The Beautician and the Billionaire Episode 5: Scene 2b

Wishful Wednesday! I hope you’re having a great day! Charisse is not, but maybe she has a friend on her side for once in her life. Please enjoy!

Charisse didn’t like the tone of Letti’s voice. She was going to question her about Conor. She followed the tall woman to the back like a chastised child. When they reached the breakroom, Charisse pulled herself together and rolled her shoulders back.

Letti crossed her arms under her breasts and said, “What’s going on? Why was Conor running interference for you and ordering us around? I thought he was a silent partner.”

Charisse drew in a long breath. This was not a conversation she wanted to have. She closed the breakroom door and said, “This is for your ears only. I haven’t wanted to worry everyone, and I knew you’d be mad.”

Letti frowned and appeared confused.

Charisse continued. “I made a huge mistake when I opened this salon. My dad was the silent partner. We had a contract together and everything. But I didn’t read it. He just told me to sign it, and like an idiot, I did. To make a long story short, he gave his partnership to Conor, but it wasn’t how I thought. My dad controlled everything. He allowed me to act as managing partner, but he could’ve come in at any time and taken over. I can’t believe I let that happen or he’d do that–” she cut herself off, knowing the tears were about to flow.

“And now Conor owns the salon,” finished Letti.

Charisse nodded, still holding back the tears. When she felt like she had control, she said, “Conor told me he’d stay out of the business, but I guess when I fell apart yesterday he did what comes naturally to him and took over.”

“I’m not mad.”

“What? How could you not be? You’re my first employee, and you trusted that I knew what I was doing.”

“Okay, I’m not mad about the contract, but I am mad that you call me your employee. I’m mad that I’ve known you since you were with Josh, and I still don’t know what the hell happened there. You had a miscarriage, and he left. That’s all I know. You are all business. Let me be your friend for crying out loud. You should’ve told me right away that Conor owned us.”

Charisse clasped her head in her hands, scrunching up her curls. The world whirled around her like yesterday morning. She should’ve stayed home like Conor told her. “I don’t know how to be friends. Everyone close to me leaves me, from my mother to Josh. Even my dad betrayed me, and you know Marie.”

Letti laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Which is why you need me.”

Charisse took Letti’s hand and nodded. Letti was right. They’d known each other too long to be employee and employer. She said, “I’m sorry. You’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. So call up Conor and make him come down here so I can kick his ass.”

Thanks so much for reading! Please come back tomorrow!

Pomegranates and Peaches, Evelyn