"Hellooo! Thanks for calling Close Cuts Barber Shop! How can I-"
CLICK
Uh...
I felt my shoulders sag.
And I leaned against the counter looking at the phone as if it was a crystal ball.
What had I done?
Too bright?
Too loud?
The phone rang again and I picked it up, biting into my bottom lip.
"Hello?"
The sound of the voice on the other end of the call was someone older. Male.
"Hello. Thanks for calling, this-"
"Is Benny there?"
"Benny?" I felt my forehead crease for a moment before it hit me.
Benny was Mister Shackleford!
"Oh, sorry, Mister Shac... Benny retired."
"Oh... Sorry."
"But I'vetakenovertheshop!"
I rushed out the words because I had a feeling the man was going to hang up on me.
"So... you cut hair?"
I let out a breath. "Yes. I can cut hair."
Breathe, Arlys, breathe!
"Can you cut men's hair?"
I nodded, smiling at the question.
"Yes, sir. I only cut men's hair actually. My dad is a lifelong Army man. I grew up cutting his hair and the hair of the men in his unit."
"Army?"
I almost laughed at the man's tone. "Yes, sir. But I can do more than just military styles. Why don't you come in when you can and I'll show you pictures of what I can do."
There was a definite hum on the other side of the call.
He was hesitating.
"I guess, I'll give you a try, even though I'm a Marine myself."
