Loree Lough - Once a Marine

“Then what can I get you to drink while we set up for the haircut?”

He sat down at the counter. “Coffee, if you’ve got it.”

The friends launched into familiar, comfortable conversation that continued even as they moved the dining room table and covered the colorful rug with a white sheet, and while he cut and styled her hair. After he helped her put things back into place, he grabbed her hand.

“Sit down, Sums,” he said, leading her to the living room sofa. “I have something to tell you. Something really important.”

He plopped down beside her, looking more serious than she’d ever seen him look.

“Let me say this before I lose my nerve. Again.”

Again? How long had he been planning this little speech?

“Do you like wearing your hair short?”

“Sure. You do a great job. I don’t even miss the long ‘do’ anymore.”

His expression grew even more serious. “You are the only client I make house calls for. You know that, right?”

Yes, she did. Just like she knew what an inconvenience it was for him to haul scissors and combs, dryer and styling tools from his shop on East Meadow to her place. She’d always done everything possible to show her appreciation, and sent him home with generous tips, his favorite desserts and healthy casseroles that he could freeze then bake when work left him no time to cook.

“I realize it’s a hassle,” she said. “Coming over here every month for nearly two years...if you need to charge more, or change the schedule so that—”

He grabbed her hands. “Summer. Shhh. Please?”

She didn’t like his tone. Didn’t like feeling like a misbehaving child, either. It made her remember what her dad had said during his last visit: “If you keep acting like a helpless child, you can’t complain when people treat you like one.” It hadn’t been easy to hear then, and it wouldn’t be easy, hearing it from her much-trusted friend.

“You know I love you like a sister, right?”

She nodded. “And I feel the same way about you.”

Justin looked sad, and pained, and frustrated all at once. Her heart ached for the friend who’d always been there for her. If she loved him half as much as she claimed to, she’d spare him the ordeal of telling her the house calls had to stop.

She sat up straighter and forced a smile. “You know how much I appreciate all you do for me, right?”

One brow rose high on his forehead. “Uh, yeah...”

“So please don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way.”

Eyes narrowed, he studied her face.

“I’ve let you baby me for far too long. It’s time I stood on my own two feet, inside and outside of this house. So next time I need a trim, I’ll come to your shop, just like any other client.” As he’d done earlier, Summer raised a hand to silence his retort. “I’ve made up my mind, and there isn’t a thing you can do to change it.”

He pulled her into a brotherly hug then held her at arm’s length. “I’m proud of you, Sums. Really proud!”

Summer did her best to match his happy smile...while hoping that someday, she’d share his feelings.

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