"I felt I had a duty to the people and I work hard every day to make sure no one has to see that again."
An accidental snort escaped Kacie, and one look at her told me as hard as she was trying to hate the situation-it wasn't working. I gave her a wink before bringing my attention back to Mary-Ann.
"Well, you have certainly found your calling, dear!"
Grabbing onto the corners of an invisible skirt I bowed down into a slight curtsy. "Thank you, Mary-Ann. It is all I've ever wanted."
"So, now that Grey and I have successfully scared you away from ever wanting to dye your hair; what are you planning on doing today?" Stefan's interest impressed me and Mary-Ann's immediate connection with Stefan made me happy.
"Oh, I don't know. I always come with the plan to cut my hair but wind up doing nothing more than trimming it."
Stefan stood from his chair, and really examined Mary-Ann's face and hair style. "Would you care for my opinion?" He finally asked.
"I would love it."
"I think you would look lovely with a cut above your shoulders. Not to mention, if you are going to take that leap, Greyson is the best one for the job."
She smiled at his assessment. "I completely agree. My Grey has never once let me leave with anything less than complete satisfaction."
"Let's do it, Mary-Ann." I added, truly enthused to make the cut that she's wanted happen.
After looking from me to Stefan, she nodded her head once. "Bring on the change!"
I could hardly believe Stefan's devotion to a single client that he had never met. It warmed my heart to make someone happy, but nothing compared to creating that joy with Stefan on my side.
I did the wash treatment, and while I paid precise care and attention to every single cut, Stefan continued to make her laugh. It wasn't just Mary-Ann that was enjoying Stefan's company, it was the entire salon. Even while the other clients and stylists did their own thing, they focused their attention on him. His stories all included Stefan on his feet acting out the extravagant parts. Just the way he always did with me-he captured the attention of every single person.
By the end of Mary-Ann's cut she was in the best mood she had ever left the salon in. Stefan joined me as I walked her to the desk. As soon as I mentioned the final total for the appointment, Stefan produced his card to pay. Mary-Ann protested for a good five minutes before Stefan put his hand up with a smile.
"It would be my pleasure, Mary-Ann. You allowed me to hang around, and I can honestly say I haven't had this much fun in a long time."
A warm grin spread reluctantly as she slid her cash away. "I absolutely agree with you. The two of you make a marvelous team! I had better see you here the next time I return."
Stefan pat her shoulder and turned his entire focus to me. "As long as Grey lets me, I'm not going anywhere."
Without my brain having any control over my thoughts, I replied. "He'll be here, Mary-Ann. I'm not letting Stefan go anywhere this time."
The next hour went the same way and even though Kari was back in her chair, Stefan didn't mind. He roamed about talking with clients, making everyone laugh, and also provided excellent service. If a client had a beverage, he kept it full. If they wanted a magazine, he got it. Kacie, Kari, and I watched in awe as he worked the room, and gave us all a day no one would soon forget. It was impossible to get myself to leave at the end of my shift. All of this would end as soon as I headed to home. After taking two walk-in's just to keep busy, Kacie about forced me to go.
There was no doubt she figured out the sudden interest in working late. Once I hit the hour mark past when I was supposed to leave, she put her foot down. Stefan walked me to my car and a very prominent awkward silence hung between us. We didn't want to part but it was inevitable.
"Thank you for coming by today, Stefan. You really made it a great day for anyone who walked through the door."
"It was nothing," he shrugged. I saw just the opposite of his actions. Being included and making everyone happy was all he had wanted for the day. It only made me wonder why. He had nothing to prove to the people here and it wasn't like he was trying to make a bunch of security sales to the women. Or maybe he was but I was just blind to the selling tactics he utilized.
"Sure it was. But, I mean, I have to ask, did you honestly have nothing to do at work?" Stefan wasn't much of a blusher, but the equivalent for him was to look towards his feet as they shuffled around uneasily.
When that exact thing happened, I had my answer. "Stefan?" I asked in as firm of a tone I could conjure up.