-Barbershop Tales-
Chapter 1
“My husband’s having an affair,” Grace mumbled, her eyes fixated on the floor.
A single tear slid down her cheek as she clicked her sandals together – shaking off remnants of freshly cut hair that had managed to land between her toes.
Grace was one of Floyd’s first clients and she saw him religiously – every other Friday. Normally, there was nothing but small talk between the two, so Floyd was quite surprised when Grace decided to unload.
Her hair was long and tired, and she’d kept her natural color (salt and pepper tones) for nearly a decade. She was aching for something new, something dramatic, but every time she got to Floyd’s the panic would set in.
Grace’s heart would race, her palms would sweat, and her knees would wobble as she walked to the sink. “A simple trim and blow dry will do” she would always say.
But this time Grace was different. Having said, out loud, what her husband had been doing, she felt stronger – more courageous. She was angry, too, an emotion that had been trapped inside of her until now, imprisoned behind her silent sadness.
“You have my permission to go wild,” she said to Floyd. “I want to feel beautiful again.”
Floyd was ecstatic. There was nothing he loved more than creative freedom. He bluetoothed some classical music to the barbershop speakers, turned the chair away from the mirror so that Grace couldn’t watch, and he began to work his magic.
Large locks fell to the floor, Floyd brushed on dye from two bowls of color, and a couple of hours flew by as Grace talked about her situation at home. Soon, it was time for the big reveal.
“Close your eyes,” Floyd said, slowly spinning the chair toward the mirror. “Ready, set… Ok, you can look now!”
Grace opened her eyes and stared, taking her reflection in with awe. She barely recognized herself.
The bell over the door jingled as Floyd’s next customer walked in. Grace was so absorbed in the mirror that she hadn’t even noticed, but when she got up to thank Floyd she saw someone seated in the waiting area.
The man was leafing through an old newspaper when the woman rose from her chair. As their eyes met, there was an air of familiarity about them.
“Peter?” Grace questioned, even though she knew it was him. She could never forget those eyes.
It was Peter McGuire, an old flame from high school. He had moved to Utah after graduation, and the two hadn’t seen each other since. They stayed in touch briefly – a few calls and letters – but eventually, as with everything else in Grace’s life, the romance fizzled out. The two went separate ways… each in search of a more convenient, and more local, relationship.
Peter nodded, still searching his mind to recall who this woman was. Then it hit him.
“Oh my God! Wow. Grace, you look amazing!”
Floyd swept his station and then hid in the back, giving the two a few minutes – and a little privacy – to catch up.
The door jingled again, and Floyd came out to find the shop empty. “Amazing indeed,” he said, smiling to himself. He turned the sign at the door to read Closed and grabbed his keys to lock up.
TO BE CONTINUED
That’s about all for the letter “G” – a little intro about “Grace,” one of Floyd’s (many) loyal customers. This is exceptionally fun, because stories about each character can change, grow, or even end… the sky is the limit. We may or may not find out where Grace and Peter ran off to. Maybe we’ll meet her cheating husband? You just never know.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed tonight’s chapter… I’ll see you again soon for the letter “H.”
Until later,
Peace & Love!
A Sprinkle of Faith 