Page 15 of You Saw the Best In Me

Next, I meet Hannah, an older lady who seems to hold this place together by the stories I’m told.

One other woman works here, but it’s her day off. The salon is quiet, and I quickly get to know these ladies.

“Alivia is a great boss. Her mom owns the place. That’s how she became the manager. She’s easy to work with, at least,” Jolene fills me in, and I’m already loving the salon gossip.

“Alivia’s mom is a control freak, actually, so when Alivia took over the day-to-day, I was relieved,” Hannah says in a long southern drawl.

She tells me she was born and raised in Texas. That’s where the accent comes from.

I can’t tell anyone where I’m from when they ask, so I’m stuck with the lame-ass response, “I’m from everywhere,” which always gives off weird vibes.

Hannah and Jolene are no different. The looks on their faces tell a story. They don’t need to use words.

“What kinds of clients do you usually get?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Men who need haircuts, mainly. The women are picky. One thing you’ll notice about Forest Falls is everyone is snobby,” Jolene says, and Hannah laughs at that.

I feel good about this place and this group of girls that I’ll be working with. I’ve had a good feeling about Forest Falls since I got here, but this further solidifies my desire to stay in this place for the foreseeable future.

“I’ll see you in a few days, ladies!” I shout as I head out the front door.

Our gossip was cut short by two teenage boys who needed cuts, so I’m taking April to the pet store and the party store.

I can’t be caught slacking when it comes to the prank war, and I figure there’s no better place to find silly items than a store filled with corny shit.

I hit the jackpot, and my ideas are so good I can’t help but laugh at myself.

I buy two hundred plastic ducks, shock pens, and a remote-controlled fake cricket.

These things will drive him crazy, and I take it one step further, buying oil that I plan to rub on the door handles to his truck, and apartment.

Satisfied with my supplies, I load April in the car and take us home.

When I pull into my parking spot, I notice a sign has replaced my apartment number, so I get out for a closer look.

Parking reserved for the loudest woman this complex has ever seen. She has a marvelous time not letting our tenants sleep.

I shake my head in disbelief. This dumbass had a real sign made and had it installed in front of my spot.

Game. On.

I thought he went soft on me after our ill-advised hookup, but he’s back in the game, and I can’t wait to get him with something new.

His truck isn’t here; he’s most likely at work, so I’ll start plotting my revenge as soon as I get inside.

He better be ready because the tricks I have up my sleeve are long-lasting and will ensure continuous suffering.

This act of war is just what I needed to get out of the funk I’ve been stuck in, and I’m running on a full-tank, cruising to the winner’s circle.

MAVERICK

I’ve done everything in my power to avoid Karina since the night we hooked up, and I’m starting to go wild without hearing her sarcastic comments.

Sign number one that I’m weak for her.

Last night, I put up the sign I ordered, and I can’t wait to hear what she says about it.

I’m surprised she hasn’t hit me with a prank yet, leaving the ball in my court.