Ever heard the phrase "shooting oneself in the foot"? That's exactly how I'd describe my situation. The worst part is, I had been raving about this barber shop as the best in town—which was true—but I may have overlooked one crucial detail.
Most of the employees here were women. Attractive women, at that. They knew how to take care of their clients, and their hands seemed almost magical. They were skilled artists, effortlessly turning unruly hair into stylish masterpieces.
You could tell by the way the men had their eyes closed, savoring their facial massages and hot towel treatments. When I had come here with my brother before, I admired their work on him, but now I couldn't shake the feeling that it seemed more erotic than elegant.
The atmosphere was subtly sensual, with the women moving gracefully around, their every touch leaving a lingering sensation. It was as if they had an innate ability to awaken hidden desires, making even the simplest beauty treatment feel like an intimate experience.
There was no way I was letting them work on Nick.
How could I have forgotten this?
"This isn't the place," I said, turning around and guiding Nick away before he could step inside.
Nick hesitated, his eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because… because… I must have mixed up the locations," I stammered, desperately trying to come up with a plausible excuse. From the look in his eyes, he didn't quite believe me but reluctantly agreed.
"Hey, Mandy!" Just as we were about to leave, a familiar voice called from behind, making me curse silently.
"Hi, Brad!" I greeted him with forced enthusiasm.
"I can't believe you're here. Long time, no see," Brad said with a smirk, pulling me into a friendly hug. He wasn't a bad guy, but he was the owner of the barbershop I'd just been trying to avoid.
"Yeah, it's been a while," I replied, patting his back. I noticed Nick standing a few feet away, his brow furrowed and his dissatisfaction evident, punctuated by a loud throat-clearing.
Brad released me from the hug, but his hand lingered on my shoulder as he turned to Nick and then back to me with a raised eyebrow. "Your boyfriend?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I chuckled nervously, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Oh, no, he's just a friend. Brad, this is Nick. Nick, this is Brad." I introduced them, and Nick merely nodded, ignoring Brad's extended hand.
An awkward silence followed, and it was clear that Nick wasn't fond of Brad.
Brad's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the tension. "Well, he certainly seems possessive," he said in a teasing whisper, glancing at Nick, who had crossed his arms over his chest, his expression growing more severe.
I let out an amused chuckle. Nick's reaction was oddly refreshing, and for a moment, I was almost glad Brad had shown up. Brad took a step back, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender as Nick's gaze grew even darker. It was clear Nick was trying to keep his temper in check, and I couldn't help but wonder how he'd react if he lost it.
"Relax, man. I'm just the owner of this amazing barbershop," Brad said with an amused smile. "I assume you're here for a shave for your boyfriend?" Oh, I almost forgot why we were here. How was I going to explain that we no longer needed his services?
"Don't tell me you were taking a customer away from me," Brad said, narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms.
I swallowed, cursing my luck. How could I admit that the real reason was jealousy over Nick being attended to by his attractive staff?
"No way! Why would I do that? I just noticed your staff is busy, and we're in a hurry. Right, Nick?" I linked my arm with Nick's, giving him a pleading look.
"Nonsense, what do you mean by busy?" Before Nick could respond, Brad interrupted and glanced quickly into the barbershop, making me briefly close my eyes. When I opened them, I found Nick's curious yet amused gaze, likely wondering what I was up to.
"There's no way I'm letting you go to another barbershop. Get in. I'll have Tiara take care of your man." The way Brad kept referring to Nick as my boyfriend or man was disorienting. Amidst my distraction, Nick spoke up.
"I'm actually curious to experience this place Mandy has been raving about," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at me.
What was he doing?
"Great! Mandy does have excellent taste. Come on in," Brad said with enthusiasm. I forced a smile and attempted to tug Nick's arm, but he effortlessly pulled me inside.
I sighed, realizing there was no way to avoid this. Reluctantly, I let myself be drawn into the barbershop.
Inside, the shop exudes warmth and character with its vintage barber chairs, eclectic wall decor featuring local photographs and humorous quotes, and a mix of tile and hardwood flooring showing signs of daily use.
Soft, practical lighting illuminates the space, creating a cozy yet bright atmosphere. The air buzzed with the hum of clippers, lively conversation, and the rustle of magazines, reflecting the shop's role as a communal gathering place.
Here, patrons not only receive quality haircuts but also experience a rich tapestry of local culture and camaraderie, making the barbershop much more than just a grooming establishment—it's a cornerstone of the neighborhood's social fabric.
"Tiara! Over here!" Brad called out. My eyes landed on a striking woman in a tight-fitting black dress. Her long, braided hair cascaded down her back. She approached with a confident smile, her high heels clicking on the polished floor.
"Hey, Brad, where are my ice pops?" she pouted, eyeing Brad's empty hands.
