Behind The Shade

15

Katie opened the door before Jasmine could even ring the doorbell.

“Woah… you going somewhere?” Jasmine asked.

“No, silly. I saw you coming from the window,” Katie said, a bit out of breath like she had just run downstairs. She wrapped Jasmine in a hug.

“Someone has missed me,” Jasmine giggled.

“You know it.” Katie released her, and they walked back inside.

“Your mom’s not back from work yet?” Jasmine asked, looking around.

“No, she said she’ll be running late.”

“And Irene?” Jasmine asked about Katie’s younger sister, who was five years younger than Katie’s 23 years. Irene and Jasmine got along well. It was obvious to both their parents that Irene adored Jasmine—sometimes even more than her own sister. Katie didn’t mind, though; she saw Jasmine as family.

“The little devil is having a sleepover at her friend’s tonight,” Katie replied, good-naturedly calling her sister by her usual nickname.

“That’s cool. When’s the next rehearsal?”

“You didn’t know?” Katie retorted dryly. “It’s this weekend… at your place.”

“My place? How come?” Jasmine asked, surprised. The band usually rotated houses for rehearsals, and the last time had been at Katie’s. Jasmine shuddered to think of the chaos that might have ensued if Katie hadn’t mentioned it and she’d accidentally scheduled a job that day.

“Yes, your place.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll cancel whatever plans I have for that day.”

“Well, look at you, all business-like,” Katie teased.

“Girl, you won’t believe what happened at work today,” Jasmine said, settling onto the couch.

“Oh yeah? Tell me about it.” Katie plumped a throw pillow, getting comfortable for the story.

“So apparently, we had celebrities at the shop today, and I had no idea until Anna told me after they left.”

Katie laughed. “That’s so you. Honestly, you weren’t supposed to be born in this era.”

Jasmine swatted her thigh playfully. “Whatever! Anyway, one of them is an influencer. Don’t know if you know her.” She opened Instagram and showed Katie Jamie’s profile.

“OMG! You did Jamie’s nails? And she tagged you in her post? Look, you’re getting more followers!” Katie squealed excitedly. Sure enough, Jasmine checked her account and was shocked to see she had gained over 200 followers in just two hours.

“She’s the real deal,” Katie said. “I told you—your work is too good. Be ready for an inflow of new customers.”

“Wow, I didn’t even think of that.”

“You should. So, did they just walk in, or how did they know about The Studio?”

“Jamie said a friend of hers, Scarlett, who I’d done nails for before, recommended our place.”

“That’s amazing! So tell me—how’s Jamie? Is she as bubbly as she seems in her videos?”

“She has a great personality and is super down-to-earth, considering how popular she is. I’d like to work for her again.”

“But you said celebrities—who did she come with?”

“Her name is Cassie.”

“The only Cassie she’s usually seen with is Hadi, Wait you mean the youngest daughter of Hadi Holdings was at your shop? That’s huge! How you didn’t mess up their nails from nerves is beyond me.”