All the reflective surfaces in Dr. Vanessa Madsen’s apartment had been judging her all week. She ran a hand through her shoulder-length hair, noticing the split ends that were beginning to form, and sighed. Darla’s voice echoed in her head: “Don’t you think it’s time for a change, V.? I know the perfect place for you.”

She and Darla had been friends for almost a lifetime now. Like in all long-lasting relationships, they didn’t always agree on everything, but when Darla was right, she was right. Something different was in order, and what better place to get it going than the salon she had recommended the last time they were together?

The place was called Luna & Lace and was tucked between a vegan bakery and an old bookstore, about fifteen blocks away from where she lived. Walking there was not an option, and the hypnotist didn’t feel like driving either, so she called one of her pets to take care of business. 

Billy was the chosen one, a mechanic she had ensnared a year ago when she was bored out of her mind. She didn’t like him very much, even though he had always been reliable when she needed him. The halitosis had probably something to do with it. It was so bad that not all breath mints in the world could do anything about it. Still, he was available, and that was better than nothing.

The mindfucked servant did his job and was dismissed immediately, leaving Dr. Madsen standing outside the salon Darla loved so much. It was a small, quaint place that didn’t seem to have much business, yet still managed to thrive. Vanessa didn’t know what was so special about it, but was ready to find out. 

The bell above the door chimed as Vanessa stepped inside. The air within the premises carried a faint herbal scent. Whether it was from shampoo, conditioner, or a simple freshener, she didn’t know, nor did she care. Vanessa’s peering gaze swept across the room, taking in the soft pastel walls that made everything seem homely. 

A woman emerged from behind a beaded curtain as she swept a pile of auburn hair off the floor. She had silver hair wrapped up in a meticulous bun to hide its true length.

“Welcome to Luna & Lace. I’m Celeste. Walk-in?” she asked. Her voice was as sharp as the scissors tucked into her belt.

“Yes,” Vanessa replied, walking toward the other woman. “Darla recommended this place.”

“Did she?” Celeste’s eyes sparkled with recognition. “That’s good. It’s been a while since the last time we saw her here. How is she doing these days?”

“As exuberant as ever, I guess.”

“Marvelous. And what should I call you, dear?”

“I’m Dr. Vanessa Madsen.”

“Ah… I’m not too keen on titles, so unless you insist, Vanessa, it is then. Is that okay with you?”

“Sure.”

“Happy to hear it. So, how can I help you today?”

“I’m not sure. Darla said that you do wonders here. Why don’t you surprise me?”

The stylist’s grin widened. “Oh, honey. You shouldn’t say that to people like me.” She tilted her head, eyes fixed on Vanessa’s hair, like she was already imagining a thousand and one ways to make it shine. 

Celeste’s manicured hand made a graceful swirling motion near Vanessa’s head. Then, she said, “Won’t you sit?”

The chair was softer than expected, swallowing Vanessa in its warm embrace. She had dark semi-circles under her eyes, and her shoulders hunched forward as if she were carrying the weight of the world. That wasn’t the case, but there was no denying that she was tired. She hadn’t been sleeping properly since the beginning of the month. Spring always did that to her, and it wasn’t pretty.

Celeste’s fingers brushed against her temples as she gathered Vanessa’s hair. Her touch was light, almost airy in nature, and with her striking mane, she could easily pass as a fairy if she wanted to. Vanessa smiled and raised an eyebrow, waiting to see what she had in mind for her.

The stylist started working her magic, separating strands with precision and snipping them here and there. Vanessa closed her eyes, letting the rhythmic tug of the comb lull her into a rare moment of peace. It sure felt good, and she was grateful for it.

Less than five minutes later, a sharp rap at the glass door shattered the tranquility. Vanessa’s eyelids fluttered open to see a broad-shouldered man balancing three cardboxes against his hip. His delivery uniform in shades of brown and blue stretched tight across his chest when Celeste waved him in.

“Right on time as always, Jake,” she said without turning from her work. The scissors snipped close to Vanessa’s right ear, whistling menacingly for half a second.

Vanessa watched through the mirror as Jake set the boxes on the reception counter with a loud thump. He had nice forearms, and she could see his veins highlighted on his tanned skin. He wiped his palms on his thighs before pulling out a tablet for Celeste to sign. 

“New color line came in,” Jake said. “The supplier says it lasts twice as long as the old formula.”

“And I bet it’s twice as expensive, too,” Celeste grinned.

“How did you know?”

“Let’s just say I wasn’t born yesterday. I’m fine with what I have now, but thanks for the warning.”

“My pleasure.”

Vanessa caught Jake’s gaze in the mirror, just for a heartbeat, before he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. The stylist’s comb tugged a little harder than necessary as Celeste cleared her throat.

“Vanessa, darling, please tilt your head to the left for me,” she said.

Begrudgingly, she acquiesced. Jake’s keys jingled when he patted his pockets, the sound fading as he pushed open the salon’s door to carry on his work for the day. The bell chimed shut behind him.

Vanessa exhaled through her nose. The chair creaked as she adjusted herself, confronting Celeste’s reflection. The stylist smiled as if she knew exactly what she was thinking.