"You'll get them once you take care of our new customer. Make sure you do a great job. You remember Mandy, right?" Brad's voice carried a mix of authority and playfulness as he gestured towards me and Nick.
"Hi, Mandy!" she chirped, and while I managed a smile in return, I wasn't thrilled to see her after so many months. Her gaze quickly shifted to Nick, and her smile transformed into one of flirtatious intrigue.
"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" she teased, her voice dripping with flirtation. I shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny, grabbed Nick's arm, and forced a tight smile.
"He's with me, and I'd appreciate it if Brad took care of him instead." I tried to assert my authority, aiming to shield Nick from her advances with a strained smile.
"Why? I'm the best there is, and you know it," Tiara replied, her frown deepening. It wasn't that I had anything personal against her—she was undeniably skilled—but I had seen her use her charm to leave countless men smitten and vulnerable. I didn't want Nick to become another notch on her belt.
Annoyance surged within me. I took a deep breath, striving to maintain my composure as I responded.
"And I'm sure your boss is equally talented?" I raised an eyebrow, challenging her.
"If Brad says she's perfect, then let's give her a chance," Nick interjected suddenly, a move that unsettled me, especially when I noticed the gleam in Tiara's eyes. I shot Nick a pointed look, though I managed a smile.
"Well, since you're so comfortable and at home here, maybe I should leave you in her capable hands," I said sweetly, gritting my teeth as I saw the hint of amusement in Nick's eyes. My frustration was simmering, but I forced myself to stay calm.
"Actually, I think I'd prefer the owner to work on me. I want to see if he's as good as you say," Nick said, just as I tried to distance myself. I was taken aback but shot him a sharp glare when he winked at me.
I took another deep breath, trying to suppress my growing frustration. If Nick was deliberately pushing my buttons, he was doing an excellent job of it.
"Of course," Brad chimed in, his voice laced with amusement. "Don't worry, Mandy. I'll make sure your man is well taken care of." His tone was clearly teasing, and while I wasn't thrilled, I couldn't help but notice the surprised look on Tiara's face.
"Happy now?" Nick whispered in my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. I fought the urge to sigh in pleasure and focused on keeping my composure.
"My, I didn't realize you were this possessive," he drawled teasingly.
"You wish," I scoffed, giving him a playful elbow to the stomach before turning away and taking a seat. I bit my cheek to stifle a smile at his amused chuckle.
"Friends, huh?" Brad raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. I felt my cheeks flush as I noticed the teasing glances from everyone in the room.
"I...I...we—" I stammered, but Nick cut in with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, we're friends," he said, and the room erupted in laughter, much to my chagrin.
***
After enduring endless teasing from everyone at the barbershop, I was relieved to finally step out. The staff had taken the opportunity to discuss their relationships, ventures, and past partners, including how possessive their exes had been. Despite my repeated assurances that Nick and I were just friends, no one seemed to believe me.
The sun was high and glaring, and for a moment, I was overwhelmed by its brightness. "Are you alright?" Nick asked with concern, his hands gently gripping my shoulders. "Yeah, just adjusting to the light," I murmured in response.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I saw Nick standing in front of me, using his broad frame to shield me from the sun. A smile spread across my face at his thoughtful gesture only added to his already irresistible charm.
Brad had done an excellent job with Nick's hair. The finger waves and faded beard perfectly complemented each other, giving Nick a classic, retro-inspired look with a sharp edge. The style exuded confidence and sophistication, enhancing his overall appearance with a timeless elegance.
My fingers itched to touch his face, to feel the texture of his faded beard and the smoothness of his finger waves.
I quickly shook the thoughts away.
As we walked towards his car, our footsteps echoed in the silence of the empty street. "Um..." I began, causing him to turn and face me.
"So, you've already had your haircut. Are we heading back home?" I asked, hoping he would say no. The day still felt young, and I wasn't ready to call it a day. Although I was tempted to ask him out, I also needed him to step up his game.
"Nah, I was thinking of touring the city and maybe having lunch. Would you like to be my tour guide?" he asked, looking at me with expectation.
"No," I replied firmly, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
"What?" he asked, clearly taken aback by my rejection. It seemed I had been too accommodating before.
"I said I don't want to be your tour guide. If you need one, I suggest hiring a professional or finding someone else for that," I stated with conviction.
A tour guide? I scoffed inwardly.
The audacity of him to assume I'd agree to anything just because I enjoyed spending time with him was astonishing. I couldn't believe I had dressed up just to be asked to play tour guide.
Instead of getting angry, Nick surprised me by chuckling and shaking his head. "Okay, let me rephrase my question," he said, amusement evident in his voice.
"If you have no plans today, would you like to go out with me?" The revised question made me raise an eyebrow, and my initial annoyance began to fade as I considered his words. My heart skipped a beat, and I struggled to maintain a straight face, desperately wanting to jump up and say yes.
