She’s gorgeous. The darkest black locks hang down her back and over the navy sweaterdress she’s wearing. With a pair of lace-up Louboutin high-heeled booties, she’s a complete knockout.
“Nice to meet you, Lauren. Thank you for helping me out. It’s kind of a—” I pause, running my hands through my messed-up hair. “—a disaster right now.”
She grins. “Oh, that’s nothing compared to what I’m used to. We’re going to turn that mess into something amazing. Let’s get started. I’m anxious to get my hands on that incredible hair.”
Something about this girl and her aura make me feel slightly at ease about the whole haircut situation. I’ve had my hair long for as long as I can remember, and I can’t stop worrying about someone fucking it up and making it worse. My chocolate color is natural, believe it or not. The only time I ever really get anything done to my hair is when I go for a trim every two months.
Her confidence in her ability soothes some of the anxiety in me as we file into the bathroom off Sebastian’s bedroom since it’s the largest.
“Holy shit, you weren’t kidding, Maddie,” Lauren says as she enters the bathroom. She glances around as she places her bag of tricks on the vanity counter. “This bathroom is fantastic. I want the name of his designer. I need a bathroom like this in my new place.”
“It’s just like my brother to have his bathroom over the top.” Madison chuckles softly.
“Don’t be jealous, little sis,” Sebastian teases as he carries in one of the stools from the kitchen island.
Madison crosses her arms over her chest. “I don’t know why you like him, Devin. He’s a pain in the ass just to be related to. I couldn’t imagine having to date him.”
Lauren and I laugh as I take my seat and she wraps a cape around me.
“Like you date,” Sebastian jokes before turning his attention to me. “I’m going to hit the gym downstairs for a little bit. Call or text if you need anything, princess.”
The moment he’s out of earshot, Lauren and Madison look at each other and giggle. “Aww, princess. How freaking adorable.”
I glare at Madison since she’s not the one about to take scissors to my hair. “Shut up, Madison.”
They both burst into giggles again.
“Okay, so what kind of style do you want, Devin?” Lauren asks when she finally calms down.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I just need something that looks better than it does now. I’ve always had long hair. It’s who I am.”
“Change is good,” Lauren says. “How about a long bob? Then it could be the best of both worlds. We can take care of these burned strands and give you a fresh new look.”
I feel the tears start to form in the corner of my eyes. It’s just hair. It’ll grow back. My voice is shaky and uneasy as I answer her. “That might work.”
“Aww, sweetie,” Madison says, grabbing my hand with her own bandaged one. “It’s going to be okay.”
I don’t understand how Madison can be so calm and cheery. Was last night not as scary for her?
Madison’s voice is soft as she speaks, and it’s as if she can read my mind. “Last night was the scariest one of my life. I’ve never been in a situation like that. I was terrified.”
The tears break free and stream down my face. “You saved my life, Madison.”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t save your life, Devin. I did what anyone would have done when they saw the label of the jug. I was panicking on the inside.”
“If you didn’t scream for me to take my jacket off, the acid would have eaten right through it and I’d be skinless right now.” I pause, taking a deep breath to calm my anxiety. “If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know what would have happened. I was in shock. I had no idea what she threw on me.”
Bits and pieces of Madison’s screams and barked orders echo inside my head.
“The jug bounced off the sidewalk and hit my ankle when she dropped it. My skin started burning, which is the only reason I really looked down and saw the label. I only knew you should take your jacket off after I saw it was acid because I worked a similar case during one of my internships.”
Madison’s screams for someone to call911rip through my mind, making me feel like we’re right back there on the street corner. I slam my eyes closed, trying to push it all away.
Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes and look up at her. “You saved me, Madison.” I gesture to the bandages covering my neck and chest. “This could have been much worse if you weren’t there. You may have been panicking on the inside, but your calmness and directions saved me. You didn’t even think twice about grabbing my scarf and pulling it off. Your hands are burned because of it. I can never repay you for what you did for me.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” she says with tears glistening in her eyes. “I would do it all over again, Devin. You’re like family.”
The room is silent as we take a minute to be grateful that we’re all here and the worst of it is I just have to say goodbye to my precious hair.
