Chapter 6 – Dodging Codgers
I couldn't stop smiling. It was silly, really, and my cheeks were starting to hurt, but every time I looked over at Edward, I couldn't help it. Heck, just thinking about him made me smile bigger and harder, making me sore, but it was involuntary, I just couldn't stop. He would peek over at me and blush. He wore a cheesy grin on his face, too.
He brought me a sandwich for lunch. It was odd, but cute. It was so very him. He stuttered, as he handed it to me, and then he freaked out, when he realized he didn't know if I liked mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. I reassured him that either was fine. The truth was I'd eat anything he handed me. Of course, shortly after that, he realized he didn't know if I had any food allergies. My adorable boy freaked out again, but I just grabbed him and kissed him to shut him up. I promised him that I didn't have any and thanked him for the sandwich. He blushed, when he said I was welcome, all the while twisting the bottom of his shirt nervously. It made me want him more. I wanted to keep him. I needed to keep him for myself. I wanted to drag him into my massage room and kiss him senseless, but we were busy, and people were watching us.
It was obvious that our relationship had changed. Jasper was smug about it. Angela kept giggling about it. Laurant made a few passing comments about me getting knocked up with cute baby Edwards. Thank heavens it was out of earshot of Edward. I was sure the boy would have fainted with embarrassment. The sick thing was that as soon as he suggested it, I couldn't stop thinking about how cute a little Edward would be. Jessica was in la-la-land, and Tanya and Rose seemed to think since I was with Edward, I suddenly knew everything about his brother, Emmett. I really didn't, though, and thought it was funny that they were so interested in him. I was sure he'd be thrilled when he found out.
When it came time for Grandpa Cullen to have his dialysis, I insisted I take him again. I didn't want Edward anywhere near that vapid nurse. It turned out that her name wasn't Tina, but Tamera. Gramps had gotten it wrong, and I wondered if he'd told Edward the wrong name on purpose, so even if things didn't work out with us, he'd insult her by not knowing her name. That was the story I was going with in my head, anyway. Of course, Gramps was obnoxious in front of the woman and made it clear that I was with Edward by asking if I was pregnant yet. I stuttered out, "No, not yet."
When I said yet, Gramps got a cheeky troublemaking grin. I knew no matter what happened, I needed to keep my birth control away from that man, or I would be seeing a little Edward sooner rather than later. I just had to convince Edward that he wanted me like that. I was sure he was attracted to me, but he still struggled to talk to me. I knew it would be me who had to force our relationship forward. I'd had to grab hold of him to show him I wanted him to start with, and I knew I'd have to keep doing it, until he was confident enough to grab hold of me in return. I really looked forward to the day when that would happen. I needed it to happen, but I knew it'd take time and possibly some more interference from his grandfather.
When we got back from Gramps' appointment, he insisted he felt good enough to come into the shop for a while and check things out.
"My goodness, you kids are doing a bang-up job. Just look at all these customers!" he exclaimed, as he surveyed the sizeable group waiting for service. Word had definitely gotten out about us, and we had clients lining up now. It made me happy, but the sad news was that a couple of the other salons in the area had gone under. I hated the idea that we might have caused that, but I had to admit, we did offer the best, most comprehensive salon experience in the area now. If the other salons wanted to compete, they were going to have to step up their game.
"Could I get some service here?" I heard someone demanding at the front desk. I looked around the corner to see a woman who had just walked in demanding she be seen immediately. The rest of the clients sitting in the waiting area glared at her.
"Welcome to The Cutting Edge. What can we do for you today?" I asked her as politely as possible, but I had a feeling that wasn't going to help much.
"I've been standing here for forever, and no one has even acknowledged my presence!" she said loudly. She was full of crap, as we had only just walked past this spot merely seconds ago. "I need a trim and style, a mani-pedi and a facial, and I don't have all day. What station can I sit at, so you can get started?" she looked around, spotting the chair at Rose's station that was currently vacant, because Rose had her hair client over at the shampoo basins. The woman stomped over and plopped her generous spandex-covered behind in Rose's chair.
Oh, crap. This wasn't going to end well.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but…" I started, as Rose walked up with her client, who had a towel wrapped around her head.
"It's okay, Bella, I'll take her," Rose smiled widely, reminding me of the Joker.
"Rose…"
"I got this," she said in an even tone and looked at me in such a way that made me back away slowly.
I offered her other client something to eat and whispered to her that I would cut her a discount if she'd play along, so she was happy to come with me and have a glass of wine and some hors d'oeuvres, and get a twenty-five percent cut off her tab. Given that she was in for a full day of treatments, that was going to be a nice discount for her.
"You know who that is, right?" the lady whispered to me, and I shook my head no. "She's Hillary Bartlett, previous owner of Upper Cut, the salon over on Fowler Street that closed down last week. I'd watch out for her if I were you. I went to her place for a haircut once, and it was awful. She yelled at everyone in there, and no one could do anything right according to her.
