For Kaila

Shave & a Haircut

From Jeremy's point of view....

What the hell are you doing man...... She's young enough to be your daughter! Three hours to kill...maybe I'll just go back and tell her there's been a mistake....a mistake? What's the mistake....? I'm sorry you're young? Therefore I can't take you to lunch? She would be upset at him and rightfully so. Christ I've gotten myself into a hell of a mess....but really.....what's the harm in lunch?

"Well, with Andy's daughter getting married tomorrow, I may as well use the time for a haircut and a shave. York's isn't too far of a walk...it will give me time to think."

Jeremy threw his bag and jacket into the boot of his Merc and set off down the street. His long legs making graceful strides that ate up the city blocks. York's Barber Shop was his old stomping grounds from his early days. Jeremy was pleased to see old man York was still at his chair in the front of the shop. The good old boys hanging around in chairs reading the news and spreading the gossip. This was the place to come for a good haircut, and a real hot lather shave by a professional. They just don't do things like this anymore!

"Clarkson!" the older man bellowed as he entered, reaching out to greet him warmly.

"Jon, good to see you man" Clarkson replied shaking his hand.

"You look like hell man! Sit down and I'll clean you up here in a minute." Jon knew the drama currently surrounding his old friend, but decided that that conversation was better left unsaid. "Well at least you came to the right place, finally. What's the occasion?"

"Well, Jon, our producer, Andy Wilman, his daughter is getting married tomorrow at the Savoy. I do not want to look like a beggar."

Jon finally finished with his client, swept up under the chair and motioned for Clarkson to take the seat. Jon kept the conversation neutral and easy as he cut his hair. He was sure to steer everyone away from topics like Frances. "Now what are we going to do with this god awful mess of hair on your face?"

"Off with it!" Clarkson bellowed!

Jon relaxed back the chair wrapping a hot towel around his face. Jeremy relaxed and stretched his legs out. God this felt good. Today was a good day....he was feeling goood.....feeling himself again. Jon worked the soap up in a nice thick lather. The brush floated across his skin covering his cheeks in the richly scented foam. Jon wasted no time dragging the straight edge razor across his cheeks. Minutes later, a cleanly shaven, much relaxed Clarkson sat up.

"Welcome to the world again, Jeremy!" Jon teased. "Now that you don't look like an extra for Les Miserables, maybe some woman would take you on!"

"Ugh!" Jeremy retorted "Who in their right mind would do that!?" but he couldn't help but think of Kaila. God she was beautiful....and young....he shook off the thought, paying Jon for his services. Sliding his sunglasses back on, he slipped back into the London streets feeling like a new man.

He spent the next hour and a half generally mucking about killing time. Still unsure if this was a good idea or not, he headed back in the direction of Claytons. Ten until three, he looked through the front windows of the store, but couldn't see Kaila. Maybe she changed her mind on him...he really wouldn't blame her if she had. He took a seat on the street bench and played with his phone.

The door of the shop swung open, and he looked up to find Kaila peeking down at him.

"You shaved!!" she cooed "Look at that baby face!!" She couldn't help but delight in his sparkling blue eyes.

He stood immediately to greet her, reaching out for her hand and bending to peck her cheek. Her cheeks flushed immediately, he noticed. This old dog appears to still have some life left in him yet, he thought smugly of himself.

"Here's your suit, all done Jeremy." She said handing over the garment bag. "It's pressed and ready to wear tomorrow."

"Thank you! Thank you! Now about lunch...I'm starving!" For the first time in a long time, he really was hungry and looking forward to a meal with company. Kaila followed him in the direction of his car, where he laid the garment bag flat in the boot. She oohed and awed over the car, asking him surprisingly technical questions. Impressive...I do like that in a girl. "I've got and idea." Jeremy purred, his voice deep and soft. "Wanna go for a spin? We don't have to eat around here." Her face lit up immediately, he couldn't help but smile back.