âIf youâre genuinely interested in getting styled at our studio, Iâd kindly ask for a little patience.
But if yâall arenât keen on hanging around, thereâs a hair salon around the corner to your right when you leave. Might be more up your alley for you and your daughter.â
âYou!â Imogenâs face flushed crimson with anger, and a few of the other high-society ladies in the room couldnât help but snicker.
She couldnât believe this tiny studio had the nerve to give her attitude. Who did they think they were?
âDo you have any idea who I am? How dare you speak to me like that! Be careful, or Iâll make sure this little studio of yours is out of business for good!â Imogen seethed, her teeth practically grinding together.
Madeline rose to her feet, standing behind her mother as backup. âA small-time stylist like you should be grateful-for the opportunity to style us, and here you are, bossing us around!â
Regina wouldnât stand for this. No way was she going to let this mother-daughter duo insult her friend.
âIs this really the kind of manners youâve got? You donât even have a membership, so you shouldnât be getting styled here in the first place. And now youâre getting aggressive and hurling insults at my friend.
Classy, real classy.â
Talon, on the other hand, wasnât fazed. Heâd heard it all since heâd entered the business. âNow that youâve already called me a small-time stylist, why are you so desperate to have someone like me style you? Are you cheap or what?â
âYou dare call me cheap!â Madeline, having been spoiled rotten by the Tanner family for years, was outrageously arrogant.
In her self-righteous fury, she raised her arm, poised to slap Talon.
But she clearly had no idea who she was dealing with.
Ever since Talon opened this studio, heâd catered to the crème de la crème, each of them charmed by his touch. Many genuinely liked his personality and had become friends. They were far more influential than her, so what gave her the right to throw a tantrum?
âWell, if it isnât Mrs. Tanner. Why the long face? Talon, my boy, this is on you. A guest is a guest, no matter what. How could you let this young and beautiful lady turn as red as a beetroot?â
A woman having her hair done slowly stood up and positioned herself in front of Talon, effectively blocking Madelineâs impending strike.
The sight of her made Imogenâs eyes light up it was Daisy, the very woman she had been itching to cozy up to!
âDaisy! Iâm so embarrassed; I didnât even recognize you sitting there.â
Imogen nudged her daughter with a smile, signaling her to cool it.
Daisy didnât give Imogen the time of day, instead, she joked about how they had spoiled Talon rotten.
âHeâs young and doesnât always get it right, so he can be a bit blunt. I hope you wonât hold it against Talon.â
Imogen read between the lines. Daisy was backing up Talon. Swallowing her pride, she had no choice but to play nice.
âI couldnât possibly hold a grudge against a kid, Itâs just my daughter here; sheâs a bit spoiled and got all fired up hearing her mom was upset. Madeline, come say hello to Daisy. Weâre going to be seeing a lot more of each other!â
Madeline instantly got the hint, transforming her demeanor into one of sweet charm. âHello Daisy, I was a bit rash earlier. My apologies to Talon.â