"I don't doubt she's here to cause trouble. This is a relatively small community, and I'm sure most of the people in the waiting area know all about her. That was why no one said anything about you dealing with her. Word on the street is that your people are all really good and very nice, and I'll bet she's doing this to try and make you look bad. I'd put my money on her complaining loudly the whole time and disliking everything done for her."
Sure enough, the woman complained and argued at every turn, and I was sure Rose would have beheaded her by the end of the appointment. However, Rose kept her cool, and the women looked a thousand times better when she finally left than when she'd walked in, although to hear her opinion, she had been abused and disfigured irreparably. When she finally walked out, the whole waiting room applauded Rose, who took a bow. I was glad Rose had taken her on. I would have shanked her repeatedly with my shears before the first ten minutes had passed.
Grandpa Cullen had been sitting and watching the show this whole time, and he smiled widely once the woman left. "I used to date that woman's grandma back in the day. It looks like the rotten fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. I'm so glad I cut her loose and ended up with my sweet Elizabeth," he sighed wistfully. "Good girls are hard to find, but the men in my family have always been lucky in that respect," he said, giving me a wink.
Edward gave his grandfather a trim and a shave, and that quickly became his afternoon routine. Not so much the trim, but the evening shave. I was surprised that Edward had learned to handle the straight razor so smoothly. He had yet to use it on any other customers, and I had to admit, I was relieved. One little slip could mean a lawsuit.
It was just after lunch, when an older gentleman using a walker made his way in. He looked around the room with a bit of a scowl. He didn't seem to be happy with anyone. I made my way to the front desk, holding my smile. "Good afternoon, Sir, how may I help you?"
"Well, at least you used proper English and said 'may' instead of 'can.' Now, I wonder if the rest of 'you people' are as educated. These half-cocked technical schools are a copout. You all might as well be a bunch of dropouts, not able to stomach a real college."
I gave the man a tight smile. "I actually have my degree in massage therapy, and a Bachelor's in physical therapy. I'm qualified to work in a doctor's office, but I choose to work here. I'd appreciate you not making quick judgments about our staff. Now, are you in need of a service?"
The man eyed me shrewdly and frowned. "I want my hair trimmed by a woman."
"Alright, we have a chair about to open. Rose is very skilled," I said, pointing to Rose, who was twirling two pairs of shears at a blinding speed.
The man looked disturbed. "No, no, I want a normal person. Give me that Bella girl. I need to meet that undereducated hussy who's chasing my grandson."
His words hit like a punch. I could only guess that this was Edward's other grandfather, and he seemed to have a very bad impression of me for some reason. I really wished Edward was here to confirm it, but he had been called out by Grandpa Eddie to assist him with something. I knew he'd be back any moment, and I silently prayed that he'd hurry.
"What's the name of your grandson, Sir?" I asked as politely as possible, needing confirmation.
"Edward!" he scoffed, appalled. "He owns this shameful waste of money and intellect-sapping wreck of a business. He wasn't raised to do something as mindless as hair. That bastard, Eddie, pushed my boy to open this place, so he could live vicariously through him. He can't let go of his failed attempt to maintain a viable business, and this ridiculous girl is feeding into the boy's distraction. He needs to take what my Mabel gave him and get a real degree, not work in some damn hair cutting copout shop!"
"Wow, tell us how you really feel," Rose said, bringing up her customer to ring her out. Grandpa Jerry looked like he was about to say something, but Rose gave him a hard look and twirled her shears in a daring manner, so he just let out a huff.
"Luckily for Edward, the shop has been very successful and is already turning a profit. I'm sure if he truly wants to pursue a formal education, everyone here would happily support him."
Grandpa Jerry's eyes cut around the room narrowly, like he didn't believe a word I'd said. I did my best to give him a bright smile. "Sir, if you'd like that haircut, I'd be happy to take you back to my chair. I usually focus on massages, but I have thirty minutes before my next appointment."
He looked me up and down confused. I gave him a smirk and reached my hand out to him. "I'm Bella Swan, Edward's girlfriend, and you're Grandpa Jerry. We haven't met formally, but I've heard about you. If you'd still like a trim, you can follow me." I waved him back, acting like that had been my original intent, when he didn't take my hand to shake. I half expected him to swear at me and leave, but he scowled at Rose a couple of times and followed me back to my chair. It was one I shared with Angela, and she was out taking lunch, so I had a few minutes to work on the ornery old man.
I had just put on his cape and started his comb-out, when Edward came in the back door. His eyes lit up, and he gave me that sweet smile that turned my insides into mush and made me want to make babies with him. As soon as he got within reach, I grabbed his shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. It was just a light peck, but it was perfect, just like all of Edward's kisses. His cheeks turned pink, and he whispered a sweet, "Hi."
"Is everything alright with Eddie?"
He nodded, and Jerry let out a snort, drawing Edward's attention. His brow furrowed, "Grandpa Platt?"
"Don't look so surprised, boy. I needed a trim, and since you'd yet to bring this girl over, I decided to come meet her myself," he pointed at me sharply.
