms insisted on going back to their roots in the old country—sorry, ladies. Your roots are gray and white. Plus, it’s Junie’s dream salon.
But she commented that they had a point and found a place to meet in the middle with a waiting area with cushy silk chairs, wooden furniture, and stained glass accents—except instead of the darker colors and features favored by the moms, they went light with everything, picking a white, pale pink, and pale gold palette.
It’s a contrast to Junie with her dark hair, eyes, and black dress, but maybe that’s the point. It’s her salon and she’s the showpiece, standing out against the backdrop.
She’s my stylist, my woman, hopefully, my wife. An idea forms about how I can make that happen successfully this time.
After the ribbon cutting, the photos for social media and the local news spot, along with a nearly nonstop line of people congratulating her and asking for appointments, I finally get a moment alone.
I wrap my arms around her and pass her a bottle of water.
“How’d you know that I was thirsty?”
I wink.
She shakes her head. “Of course, you knew.”
I notice the slightest change in her breathing, the dimming or brightening of her smile, and the cast of her eyes. Always have. Always will if I have my way.
“Thank you for being here today,” she says as we survey the salon.
“Wouldn’t have missed it. I’m proud of you.”
“Yeah?”
“Not sure it matters, but you’ve created something amazing.”
“You helped along with your family.”
