Kagome Higurashi checked the list of names in her appointment book. She was ending the day with two of her regulars, but her next client was an unknown, and she frowned at the chunk of time that had been set aside for them.
Sliding her broom along the floor, she collected the rest of the hair from her previous appointment. "Hey, Jak. Who's this guy you've signed me up for that needs a whole hour for just a trim and style?"
Jakotsu Nintai was tall and slim and knew how to use scissors like he'd been born with a blade in his hand. His clients were always looking for the latest style and the brightest colours. His cupboard was lined with various dyes and reference books so people knew exactly which colour they'd end up with.
Kagome hadn't been sure she'd be the right fit for his salon, but after she'd taken on a few of his clients when a previous employee left him in the lurch, Jak had all but begged her to stay. It might've been the way she'd handled herself when one of the more entitled customers tried to short-change her on her services, but he'd sworn 90% of it was her talent.
He sauntered over to her book, sliding a perfectly manicured nail down the list until it hit 'Sesshoumaru Taisho'. "Oh, him." Dark eyes danced under pale blue shadow. "His girlfriend made the appointment. Claims he's some elite CEO and needs the extra time to make sure his hair is perfect." He pretended to gag on the last word.
Kagome chuckled. "Meaning you had room but gave him to me instead because you don't want to deal with Mr. Hoity-toit."
"Perks of my name being on the deed, babe."
She rolled her eyes. It wasn't that she couldn't handle it, but she liked to talk to the client beforehand to get an idea of what they wanted. Most of these types had images in their heads from social media that were not feasible when it came to maintenance. Or they wanted significant changes to their length or colour and were put out when it didn't precisely match what they had in mind.
"Fine. But if either of them complains, I'm sending them to the boss."
Jak blew her a kiss. "If he doesn't take up the whole slot, you can grab us coffee. On me."
She emptied the dustpan into the garbage. "You just want me to try and get that cute barista's number for you because you're too chicken shit to get it yourself."
He winced but waved her off. "Can't reject me if I'm not there to witness it."
"Can't stop me from grabbing an order of cookies on your dime either."
Jak smirked, heading to the back to switch over the towels. "Worth it!"