Edward closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and then he gently squeezed my arm. "I'll handle him, Bella, and I'm sorry for whatever he's said. Not everyone in my family agrees with him."
"They should, and they will. This is a money pit and a waste of time and intellect, Edward. You were meant for better things."
"Jerry!" Grandpa Eddie sneered, as he came in the back door. "I see you're causing trouble like usual. Bella, have you officially met the drama queen of the family?"
"Yes, I have. I think our Rose makes him nervous, though."
Eddie chuckled and winked at Rose, who held up her shears with a taunting smile. He gave me a kiss on my cheek. "How are you holding up with this old fool in your shop?" he asked with a soft smile.
"I'm doing alright. I'm giving him the standard smile and customer's-always-right treatment. If he was anyone else, I would've turned him over to Rose to handle."
Jerry gasped, and Rose gave him a smirk, while she snipped her shears in his direction. "I'd be happy to take over anytime, Bella."
"That's alright, I'll handle my granddad. Grandpa Eddie was hoping to get a quick neck rub," Edward informed me.
I handed over my shears to him and took Eddie's hand. "Come along, big guy, I've got another twenty minutes free."
Once we were safely tucked away in the room, Eddie turned to me frowning. "Jerry's a jackass, always has been one. Don't let him get to you."
"I think I'll do my best to avoid him and let Edward handle that side of the family." I helped Eddie onto the table.
"He was so dead set against Edward opening this place. Can't he see how happy it makes him?" Grandpa Eddie sighed.
I flipped on the soft music. "Enough about that, or this won't work. Where do you need me?" I expected him to say something obnoxious and inappropriately silly, but he mumbled out shoulder, neck and head, so I got right to work. He was tight, and I realized as I handled him that he most likely had limited range of motion in his shoulders. "Do you have a PT to work on your shoulders?" I asked.
"I'm old," he sounded defeated.
I took his arm and gently manipulated it to stretch his shoulder. "I think I'm going to need more than twenty minutes with you, Eddie. Why don't we set you up a regular appointment? I think we can loosen you up and give you back some more movement. I suspect you have some pretty intense headaches."
He let out a sigh. "Yes, but I have strong meds to handle them. You're too sweet, Bella. I don't want to take up any of your profitable time. I'm fine. I had a bad episode today. My pills have kicked in. I just feel a little tight."
"Alright, now hush and focus on the soft music. This won't do you any good if you're not relaxing."
We were silent for the last fifteen minutes that flew by too fast. Eddie really did need more regular appointments. I decided to talk to Edward and see if I couldn't find a way to have free time conveniently open when Grandpa Eddie frequented the shop. The light knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts. I peeked out of it to see an annoyed-looking Jasper. "That old man's a douche. Don't let him upset you. Also, your appointment is here."
Eddie was getting up, and Jasper gave him a fist bump. "Good to see you, man."
"It's nice to be seen. Is the douche still out there?"
"Yeah, Edward is just finishing up with him now."
"Good, I'll get him out of your hair. We don't need him here mucking up business."
Edward was shaking out the cape, while Jerry eyed his new cut in the mirror. "I guess it'll do. Going to a school to learn this is a waste of time and money, just like opening this place was."
"Shut up, you bitter old fool, and take your rickety ass out of here. Your wife would be rolling over in her grave if she heard the way you're treating your grandson."
"How dare you-"
"Oh, shut up and move it." Eddie used his cane to knock the walker in Jerry's direction.
"Well, I never!" Jerry huffed.
"Obviously, now get out, before I turn Rose on you. You may not actively use those grapefruit-sized balls of yours, but I can't imagine you wanting to be separated from them," Eddie threatened Jerry.
Edward helped his Grandpa Jerry out of the chair, not saying a word. I had a feeling their fighting was a common occurrence.
"Your Elizabeth would be the one throwing a fit. How could you push our boy into something so stupid as a barber shop? She left him money, so he could get a real education and fulfill his dream, not yours."
"You just can't handle that the boy takes after my side of the family. He's a Cullen through and through, nothing is going to change that."
Edward was rubbing his temples, like he was trying to stave off a headache himself.
"Jerry, hon, I think it's time to go," Laurant, of all people, wrapped his arm around Jerry and started pushing him toward the exit. Jerry was so stunned and distracted by the styled literal bird's nest on Laurant's head, that he didn't fight him. Laurant got him out of the door and shut it firmly. The few people waiting for service applauded him. Laurant curtsied with a cheeky smile. "Oh, stop, you wonderful people."
"You did great, Son, only next time, put your foot in his ass and shove him out a little faster," Eddie suggested.
Laughter erupted from the whole place, but I noticed Edward didn't find the mess amusing. If I didn't have a customer waiting, I would've pulled him aside, but I didn't have the time at the moment. I knew I'd have to make sure to talk with him about everything later. I knew he'd most likely need a headache massage himself to relax. Now, if I could just get him to let me rub down a few other places, I knew I could really loosen him up.