“What kind of pieces do you make? Do you have a certain style?”
“All kinds, from chairs to tables, to custom designs. I’ll add my own little touches, but I like simple and classic.” Mateo described.
The conversation flowed as I trimmed his hair and beard. It was almost like we were on a date, getting to know the other. And when it was over, I didn’t want him to get up from my chair.
“It was nice meeting you, Zola. This was the first time I enjoyed a haircut.” Mateo said, as he sat up straighter in the chair. I unclipped the cape and brushed his neck off with a large soft bristle brush to wipe off the tiny hairs. Then I finished up with a bit more setting cream and one last spritz of hair spray.
“Thank you. What do you think of the cut?” I stood behind him while looking at him in the mirror as he inspected the job. I held up the handheld mirror in the back so he could see all around.
“It looks great. My sister will approve. She set me up on a date and even paid for this haircut.”
My stomach fell.
He had a date?
Why does it matter? You don’t know this guy. You’ll probably never see him again.
“Nice!” I faked an enthusiastic beat to my voice. “She’ll love it, I’m sure.” My stomach twisted in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Like when I was back in middle school, jealous when my crush paid attention to any girl but me.
He held my gaze for a second longer than I expected, and a lump formed in my throat. I swallowed hard, willing it away.
When he said nothing, I cut in, needing to get away from him as quickly as I could so I could begin to forget him. “If you head over to the reception desk, Mary will take your payment. Thanks again for coming in.” I said as I busied myself with cleaningmy area. Usually I’d walk my customers out, helping with the payment, but I needed a second to breathe before I brought this guy in the back and jumped his bones.
My daughter jumped into my head, and guilt ran through me.
This is stupid. What am I even doing? Grow up, you’re thirty-five for fuck’s sake. And a single mom. Think about your beautiful daughter, Charlotte. She’s all you need.
But you’re also a woman with needs…
“Thanks. Here’s a tip.” Mateo stepped next to me, jarring me from my thoughts. He placed a twenty down on my small desk.
My eyes found his and my whole body froze at the intense look in his stare. He was feeling me, the same way I was feeling him. It was all there, plain as day, written on his handsome face.
But…how?
He was younger.
He didn’t want an older single mom like me.
I screamed adulthood in so many ways his life didn’t. Why take on someone else’s shit?
My eyes focused on the twenty-dollar bill. “You…that’s too…Mateo…” I handed him the twenty back, unable to get the words out, but he shook his head. He backed up slowly and winked before turning and walking away.
Gripping the sides of my desk, I stared at the money, unable to focus, to tear my eyes away, to even stop my breathing, my chest rising and falling with rapid succession.
What the hell?
Who is he?!?!
CHAPTER THREE
Mateo
I satthe bar and nursed my second beer.
It had been two hours since my date was supposed to show up here for drinks before having dinner together.
Two hours wasted nursing two damn beers, when I could’ve nursed some at home, free of charge, in my comfy flannel pajama pants, while watchingSports Centerand relaxing in my own space.
