Chapter 2

"A wrestling show and circus performers," Tina sighed that Saturday. "We would have to have a salon close to two major show venues, wouldn't we?"

"Look at it this way," one of the other stylists said, "at least those and our regulars keep us in business and we have jobs."

"Yeah, good point, Amanda," Tina said.

"And there's been some gorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgeous men going in an out of here today!" a third stylist called from the back room.

"Just concentrate on washing and cutting hair and not checking out asses, Raymondo," Tina called back. "Briana, you have the next one that comes in the door once you're done with your appointments."

Briana nodded and smiled. "No problem."

"At least someone around here has a good attitude."

"What can I say?" Briana laughed. "I always liked a good challenge."

"Tina, I'm going for some coffee while there's still a chance," Jean, the receptionist, said. "Can I get you some?"

"The biggest size you can find, lady," Tina replied, giving her some money. "Phyllis, your two o'clock just walked in the door."

"Thanks, Tina," a woman called from the back before making an appearance and greeting said customer, passing Briana, who was bringing her last customer up front to pay the bill for their services. She then went back to clean up around her station and then washed her hands before checking her supplies and sitting down for a few minutes.

"Hey, Jill, is this short blond guy headed here one of yours?" Phyllis called to another stylist.

"No, he isn't due until three," Jill answered.

Tina looked up. "No, that's an event guy. Bree, you're up, hon."

Briana nodded. "Consider me ready."

Raymondo snapped to attention as Brian approached the desk. "Oh, my, look at the tail on that rooster," he muttered. "Damn it, Briana always gets the pretty ones. Kind of short for my taste, but I'd still tap that ass."

"Ray!" Jill hissed lowly, giving his arm a smack. "Stop!"

But Briana had gasped when she had caught sight of him.

It was almost as if she was nineteen and Gary had walked in that first day all over again. This guy has nearly the same hair, the same eyes….

Brian looked at her strangely. "What's the matter, sweetheart? Never saw a short guy before that just wanted a trim?" He then promptly introduced himself.

Briana snapped out of it, shaking his hand and returning the introduction before getting down to business. "I'm sorry….it's just that you reminded me of someone and it took me back."

"Wow, I didn't realize I was that famous."

"Actually, I don't watch that much television," she clarified. "Oh, goodness, this is going to sound so cliché, but you remind me so much of my husband."

"Damn," he said, sounding a bit disappointed, "you're married?"

"I….was. He was killed two years ago."

"Jesus, that sucks. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I'm over it now. But yes, you look almost like he did."

"Well, I guess that explains the weird looks you were giving me earlier," Brian laughed. "It's fine, though; I'm used to getting strange looks."

"Why? I don't see anything that weird about you."

"Considering my profession, I'm not the average guy, I guess."

"Being out of the ordinary can be good sometimes," she explained, before turning him around. "Good enough?"

"Ah, finally someone who knows how to follow directions!" Brian praised. "When I say two inches, they did two inches, not five. Thank you, my dear."

"You're welcome," Briana chuckled as he got up to leave.

She then led him back toward the front to take care of the bill before going back to clean up her station, the look on Raymondo's face not lost on her.

"Ray, quit ogling the man's ass," she giggled, shaking her head.

"It's kind of hard to miss," he laughed lowly. "And it's one pretty sight."

As Brian took care of business, he also passed something to Jean. "Could you pass this on to the lady for me?" he requested. "Let's say it's kind of an extra thanks for doing a good job."

Jean smiled graciously, glancing at the card. "I'll be sure she gets it."