Inside a sleek glass building with Gloss & Glam boldly engraved across the entrance, four women and two men in matching grey uniforms gathered at a corner, collecting their cleaning equipment with routine familiarity.
A woman in a slightly different uniform, distinguished only by its deeper shade but bearing the same company logo, approached the group with casual authority. Her tone was calm but firm.
"Tom, you and the others can retire for the day. I'll take care of the cleaning," said Rebecca, strolling toward the table where hair styling and trimming tools were neatly arranged.
"We're not in a hurry, Miss Rebecca," Lamar replied with a cheeky grin, subtly nudging the man beside her. "Besides, I'm sure our little prince is anxiously waiting to be cuddled in the arms of his sweet mother. Especially with those endless tests and examinations awaiting him tomorrow."
The man beside her chimed in as planned. "Lamar's right, Miss Rebecca. We'll clean up everything, arrange them back in place, and lock the door after."
Rebecca arched a brow, smiling knowingly. "I overheard you telling Rose that you had a date with your boyfriend at 9:00 p.m, Lamar. As we speak, you've got less than an hour to get home and prepare. Still not in a hurry?"
"That's … um…" the girl began sheepishly, clearly caught in her lies.
"I appreciate how thoughtful all of you are, truly. But I don't want anyone missing their plans on my account," She said with warmth.
Their shoulders slumped with reluctant disappointment.
"I'll be fine. And Jerry must've fallen asleep by now, so you don't have to worry about us. Hmm?" she added with a warm smile.
One by one, they gathered their bags and jackets, offering reluctant farewells as they passed through the front door, casting backward glances of concern.
Once the glass entrance shut behind the last of them, Rebecca got to work. She started by returning the tools to their designated spots, followed by sweeping and mopping the tiled floor.
Thirty minutes passed.
With her back to the entrance, she wiped down the tables using a white towel, completely immersed in the task. She didn't hear the door open.
Only when she turned toward the next table did she feel the unmistakable presence of someone behind her.
Her heart slammed to a stop.
A shadow stretched across the floor. A man's.
She froze, the towel clenched tightly in her trembling fist. Her thoughts scattered as a wave of unease surged through her chest.
"There you are," a male voice echoed across the empty salon. Smug and casual, like someone who'd finally cornered their prey.
Panic flashed in Rebecca's eyes. She quickly scanned the room for anything that could serve as a weapon, only to realize she'd already returned everything to the equipment room.
"Gotcha!" the voice crowed as a firm hand gripped her shoulder.
Ignoring her thundering heartbeat, Rebecca spun and threw a powerful punch, but it met only air. The tall man had effortlessly sidestepped.
Her mouth fell open, eyes widening in disbelief as they landed on the grinning intruder. She jolted backward as if she'd seen a ghost.
Before she could react further, she was pulled into a tight embrace.
"I knew it," the man said with excitement, his hands moving gently along her back. "I knew I couldn't be wrong about who you really are. I've finally found you."
His grip tightened, making it difficult for her to breathe.
"Sal kept saying I was letting my obsession get the best of me. Trust me, he's going to be stunned when he sees you…"
"Will you back off now?" Rebecca snapped, shoving him away with all her strength.
"Why are you acting all defensive? It's me, Max," he said, reaching out again but only for her to pull away.
"As you can see, we're closed for the day." She gestured toward the empty salon. "You can come back tomorrow or another time."
"Jennie, I know you're still mad at me because of what happened in the past, but enough with the act," Maxwell said, his smile fading.
He stepped toward her again, but she backed up, putting distance between them.
"We are closed," she repeated, her voice rising with restrained fury. "I'm saying that for the second and last time. So get the hell out of my salon."
She pointed at the glass door, trembling despite her bold front.
Maxwell studied her silently. Deep down, he was certain… absolutely certain that this was the woman he had grown up with, the girl he had lost.
If she wanted to play hard to get, then fine. He'd play along.
Jennie, I hope you're ready for what's coming.
He thought, smirking.
"What'll you do if I don't leave huh?" Maxwell asked coldly, slipping his hand into his pocket.
"If... if you don't get out right now, I'll call the police," Rebecca threatened, still gesturing toward the exit.
"Sure. Why don't you give it a try?" he replied coolly, pulling out a chair and sitting down like he owned the place. His legs crossed, relaxed.
"Mister, I was about to shut the doors before you walked in…"
"Then why are you still talking instead of calling the police?" he interrupted, eyes glinting with amusement. "Your phone is right there. Don't tell me you can't see it."
He pointed at the grey cellphone lying on a nearby table, grinning as he saw the spark in her eyes flicker.
"Or is it that you know the police won't do anything? Maybe you're afraid they'll end up bowing to me instead of arresting me," he added, giving her a wink that nearly made her gag.
Rebecca stood rigid in a corner, glaring at the intruder who now sat smugly in her salon. Nothing she said made him budge.
She had one option left.
"If you want to sleep here, then fine. I don't mind granting your wish," she hissed.
She ripped off her grey apron and tossed it onto the table, then stomped into the back room. Five minutes later, she returned wearing a different shirt with her black handbag.
She wanted to lock Maxwell in and leave him behind. But instead, he followed her, undeterred.
I covered my tracks. How the hell did he find me? And today of all days... Why am I this unlucky? How do I get rid of him?
The thoughts ran in loops as Rebecca sat on a bench outside, glancing warily at the man trailing her like a shadow.
"Before it gets any later, I need to call Tim," she muttered under her breath. "The babysitter will be clocking out soon. I can't let Sweet Peanut spend the night alone."
Keeping her voice low to avoid drawing Maxwell's attention, she pulled out her phone and dialed.
"Hello, Becca," Timberlake's warm voice rang out. He shifted into a sitting position on his bed. "Did you call to thank me for helping Jerry with the surprise? I've told you, thank you is unnecessary~"
"Hey, Tim. I desperately need your help," Rebecca interrupted, glancing nervously at Maxwell, who stood a short distance away.
Timberlake immediately picked up on the distress in her voice. "Becca, why do you sound shaken? Is Jerry okay?"
"I need you to go to the hospital now. Sweet Peanut must be waiting for me. And the babysitter's about to clock out~"
"Wait. You're not at the hospital?" Timberlake asked, startled. He glanced at the clock beside his bed.
"You can't still be out this late. Have you forgotten how important tomorrow is?"
"How could I ever forget that?" Rebecca whispered, running a hand through her styled blonde hair.
"What choice do I have?" she added bitterly. "I'm leaving you in charge of the tests and examinations tomorrow."
She paused, blinking back tears. "I don't know how long I'll be gone. But please stay with him. He is more comfortable with you than Miss Taylor. He'll be calmer with you around."
"I'll try to come as soon as I can~"
"Wait, wait, you're leaving me with all that responsibility? Are you okay? Do you even know what you're saying?" Timberlake asked, stunned.
That wasn't like her at all. Not when it involved Jerry.
"Are you in trouble? Do you need me to come to you?"
"Please, Tim," she whispered. "Don't ask questions. I promise I'll explain everything later. Just take care of my son, okay?"
She ended the call before he could reply.
If I can get away now, I won't have to spend the night worrying about Jerry.
Her heart raced with hope when she noticed Maxwell wasn't watching her. For two whole minutes, his attention had wandered.
Without hesitation, she kicked off her white high heels, picked up her handbag, and bolted into the night, leaving her shoes behind on floor.