Chapter 287
The folks at HR didnât exactly know why; they just knew it was a top-down decision to let Harmon go. Considering Harmon was always busting his chops at work, they said, âWeâre just carrying out orders) Donât you have a clue why theyâre giving you the boot? On the bright side, you got two monthsâ severance. You can hunt for a job somewhere else.â
Harmon was genuinely clueless about why he was canned. He thought about the near brawl he had with a colleague at a promotion party, and his past stalking of Anastasia. He was sure his termination had something to do with these incidents, but he wasnât sure who stabbed him in the back.
With his severance in hand, Harmon dragged himself to the break room, changed his clothes, packed his things and left. He couldnât help but feel a pang of regret. Upon leaving, he paused at the entrance and took one last look at the company building.
At this moment, the male colleague with whom Harmon had clashed at the promotion party happened to pass by. He saw Harmon holding something and mocked him, âHa, got the axe, huh? Need help finding a job? Security guard positions are open in my neighborhood, and you seem like a perfect fit.â
Harmon shot the guy a withering look. âBack off.â
âWell, are you mad? Gonna deck me now? Arenât you scared of the pokey? Come on, take a swing,â the guy taunted, âChicken.â
Harmon clutched his box tighter, his anger reaching a boiling point. He strode towards the guy, looking ready to rumble. Another colleague quickly pulled the guy away, âWhy are you messing with him? The guyâs unhinged.â
Harmon shot them a murderous glare, and they beat it.
Harmon was feeling pretty lousy when his phone rang. It was the dating site, âMr. Alstrom, are you free? Ms. Jewell is available tonight. Weâve set a meeting place at Spirits & Suds, eight oâclock.â
Harmon asked, âIs this Anastasia, the one you introduced me to before?â
âYes, Ms. Anastasia.â The person from the dating site replied cheerfully, âAre you free tonight?â
âYes, eight oâclock, Spirits & Suds, Iâll be there on the dot.â Harmon was over the moon
His mind was a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, he felt that Anastasia was a scammer. On the other, the thought of a date with her made him giddy.
He even fantasized about what if Anastasia liked him and wanted to marry him. He was certain he could be a better man than her husband.
With this in mind, Harmon rushed home, snatched up his severance, and went shopping for a new outfit, followed by a trip to the barbershop. The barber took advantage of Harmonâs good mood and managed to sell him a bunch of products with flattery. âSir, youâre quite the looker. If you style your hair right, youâlNook even hotter. Women will be all over you.â
Harmon was flattered and kept nodding, imagining how much Anastasia would like his stylish hair. It was only when he saw the bill that he realized how much he had been swindled. âThe total is $8500, sir.â
Harmonâs face darkened, his eyes flashing with disapproval. âWhat? Come again? Isnât a wash, cut, and blow dry $128?â
âYour total is $8500.â The barber answered cheerily, âYou opted for a hair treatment using imported products, so naturally, the price is higher. I did explain this to you.â
Harmon was livid. âYou said the hair treatment was $200. How is it possible that it all adds up to $8500?â
âSir, please calm down. You must have misunderstood. The $200 is for one section of your hair. We divided your hair into forty sections, each meticulously treated. Look at your hair now, so smooth and shiny. We even gave you a discount, so itâs only $8500.â
Upon hearing this explanation, Harmon was ready to blow his top. âThis is highway robbery. Riverdale doesnât even have forty sections, yet you divided my hair into forty. Youâre nothing but thieves. Iâm calling the cops.â
Harmon had just been fired, and now he was being scammed by a shady barbershop. His pent-up anger reached its peak and he lost it.