The next morning, the air was cool and calm. Cid was waiting for Mia by the door, a cup of coffee in hand. When she stepped out, he opened the door for her with a discreet smile. During the drive, few words were exchanged, the atmosphere still charged with the emotions of the previous day.
Cid dropped Mia off in front of Rose's fashion and beauty boutique before heading off to his own work.
"Have a nice day, Mia."
"Thank you, you too."
As soon as she walked through the door, Rose greeted her enthusiastically:
"Miaaa! You're finally here! Welcome home, my dear!"
She grabbed Mia by the hand and led her towards the other employees, introducing herself:
"This is Yasmina, our expert on blow-drying and secrets; Chloé, an extreme hairstylist, can transform a mane of hair into a work of art; and Lys, our magical makeup artist. At the checkout, it's Tina, adorable but uncompromising with discounts. And for security, we have our two human walls: Eliott and Daryl. Teddy bears, but you'd better not bother looking for them!
Everyone greeted Mia warmly. After a few instructions, Rose announced:
"Mia, today you'll be helping me at the reception desk with Tina. I want our customers to feel pampered from the moment they walk through this door!"
But Rose stopped, suddenly concerned.
"Are you okay? You seem out of sorts..."
Mia hesitated, then let out a small sigh.
"Let's just say I have some concerns... about Cid. There's this girl... Lara."
Rose immediately rolled her eyes.
—Oh no... Don't tell me that witch is back?
Mia's eyes widened, surprised by the scathing tone.
Yasmina snapped,
"If she comes back to ask me for a haircut, I'll throw myself out the window. I swear."
"Is she that terrible?" Mia asked, taken aback.
Rose, arms crossed, chimed in.
"Lara, she's the walking stereotype of the spoiled brat. Arrogant, capricious, full of herself, she thinks everyone owes her respect. Honestly... Cid deserves much better. It breaks my heart to see him stuck with such a viper."
Mia turned slowly toward her, her eyes wide.
"You... know about the contract?"
"Of course you do. Cid is a very close friend of mine. I know everything he's going through."
—So… why don't you talk him into it?
Rose heaved a heavy sigh.
"I tried, believe me. But he's stubborn when he thinks he's doing the 'right thing.' That's why I relied on you… I was hoping that with you there, things would change before that pest came back. Watch out for her, Mia. She's a viper hiding under a sheepskin. And she bites when you least expect it."
Rose then handed Mia an apron with a knowing wink.
"Let's get to work!"
After a busy day, at closing time, Rose asked Mia for help cleaning up. They did so while chatting, laughing, and already sharing a wonderful bond. Then they parted, wishing each other a good evening.