UNCONDITIONAL

FOUR

I managed to put my foot in it again. Me and my big mouth. How could I have said that to her. The way she ran off,I must have embarrased her.She probably thinks all we do is sit around and talk about her. I know they do but I'm not the type to do so but she don't know that. Now she probably thinks I'm the worst person ever. Urgh! Why again am I worried about what she thinks of me.

"A penny for your thoughts"

Christi says as she stands infront of me. Didn't even hear her come in. This girl will be the death of me.

"I've been trying to talk to you since I walked through that door. What's on your mind?"

"It's nothing important"

"You know it helps to talk about it Percy"

"So you and your girls can gossip about me?! No thanks"

"Come on we don't gossip about our co-workers"

"Yeah right! You forget I was here when you guys were gossiping about Cece and the different vehicles that come here for her daily or Lance's baby mama drama or"

She cuts me off before I can continue further.

"Okay! Okay! I get it you don't want to share your personal problems with me"

"Yes!"

"I got to say I'm a little hurt. You know you are my closest cousin and I consider us more like sisters"

I ignore her ranting. I know her and how she likes to gossip and I don't need everyone in here all up in my business and making fun of me.

"Christi you haven't forgotten that you'll have to be in charge of the shop for the next coming month"

"Changing the subject I see but no. I'm not looking forward to it though. I hate being the boss"

She puts emphasis on the boss. From the next coming week,I won't be coming to the shop as much as I'll be working with my dad who owns an advertising company.

"Yeah I know but I know my guys won't give you any problems,I can't be so sure about your girls"

"They won't be a problem. I don't understand why you have to help your father with his finances when he already has an accountant though."

"I don't trust these guys Percy and since you refuse to work for me,you'll have to check my books every three months to make sure everything is in order"

I say trying to mimic my dad's baritone voice. He has asked me to come work for him on numerous occasions but I turn him down always because I just love what I do,cutting hair and I became an accountant because I love money not to work for him. Even though he's the one who convinced me to be one. The rest of the crew walks in,setting up their work stations as we all get ready to start the day. Customers walk in and I still can't get Khanyi off my mind.

"Still no luck with Khanyi?"

My friend Willeminah or Will as she's affectionately known asks.She came in to get her hair cut. She's my only lesbian/gay friend. I keep a small circle,cause these bitches ain't loyal and these niggas ain't shit.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you seem a bit down,have the same worried look you've had since you met her at the mall four days ago and I've been talking to a zombie for the last 30 minutes."

"I'm sorry man,just don't know why I can't get her off my mind. I mean she ain't all that. Damn I've dated far better chicks than her but I can't get her off my mind"

"Who can't you get off your mind"

Christi rudely interrupts out conversation.

"KHANYISILE!"

Argh! Will and her big mouth. I slightly graze her ear with the clippers as soon as she says that.

"Ouch!! Percy! That's going to leave a mark man."

"You deserved it. You need to learn to keep your mouth shut"

"You're acting like I told the whole world. It's just Christi"

She whispers while checking her ear for bleeding.

"Might as well have told everyone!"

"Come now you two,stop arguing over me. But Percy, Khanyi was here yesterday afternoon"

"And now you say something!"

"First she wasn't here for you,she had an appointment with me. Second I didn't know you wanted to see or meet with her and Third you'll have to tell me why you're so desperate to see her."

"Can we talk about this later Christina."

She was off with an 'okay',so not looking forward to talking to her later but I know she won't let it go that easy.