Billionaire Wolf's MateDate - Serena Meadows Page 0,4
back into her salon chair, she propped her feet up on the counter and leaned back to finish eating.
“Someday, the way you eat is going to catch up with you,” Molly said from across the room at the front desk.
“This is only my third piece,” Janice said. “And we worked hard today, so we deserve a treat.”
There were murmurs of assent from the other stylists, but no one spoke as they finished the only meal most of them had gotten that day. “I can’t wait to get home and take my shoes off,” Janice said, wiggling her toes. “I don’t know why I wore these shoes. They always make my feet hurt.”
“Try working a twelve-hour day at my age,” Molly said, holding up her feet. “Even my special shoes can’t keep my feet from hurting.”
“Well, when you go to the bank tomorrow, I bet they won’t hurt so much,” Wynona chimed in. “I know I won’t be thinking about it.”
“I have to admit, today was the best day the shop has seen in a long time,” Molly said. “Which makes what I have to say all that much easier.”
A hush fell over the room, although they all knew what she was going to say. Janice had been waiting for this moment for months, but now that it was here, she wasn’t ready. The other stylists looked over at her, so she sat up straighter in her chair, not sure she wanted to hear the words Molly was about to say.
“I’ve decided to sell the salon and retire,” the words echoed in the quiet of the room. “I’ve been working my whole life, and I’m ready to enjoy some freedom for a change. I want you all to know how much I’ve enjoyed working here with you, being a part of your lives, and I hope the new owner appreciates you as much as I do.”
When Molly’s eyes fell on her, followed by the others, Janice knew that the moment had come to make her move. “Molly, I might be interested in buying the salon from you,” she said, her voice higher than usual.
“I was hoping you might say that,” Molly said, a huge grin on her face. “Let’s get together and talk about it soon. For now, I think I’d best be getting myself home and soak my feet so I can make it to the bank tomorrow.”
When Molly was gone, the room burst into excited conversation, each of the stylists trying to get her opinion in. Janice just laughed. “Hold on, you guys, this is far from a done deal. I have to get the money for a down payment, and right now, I’m a little short.”
“I could invest some money,” Wynona offered.
“Thanks for the offer, and who knows, I might have to take you up on it, but I’m working on getting enough for the down payment and a little extra for some renovations from my trust fund,” Janice said.
There was an expectant pause, and she realized that she’d have to explain, but just then, the door opened, and a well-dressed man walked into the salon. Five pairs of feet hit the floor as they all jumped up, a mixture of alarm and curiosity filling the room. Janice pushed her way to the front, studying the man, deciding that he was no threat.
“I’m sorry, we’re closed for the night, but I’d be happy to book you an appointment for tomorrow,” she said, stepping behind the reception desk, a smile on her face.
The man studied her so long, she began to feel uncomfortable, then his eyes met hers, and for a moment she was sure that she’d met him before. “Are you Janice Coleman?” he finally asked. “I was told that she works here.”
Her heart pounding in her chest, she debated whether or not to lie to him, but in the end, decided that he meant her no harm. “I’m Janice. How can I help you?”
The man looked over her shoulder at the women behind her, then cleared his throat. “I’m afraid it’s rather personal; maybe we could talk somewhere a little more private,” he said. “Breakfast tomorrow morning, perhaps.”
A bit surprised by his offer, it took her a second to answer. “I suppose that would be acceptable,” she said, a strange feeling coming over her the longer she looked at the man. “Except I don’t know your name.”
The man held out his hand. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I was just so...never mind. I’m Jacob Francisco.”
She shook his hand,