36 Matt Sanders

Pitbull's The Anthem blared over the speakers of the salon. Fabulous song that always got me going know matter what. Its very up beat and I always, Always, clap at the beginning. Just had to. I didn't care what I was doing I would stop just to start clapping and dancing. Guests and workers watched as I started clapping loudly. Shaking my ass to the beat as Lil' John would eventually say. Another set of hands were clapping and I knew exactly who it was. My right hand woman Jenn. Hell yeah. Together we clapped enjoying the randomness of ourselves. She helps me run the salon. I own it and she helps. She's like a manager and co-pilot. My best friend.

Jenn: this unprofessional.

Melly: this is my salon I could give a shit if its unprofessional.

We are six months strong into the business. Let me tell you fucking hard. Well worth it so far. The long days. The not being home. The sleepless nights. The shitty eating habits. The no eating. The not knowing anybody. Didn't matter, because we are finally getting steady now. We've got returning clients. New ones coming in everyday. And I'm doing it my way. Which is the best part.

Melly: shake your ass to the beat. Shake your ass to the beat.

My arms were up in the air as I twirled around behind the reception desk.

Jenn: I want to be blonde again.

She said while we continued dancing.

Melly: done.

Jenn: when can we do it?

Melly: pretty much anytime. Except today. I'm booked today. I'm waiting for...

My eyes looked over the books.

Melly: Mrs. Norris.

Jenn: oh dude that bitch be crazy.

Melly: hence the reason I've got her. Then when I'm done with her I've got a newbie...her name is...

Jenn: Chloe. I booked that.

I nodded and looked over everyone else in the salon. It was a good sized shop for me. About eight chairs. The people who worked for me are people I trust and I've known. Pretty much family.

Melly: alright cool everyone has at least two haircuts today so far. You could have one of the others do your hair today if you'd like.

Jenn: hell no bitch. You're my personal stylist dude.

Melly: fine fine. Looks like maybe tomorrow.

Jenn: ugh! I guess I could wait for tomorrow.

Melly: you have too.

The song ended and we bumped our hips together.

Jenn: wow did we just do that?

Melly: yes. Yes we did.

We laughed and shook our heads.

Melly: I'm going to take a quick break before my guest comes in.

Jenn: aight son.

I smiled and walked to the back where the office was at. My head rested in my hands while I sat quietly at the desk. For as good as we are doing now, we need to do better. The first year is the hardest, everyone I know has told me. My eyes closed and I just sat there.

Jenn: dude, you need to come up front.

Melly: I'm on a break man.

Jenn: yeah you still need to come up front.

Melly: is there a problem?

Jenn: ummm...no. Kinda? I mean no.

Melly: kinda no? What does that mean?

Jenn: you need to get up there.

Melly: am I going to have to bitch slap someone?

Jenn: maybe? There's questions?

Melly: the state?! Are they here!

I stood up.

Jenn: no no! Nothing like that.

I sighed with relief.

Jenn: please to the front.

Melly: you can answer any question someone has as well as I can.

Jenn: as my best friend...please come with me.

Melly: there better be a good fuckin' reason my break was disrupted. Better be.

Jenn: believe me, you'll want to be there for this.

She stopped abruptly.

Jenn: how do I look?

I made a face and stared at her. Her cheeks flushed a bit.

Jenn: how do I look?

She sounded a little panicked. Yet excitement seemed to be flowing through her.

Melly: you look rad. That Poison shirt is fucking amazing and makes me a little jealous.

She smiled and nodded.

Jenn: good.

Melly: I don't get it.

Jenn: you look good.

Melly: thanks...I'm still confused.

Jenn: in five seconds you won't be, you ready to go to the desk?

Melly: yes...

Sometimes my best friend is weird. We walked to the desk.

Jenn: thanks Leah we got it from here.

She smiled and went back to her station.

Melly: wait I thought-

Jenn: I was heading back when she called me up here and I saw them and ran to get you.

She whispered in a rush before looking at the two.

Jenn: I found her.

They looked at us. I understood the whole thing.

Melly: oh shit.

She nudged me.

Melly: um right. What can I do for you-

Brian: I'm Brian and this is Matt.

I shook both their hands.

Melly: nice to meet you guys. I'm-

Brian: yeah. What the fuck happened to the shop that was here?

Jenn crossed her arms.

Melly: uh...

I looked at her for a second. She was staring at him.

Matt: sorry but there used to be a different shop here what happened?

Melly: the owners were retiring and I bought it.

Brian: what...

Matt: damn.

Melly: yeah they you know made there money and were tired and wanted to move to Florida.

I smiled a little. Brief pause.

Matt: so you own it then?

Melly: yes.

I answered proudly.

Matt: what was your name again?

Melly: sorry I'm Melly and this is Jenn.

We all shook hands again. This time a smile made its way on his face.

Matt: didn't mean to come off rude.

I shrugged.

Melly: its alright you guys aren't the first to react that way. Its a big change.

Matt: for sure. We've just been gone so long that damn.

I nodded.

Melly: would you guys like a look around?

He looked at Brian who seemed bummed out.

Matt: yes that would be cool.

Melly: awesome. Jenn.

Her eyes met mine.

Melly: could you please show these guys around?

Jenn: what?

Melly: show them the salon.

Jenn: oh yes. Right. Follow me guys.

I stayed at the desk. It was almost twelve and Mrs. Norris wasn't here yet. She's never late. I checked the books again and started calling her to remind her. Of course the crazy old lady forgot and isn't going to make it. Great there goes my day.

Matt: how much does a haircut cost?

He asked as they made their way back.

Melly: a mens?

He nodded.

Melly: ten for a buzz and fifteen for anything else.

Brian: that's cheaper than before.

Melly: well I wanted a dope place that didn't cost you your baby.

Brian: it looks good in here.

Melly: thank you.

Brian: can you do my hair?

Jenn: not unless you want it butchered. I'm a manager slash accountant.

Brian: that's a shame.

He smirked. Her cheeks flushed and she started playing with some papers on the desk.

Matt: could I get a quick haircut?

Melly: now?

Matt: yeah.

Melly: Jenn can you check the books.

Jenn: yeah dude.

Matt: is it possible to have the new owner to do my hair?

He sent me a smile as he watched Jenn look at the computer.

Brian: I like the vibe here.

Melly: I try to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

Jenn: Melly you've got a request haircut.

I went with playing the part.

Melly: Matt?

He smiled.

Melly: hi I'm Melly and I'm doing your hair.

It was the third time I'd shaken his hand.

Melly: follow me this way.

He sat in the chair and I draped him.

Matt: how long have you been doing this?

Melly: about...two years.

Matt: two years and already you got your own shop. That's impressive.

I shook my head a little.

Melly: naw. What are we doing to you?

Matt: just clean it up. Enough to slick it back.

Melly: alrighty.

I got to work.

Matt: how long has the new shop been up?

Melly: six months? Give or take days or whatever.

Matt: and business?

Melly: you know its progressively getting better everyday.

Matt: takes time.

Melly: yeah but we get a steady flow. Thank goodness.

Matt: that's good.

He smiled at me through the mirror.

Matt: do you always clap and dance in here?

I laughed a little.

Matt: me and Brian saw you and Jenn getting down before we came in.

He had a cute entertained smile on his face. I wasn't sure what to say.

Melly: its in my blood.

He nodded.

Matt: what do you do in your free time?

Melly: HA! What's that? Free time?

Matt: busy girl?

Melly: I'm lucky if I get a break and get the chance to even smell food. Its so fucking busy right now.

I shook my head.

Melly: but I love it.

Matt: and that's the all that matters.