Finding The 10

9 - Natalie

Eli's POV

"I heard that the bar was closed early last night." Steve, my barber, states casually.

"Yeah. Just a little altercation but nothing too serious."

I am sitting in Steve's chair as he fixes up my hair with his straight razor. He is almost finished and is just making sure that the edges are perfect.

"Should I be worried that the old Eli might be making a comeback?" He asks and I note the tension in the air as he speaks.

I hate when people ask me that. I hate what I used to be and don't wish to be that way ever again.

Steve notices the tension in my shoulders and keeps his eyes on what he is doing. He obviously didn't mean to hurt or offend me in anyway.

Steve has been my barber for 10 years now. He is in his early 50's and has worked his hands to the bone his entire life. To say I look up to him would be an understatement. This man is everything I strive to become. A successful business owner with three beautiful kids and an amazing wife to boot. He has it all. Even the white picket fence and the labrador.

"Nah, the old Eli is long gone. I'm a business owner now. Have to protect my interests. I'm even looking to settle down."

"Yeah Marco was in yesterday and mentioned some list. What's that all about?"

"Marco made me compile a list of 10 qualities that I want my future wife to have to keep me focused. He says that I should start dating and rating each girl out of 10 using the list as the guide. The more qualities they have that match the list, the higher the score."

"So your trying to find your 10 out of 10?"

"Yep. That's the plan." I reply nodding.

"And how's the dating going? Any luck yet?"

"I have only just started looking so nothing to report yet."

Steve hums a response before tilting my head to the side and working on the area around my left ear.

Just then, the door opens and the small bell on top chimes, alerting the shop that a customer has arrived.

"Here is your coffee boss man. Tall, black and sweet." A feminine voice says.

"Just how I like my women." Steve responds before receiving a large cup of coffee and setting it down on the work station in front of me.

"Eli, this is Natalie. She is my new apprentice."

I look up at that moment and see Natalie through the reflection of the mirror and have to stop my jaw from hitting the floor. She is gorgeous.

Natalie has caramel coloured eyes that light up when she smiles and skin the colour of milk chocolate. Her chin has a small dimple in it along with matching dimples in her cheeks. Her hair is up in a high bun with stray ringlet type curls protruding every which way.

She catches me staring and her cheeks start to flush.

"Eli and his friend Marco, own the bar, Friends with Alibis. The one bellow Harley's Tattoos." Steve says reminding me that he is in the room.

"Oh yeah. I know that place. I've walked past a few times but never stopped in."

"Well you should. Not to brag but I make a mean cocktail." I say trying to big note myself.

Natalie's smile falters a little but she remains polite.

"Thank you, but I don't drink."

"Natalie here is a real life preacher's daughter. Just moved to the big city." Steve explains whilst he dusts away any loose hair that managed to fall on my shoulders.