At Lather

Shane was waiting for Tabitha in Lather; she had been waiting for ten minutes now, each second burning the possibility of a second rejection into her subconscious. She checked her watch again; only a minute had gone by since she had last looked at it. She cursed herself for being so anxious about seeing a woman which she hardly even knew. Settling back in the chair she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to relax her erratic heart beat.

Concentrating on her breathing and blocking out the noise and commotion of the salon around her, Shane drifted off. The darkness swallowed her up, engulfed her senses and pulled her into a place in her mind where she rarely went. Inside were her friends: Bette and Tina and Alice and Dana. Bette was standing behind Tina with her arms encircling her wifes waist as Tina leant back into Bettes embrace, and she covered Bettes hands with her own. They were smiling in that way which made Shanes heart melt, usually after a particularly active night of bedroom antics. Next to them stood Alice and Dana, their posture confused Shane. Alice stood proud with one hand on her hip, the other firmly latched around Danas waist bringing her up close to her side. So close that Dana rested her head on Alices shoulder and placed a hand against her back, the other holding onto the belt around Alices jeans. They looked surprisingly happy to be at such close proximity to one another, and also made a strikingly good looking couple. There was so much love emanating from the couples that Shane couldnt help but be touched by it. Thin and wispy tendrils of their happiness snaked its way into Shane, filling her senses and giving her a taste of something which only tempted her to want more.

Shane!

She snapped out of the dream, her warm and safe world evaporating in front of her eyes being replaced by reality, cold and left a distasteful hint of normality in her mouth. Furrowing her brow and a frown tugging the corners of her mouth down, Shane glared at the owner of the voice who had so rudely interrupted her cosy, dream like state.

Shane, youre really pushing it my girl. Now you have a customer waiting so try not to fall asleep! her boss rasped, dramatically waving his hands in the air as if that would help the situation.

Shane said nothing to the man, but got up smoothly and made her way to reception. The dream had successfully cleared her frantic thoughts and left her mind hollow, bringing serenity and peace to Shanes head once again. This false state of consciousness did not last long, as soon as she looked over the appointment book at reception her eyes drifted over Tabithas name and she then looked up to find the woman standing right in front of her.

Hi Shane. The soft, British syllables purred to her.

Standing there unabashed to the fact that she was staring, Shane cleared her throat and averted her eyes quickly; she didnt want Tabitha to think she made a habit of staring at her.

Is everything ok? Im sorry Im late, lost all track of time.

Its fine, I wasnt busy anyway. Shane understated.

She went round to the front of reception and offered to take Tabithas jacket. Standing behind her Shane pulled the denim easily off her shoulders, subtly breathing in the scent which radiated off this woman. It was like no perfume Shane had ever smelt before; it was musky, almost powdery with a hint of spice which sunk deep into Shanes lungs causing her chest to tighten in anticipation. She hung the jacket up, feeling Tabithas eyes following her, watching her.

Follow me. Shane murmured, glancing at Tabitha from underneath her dark lashes. A small smile curling up the sides of Shane’s mouth, flashing briefly in Tabithas direction before she headed off.

Why are we going upstairs? Tabitha asked, following Shane like a sheep, her eyes unable to look away from the view which was displayed, swinging from side to side in front of her.

Shane took her to where the important customers had their hair done. Tabitha might not of had her face plastered across billboards or have teams of celebrities hanging off her every word, but she was important enough in Shanes eyes.

Here you go, we take our more select customers up here, just in case they get pestered by any ordinary people that would be downstairs.

Tabitha sat down in the chair which was offered to her, laughing at the fact that she way being considered as important.

I shouldnt worry about anything like that; I hardly know who I am most of the time so I doubt anyone else will.

Shane smiled her Cheshire cat smile back at Tabitha through the mirror. As Shane leant against the back of the chair she couldnt help but check out what her Tabitha looked like together. Hot didnt even come close

Shaking away those thoughts Shane concentrated on just the hair. After a few minutes of inspecting, stroking and tugging Shane spun Tabitha round in the chair.

Bear with me. She murmured, leaving for just a few seconds.

