Stan bit his lip anxiously. This was a big moment for him.
"Would you like me to do it for you?" I asked.
"Yeah. Please."
Of course. I'd do anything for you,I thought, but stopped myself from saying it.
Putting my hands on either side of the swivel chair, I slowly turned Stan around to face himself in the mirror. His reaction was instantaneous. His eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and his expression was full of emotion.
"Oh," he murmured.
My heart raced. Did he like it? Hate it? I couldn't live with myself if it was the latter. I bit the inside of my cheek in anticipation.
"Well?" I prompted.
Stan didn't reply. He was staring at his own reflection. He slowly raised a hand to his hair and touched it as if he couldn't believe it was real. Then he stood up and turned to face me.
"Fabian, this... You did an amazing job," he said softly.
Tears sprung to my eyes again, and this time I didn't even care if it ruined my make-up. I wanted to hug him—badly—but I didn't want to overwhelm him with affection. Then, to my shock, Stan huggedmeinstead. My heart pounded as I squeezed him close.
"Oh, I'm so happy you like it," I said.
"I really do."
We stayed like that for a long moment, one I embossed into my memory forever, before finally pulling apart.
Stan rubbed the back of his neck, which he seemed surprised that he could actually feel now. "Um... Thanks. I know I was being a huge pain, but I appreciate this."
I smiled so wide it hurt. "Not at all. I love—having you as my client."
Nearly slipped into the danger zone there...I have to be careful with my words.
Stan grinned. "Heh. It's weird. I'm having a better time than I expected."
My chest clenched with affection. "I'm happy to hear that, truly."
"Don't tell anyone I said that, though," he teased.
"Of course. It's our little secret."
He tilted his head. His hair no longer flip-flopped to the side like a shaggy dog. "So... what's next after hair?"
Oh, my heart! He was taking initiative all on his own!
"Next is wardrobe," I explained, beaming. "Are you ready?"
Stan smiled, and without a trace of hesitation, he said, "Ready as I'll ever be."
7
Stan
I was blown away.Ever since Fabian showed me the results of my haircut, I couldn't stop stealing glances at myself in the mirror. I looked like a completely different person, and at the same time, it was some. It was like Fabian psychically manifested an elevated version of myself and brought it into reality with skilled hands.
When I was younger, I always hated sitting for haircuts. It was itchy and uncomfortable and I never liked being touched by strangers, even if it was only my hair. But with Fabian, the experience was pleasant. Fun. It almost made me want to grow my hair out long and tangled so he could do it all over again.
As we headed towards his office, we passed many mirrors and my eyes strayed towards them every time, seeking out my own reflection. Honestly, I never imagined I could look so good. I had to stop myself from smiling every time I saw my new hair. If I wasn't so happy, I might've been embarrassed.
