Lies, Deceptions, And Misunderstandings

9. King, Err, Queen Of Lies

"Yearwood for three," Carissa told the receptionist. "I have mani's and pedi's booked."

"Yes ma'am, we're ready for you. Ladies," said the girl after checking her appointment book. "Follow me, please."

Taylor was ready to shit his pants when he saw where they were and heard what Carissa said to the receptionist.

As they were led past the desk, the pungent smell of nail polish, acrylic, and polish remover filled his nose and turned his stomach.

Taylor was shaking when Carissa took their bags and he and Kaylee were quickly ushered to seats at a small table opposite a couple Korean women.

Taylor looked over at Kaylee. She did look quite as bothered by what was happening, but why would she be? She's probably done this a hundred times.

Clarissa had some discussions with the woman in front of Kaylee, but Taylor didn't hear what she was saying. He was too busy studying Kaylee's body language. She was smiling at her mom but didn't look exactly thrilled. Maybe she didn't like this girly-girl stuff nearly as much as her mom wanted her to.

When Carissa finished with Kaylee, she turned to the lady in front of him. She took his trembling hand in hers while they talked.

Taylor looked at his fingers, watching while the lady rubbed them softly to calm him down before inserting them into a spongy thing that kept them separated.

He knew what was about to happen and he closed his eyes, desperately wishing to find it had all been a bad dream.

He knew it wasn't a dream though, but more like a nightmare as he could feel her working on his nails. In his mind he could hear his brother threatening him within an inch of his life if he didn't go through with all of this. He also held on to the possibility of getting that dream gaming console and games out of the deal too.

Taylor would glance up every once and awhile as she trimmed, shaped and buffed his sloppy nails, but it was too hard for him to watch the inevitable.

When new, stronger fumes penetrated his nostrils, his eyes popped wide open just in time to see the first stroke of colored polish brushed across his first nail. It was like it was happening in slow motion, yet it was over in a flash and he was ready to explode in a fit of rage.

His nails were being painted to match the deep scarlet red of his tunic.

"Keep them fanned out," yelled Carissa from the station where she was having hers done, when they stood him up.

"You have had your nails done before, right?"

"Oh, not often enough, of course, and never in place like this," said Craig, walking up behind them.

He kissed Carissa's cheek. "What a nice surprise, Carissa. You're just spoiling them."

"Oh, stop it," teased Carissa.

"She deserves a nice treat. She's a darling and I'm about to spoil you too. Sit down right there."

"Me?" Craig asked, surprised.

"Yeah you," said Carissa, grinning at him. "I think it's wonderful when men take care of themselves, like getting a good manicure. Now sit down, I'm treating you as well."

"Who am I to argue with an insistent woman like you?" asked Craig, sitting at the station next to Carissa. 

"Exactly," giggled Carissa. 

Craig was worried about what was about to happen, but he knew he needed to do it. What would it benefit him to argue with Carissa? Besides, he kinda owed Taylor, as well.