Shane returned with her rimless glasses on, perched perfectly on the bridge of her nose. She peered into Tabithas face, pouting ever so slightly as she concentrated. The ideal style emerged in Shanes mind and she began to move back, but instead found herself staring straight into Tabithas eyes. Still lightly caressing the silky fibres beneath her touch which hung, suspended next to Tabitha right cheek, Shane began to get pulled further down into the evergreen depths only inches away from her. The woman shuddered beneath her touch, Shanes gaze travelled down to the sensual, full lips that parted slightly with eagerness.

For the second time that day the world around her fell away, however this time her eyes were very much open and her senses fully aware. Completely focused on her desire which was increasing by the second and drawing her further towards Tabithas waiting lips.

In a distant part of the salon a thud sounded, suddenly severing the connection between them and bringing the world crashing in around them.

Ermright. Shane mumbled, moving back and straightening up.

She had to turn away and compose herself for a second, taking in deep breaths before returning to her waiting customer. Tabitha also seemed shaken, her cheeks were slightly flushed and she was also taking in gulps of air.

I know what to do.

Shane spun the dazed woman around and threaded her fingers back into her hair, avoiding eye contact as best she could and picked up her scissors.

About an hour later and Shane was adding the finishing touches to her masterpiece. Throughout the hair cut neither Tabitha nor Shane had said much. Just small talk, inconsistent chit chat contrasted with brief but intimate eye contact.

There, its finished.

Tabitha just sat there for a few seconds, taking in the transformation which had occurred in front of her. The hair cut emphasised her eyes and framed her face perfectly. She lifted a hand and touched the ends which now brushed her cheek lightly. Her gaze wandered up to see Shane watching her with warm and affectionate eyes. Tabitha knew there and then this was not just a crush, what was flowing between these two women far surpassed anything which she had experienced in the past. The scary thing was, was that the only contact that had occurred between them was eye contact. She didnt even want to think what it would be like if they actually became intimate.

Do you like it? Shane asked, worried by Tabithas silence but confident in the fact that the hair cut really suited her.

Its amazing Shane, youve successfully tamed the beast which was my hair. I love it.

She straightened up, trying not to let the compliment go to her head.

Well, you have good hair Tabitha it was me pleasure to tame it.

Tabitha blushed and smiled shyly, getting up and brushing off the last few strands which still stuck to her clothes. Shane was about to head down the stairs but her arm was seized gently and she turned around, startled but relieved in the same instant.

Tabitha quickly removed her hand, clasping it nervously with the other.

Shane, I err wwant to thank you for the hair cut. She stammered, looking anywhere but into Shanes fiery eyes.

Tabby, is it ok if I call you Tabby?

Yeah, yeah thats fine. Tabitha said, liking the way the nickname slipped through Shanes lips so effortlessly.

Tabby, you dont have to thank me really, its my job and anyway Ill be taking your money in a minute so I dont think youll be thanking me then. She joked, noticing that the British woman was no longer making eye contact.

Normally Shane would have just cupped the womans face in her hands and forced her to meet her eyes, but something stopped her from being so forward with Tabitha. Something which seemed to scare her and fill her with excitement at the same time.

No Shane I mean I want to thank you by taking you out for a drink or something. Tabitha said quietly, annoyed at how shy she had become.

Shane was speechless; all she could do was grin like a dumb kid. Tabitha glanced up then and obviously mis-read her expression.

Forget it, Im sorry I shouldnt have said anything. She muttered hurriedly, stepping past Shane to leave.

This time it was Shane who grabbed Tabithas arm and spun her round, having to steady the surprisingly fragile frame beneath her with her other hand.

Tabby I would love to go out with you for a drink. Shane said sternly, looking intently into Tabithas eyes. Feeling them begin to work their magic on her once again. Or something.

Her eyes played down to Tabithas lips again and she had to take a step back and detach herself from the temptation before she lost all self control. For, it was one thing falling asleep at work, but quite another to be caught kissing a customer.

Tabitha seemed taken aback by the acceptance of her offer and the closeness which Shane had dangled in front of her, always just out of reach.

Um, great, thats great. Tabitha said, tripping over her words.

Hows tonight, I can meet you in Milk around eight?

Tabitha quickly scanned her brain for any visible appointments which she might have had for that night. Of course, her memory came up blank.

Sure, ill give you a call if something comes up though.

Shane smiled, holding back her urge to jump in the air and punch it whilst letting out a particularly loud cry of joy.

Excellent, I hope I dont hear from you then.