Something About Emmett (Billionaire Romance) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 26 - Something New

I did not like to stand idly in a large house, especially one that did not belong to me. It was much too still without Emmett inside, with me walking alone down the hall and standing by the unlit fireplace. The fireplace was entirely for show, I knew, because the weather here was never cold.

Decisively I went for my phone and requested an Uber. With nothing other than the same bag I used in the Universal parks, my wallet and a few spare bills, my debit card, and the phone in my hand, I left for my favorite shopping center. It had my favorite stores, and my hair salon, and I decided to go out on a whim and pamper myself.

I had an important night at the lounge coming up soon, and some new clothing and a bit of hair sprucing seemed like a wise idea. The other part of me that was encouraging me to self-pamper was reminding me that I wanted to surprise Emmett with something new. Something new and pretty, maybe, and as the car drove on I kept prepping myself to deviate from my normal highlight and root request at the salon.

I could get a haircut, a real haircut. Not just the tips, but a good chop. Instead of having my hair rest at mid-back I could have it cut to my shoulders.

"What would you like, Julianne? The usual?" My stylist asked. He took my hair into his hand and stretched it until it fell back into place.

I moved my head. "Yes and no. I want the roots done and the usual highlights, but I want a good cut. How's shoulder length sound to you?"

"On trend. Very in nowadays. I think it'd look great on you, add some more volume into your thinner and straighter hair."

"Go for it. Leave me breathless. You just have a good phone nearby in the case that you have to call for an ambulance."

He laughed, then began his work.

***

It was cut, and the color was perfect. I was surprised to feel the smile as it spread out over my face, instinctively, when I saw my reflection. The cut was so cute to me that I left feeling jubilant and chipper. I went inside Zara and purchased two dresses, a blouse, and a skirt.

Then I was pumping gasoline into myself in the form of sugared coffee. A second Uber request was made. And once inside the vehicle I quietly and introspectively started to freak out as I wondered whether Emmett would like it.

Not that I cared, but still.

When I arrived at the house he was pulling into the drive along with me. I stepped outside the car, shielding my head from his view with the shopping bag. I heard the Uber driver leave behind me.

"Jules? What in hell are you doing?" He asked, and I could hear the amused interest in his voice.

"Oh, nothing. Just covering my head so that you can't look at it."

"And why on earth are you doing that?"

"My, you're full of questions today."

He exclaimed, "You're covering your face with a bag!"

"Okay, fine, I'll put down the bag if you promise not to laugh, cry, or stare."

"I promise. Scout's honor."

And through the nervous quickening of my heart I could envision the disbelieving smile on his face. I just hoped it didn't turn into horror when I put down my shield.

"Okay, here I go..." I let the bag drop quickly to my side. I watch him freeze, the smile I had foreseen completely vanishing itself from his features.