My heart was beating so quickly in my chest. LONDON! ME!!
I was thrilled and frightened at the same time.
“Vidal”, was my voice cracking? “I can’t go to London?” It was a question, rather than a statement.
“Yes you can,CeCe. I’ve made all of the arrangements for you, your plane ticket is already ordered. You have to go get your passport tomorrow morning. I’ll do your clients for you, until you get to work. I want for you to leave this week-end.Beverly will meet you at the airport, show you around, introduce you to some key people, then fly here Monday. So you’ll have her for two days to help you to settle in. What are your concerns?”
Vidal come around from his desk and sat next to me on the couch. He took my hand in his, gave a gentle squeeze.
“CeCe, you are so talented,” His voice was low and gentle. “I want for you to have this training. It will be a huge stepping stone for you. What are you troubled about?”
“How long will I be there?” My mind was whirling. What about Sal?
“Can I bring Sal?” I couldn’t go months without seeing my son.
“You’ll be there for the Summer. London is wonderful in the Summer. I don’t think that you should bring him, but, you can if you must. Beverly will find a nanny for him.”
“Why do you want me to go? Who will manage this Salon?” The fear was taking hold. Vidal held my hand tighter.
“CeCe,” a chuckle rose from his chest, “Your my star stylist. Your terrific with hair coloring. I want for you to learn and develop more advanced techniques, so that you’ll be able to teach this staff, & we will be the best team in New York. I see very big things for you in this industry.”
” But, Vidal, I’ve told you several times, I’m going to law school. This is just my means to save money to pay for school.”
” Yes,yes, my dear CeCe.” He lite another cigarette. “I’m aware of your goals. I also know that your thinking of marrying that man. I’m thinking of a way that you can earn a lot more money, faster, go to school, and have your son live with you, WITHOUT, having to marry someone that your not in love with!”
I looked deeply into his eyes, and for the first time I saw the deepness of his friendship. There was genuine care in his eyes.
“Now, my girl,” he got up and walked to the desk, “Will you do this? Will you do this for yourself, your son, and, for me?”
There was a knock on the office door.
“Can I come in?”
It was Michele.
“Yes, come in Michele.” Vidal answered.
“Hey guys, are you joining us across the street?”
“We are coming right now.” answered Vidal has he winked at me. “Go ahead CeCe, I’ll close up. Meet all of you there in about half an hour.”
I stood up and walked to the door in a half daze. Michele asked if I was okay, & all I could do was nod my head. London. London! LONDON!!
“Well.” Michele was dying of curiosity. “Are you going to tell me? Do I have to stand on my head first?”
“I’m going to London next week.” Until I said those words, I didn’t believe I had heard Vidal right. I suddenly realized that I had decided that I would go. I had to go to my Mothers house & pack my son’s stuff tonight. I had to tell Sunny that I was going to London. I had so many things to prepare for.
“London?” Michele shrieked as she grabbed my shoulders & shook me. “How wonderful! Why? When & how long for?”
Michele’s burst of excitement allowed for my excitement to surface and suddenly I was laughing & crying at the same time. We were crossing the street when I remembered that I never cleaned up my station, and left most of my tip money in my drawer. I started to turn back, when Michele grabbed my arm, pulling me across the street.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I forgot my tips.”
“You don’t need them. I’ll pay for your food & drinks. You could pay me back tomorrow.”
“O’kay. Just go in my drawer tomorrow & take out what I owe you. I’m going for my passport in the morning. I have to get Sal & bring him also for his passport.”
“Your taking Sal? How wonderful? Can I come too?” She giggled like a little girl.

Tags: hair coloring, London, Vidal

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