"We are already out, so I don't understand what you mean," I responded stubbornly, trying to mask my excitement. Nick chuckled again, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I mean, would you go on a date with me?" he clarified, his voice filled with anticipation. My heart skipped a beat at his directness, and I had to turn away so he wouldn't see the smile spreading across my face.
"That's quite demanding," I replied, my voice carrying a playful tone. This time, he burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but grin wider.
He suddenly turned me around, his hands on my shoulders as he leaned in so our eyes were level. My heart raced as his gaze locked with mine, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade away as I waited for his next words.
"Would you do me the honor of going on a date with me, beautiful?" he whispered, his voice a blend of sincerity and playfulness. I felt my breath catch in my throat, overwhelmed by the intensity of his eyes. A rush of emotions flooded over me, and with a shy smile, I finally managed to reply,
"Yes, I would be honored." His face lit up with a mix of relief and joy as he surprised me by lifting my right hand and placing a gentle kiss on my knuckles.
The simple gesture of him kissing my knuckles sent shivers down my spine and a blush to my cheeks as he opened the car door for me.
"So, where are you taking me?" I asked while buckling my seatbelt.
"Somewhere I think you'll enjoy. But first, lunch or...?"
"Definitely lunch first. I'm famished," I replied eagerly, my stomach growling in agreement. He chuckled warmly, the sound making my heart flutter, before starting the car and pulling out of the driveway.
As we drove through the city, I found myself stealing glances at him, admiring his strong profile and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. It felt surreal to be on a date with someone who made me feel so alive and special. The anticipation of the day ahead only heightened my excitement, and I eagerly awaited our destination.
Though my fingers itched to text my friends and share the news, I chose to focus on enjoying this moment with Nick, refraining from reaching for my phone.
Nick drove us to a charming restaurant I had never visited before. Its exterior, adorned with wood-like panels and hanging flower baskets, exuded a cozy, outdoor patio vibe that I absolutely loved. As we walked inside, the enticing aroma of delicious food filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.
"Welcome, Nick. It's great to see you again," the waitress greeted with a warm smile that piqued my curiosity. Nick returned the smile and introduced me as his friend, which only deepened my intrigue about their connection. As we were seated at a cozy table, I noticed the waitress's friendly demeanor toward Nick, sparking my curiosity even more.
"You've been here before?" I asked once the waitress had left to prepare our orders.
"Yeah, I was one of the architects who helped design this place," Nick replied, gesturing toward the unique interior. My eyes widened in surprise at this revelation.
"Really? I didn't know you were this cool. I mean, I know you're good, but not this good." Nick chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well, I'm flattered," he said with a wink.
Our table was situated by a window with a breathtaking view of the garden below. Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow on the vibrant flowers and lush greenery. It was the perfect setting for a relaxing meal and conversation.
As we waited for our food, I admired the intricate details of the architecture, appreciating it even more now that I knew Nick had played a part in its creation.
"Has it always been your dream to be an architect?" I asked, turning my attention back to him. He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Actually, no," he said, causing me to raise an eyebrow. "I wanted to be a rugby player at the time, but my frame was too small for the team."
"No way! How could you say you were small? Have you met?" I exclaimed, gesturing toward his tall, muscular physique. He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Well, I guess I've grown into it over the years. But back then, I was just a scrawny kid trying to fit in."
"No matter how hard I try, I can't picture you as scrawny. I guess adolescence was kind to you," I added with a chuckle. He grinned, nodding in agreement.
"So, what changed?" I asked, curious about his decision to pursue architecture.
He took a moment to think before responding, "I guess it started as a hobby, sketching buildings and imagining different designs. I always had a fascination with structures and how they come together. Eventually, I realized that architecture was more than just a hobby for me; it was my passion. I wanted to create spaces that could inspire and evoke emotions in people."
" So you are saying that you can draw? I mean, not just buildings, but people?" I asked getting excited. If there was a talent I wished I had, it would be drawing.
"I never paid much attention to that, but yeah, I can sketch." He shrugged.
"Wow! You must be lucky to have such talent. I would give anything to know how to sketch even a bird." I commented with a pout which elicited a chuckle from him.
"I am sure you are not that bad."
"Yeah, tell that to my biology teacher in high school." I snorted sarcastically, causing him to laugh. I am the worst when it comes to drawing, and I always got into trouble with my biological teacher because of that.
The waiter came back with our orders stopping Nick from speaking further. We thanked the waiter and began to enjoy our meal, the topic of sketching momentarily forgotten.
"Mmmh, this is nice," I said, savoring a bite of my food. Nick nodded in agreement, his mouth full of delicious flavors. We continued to enjoy our meal, the conversation flowing effortlessly between us.