“He’s quite handsome, isn’t he?”

“Not really my type,” Vanessa lied.

“Right…”

Celeste’s hands continued to move through Vanessa’s air. Vanessa’s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of the chair, her mind wandering back to Jake’s forearms and the way his shirt had clung to his chest. She wasn’t usually this obvious, but maybe that needed to change, too.

“So,” Vanessa began, trying to keep it casual and failing miserably. “Does Jake come here often?”

Celeste’s lips twitched. “Often enough. He’s our delivery guy. Never missed a day’s work since I opened the salon. He’s always on time as well. A rare breed these days.”

“He seems… reliable,” Vanessa hummed.

“He definitely is. I doubt you’ll ever find better. Are you thinking of hiring him for something?”

“No. I mean, I don’t even know him. Just curious,” Vanessa continued, but she wasn’t fooling either of them. 

Celeste chuckled, pausing the comb mid-stroke. “Curious, huh? Well, he’s single, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

Vanessa’s cheeks reddened. Again, this never happened, and she cursed inwardly at her body’s betrayal. It wasn’t funny, but Celeste thought otherwise as she continued to laugh.

“I wasn’t,” Vanessa lied once more, promising it would be the last time. “But… now that you mention it, could you give me his number? Just in case I need something delivered, obviously.”

Celeste laughed even louder. “Didn’t you just say he’s not your type?”

Vanessa licked her lips. “He’s not. This is purely professional.”

“Of course it is,” Celeste said, not even trying to hide the sarcasm. “Sorry, but I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Take a guess, dear. Jake’s taken. Or will be, if everything goes smoothly.”

Vanessa’s fingers stilled against the armrest. The herbal scent in the air suddenly felt cloying, sticking to the back of her throat. The comb slid through Vanessa’s hair, each stroke possessive.

It was then that she realized the truth. She’d seen that look before - on her own face, when she’d marked someone as hers. Celeste had angled herself slightly between Vanessa and the door when Jake left. It was a subtle tell, but unmistakable to someone who played games of seduction all the time.

Dr. Madsen forced her shoulders to relax. It wasn’t worth it. Jake was just a delivery guy. A pretty one, sure, but hardly worth stepping into whatever territorial mess Celeste had brewing. She had enough complications without adding salon drama to the mix. Or did she?

The truth was, she needed more than a change of hairstyle. The last couple of months had brought far too many changes to her life, and she was on the hunt for a new distraction. He could be it. Better yet, why shouldn’t he be? When she wanted a new toy, she always got it. Was she really going to start playing coy now?

“You like him,” Vanessa said.

“Damn right I do, and I’ve known him longer. Shall we leave it at that?”

Somewhere beyond the salon walls, a car engine rumbled to life. Vanessa wondered if it was Jake’s truck pulling away. It would have been a good moment to accept Celeste’s offer and be done with it, but as always, she wanted to win.

“I would still like to get his number,” Vanessa said. “And I think you want to give it to me.”

Celeste’s fingers stopped moving. The salon’s soft lighting caught the glint of the scissors as they hovered near Vanessa’s forehead, sharp enough to draw blood if the stylist’s grip slipped. 

“Girl, what kind of game are you playing right now?” Celeste asked.

“One of my own choosing, but you should know that I only play to win.”

“Hmm, you don’t back down, do you?”

“Never.”

“I’d rather not do this,” Celeste dropped the scissors. “I’ll ask my colleague to do your hair once she arrives.”

“You know,” Vanessa said, “I could make it worth your while.”

“What do you mean?”

Vanessa didn’t answer immediately, savoring the mystery. Using her talents hadn’t been part of her plans for that day, but she was more than willing to make an exception to have her fun. She raised her hand and grabbed Celeste’s wrist, using her surprise against her.

“Look at me,” Vanessa said. 

Celeste’s eyes met hers. Her pupils dilated in the moment, the dark swallowing the silver-blue of her irises.

Vanessa didn’t blink, instead holding the stare as if it were something perfect, immutable. Celeste’s wrist trembled faintly in Vanessa’s grip, but she didn’t pull away. Her lips parted, a flicker of confusion crossing her face before her expression smoothed out, as if she were waiting for something. Vanessa’s voice dropped lower, becoming a murmur, a rippling stream of water winding inside her head with each word.

“You don’t want to move. Looking into my eyes is better. It’s the only thing you can think about right now.”

Celeste furrowed her brow as if she were trying to shake off a lingering thought. Her half-parted lips produced no sound.

“It’s so relaxing and enjoyable to share this moment with me,” Vanessa said. “I can be nice to those who are nice to me, but I’m also a menace when I don’t get what I deserve. You only want to see my good side. Keep staring, Celeste, and loosen your mind.”

The stylist’s shoulders sagged, her arms beginning to relax. 

“You want to give me Jake’s number,” Vanessa insisted, relying ony on the strength of her gaze to get her point across. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Celeste blinked once, twice, somehow resenting the impact of the last sentence. Her initial state of confusion dissipated for a moment to find the strength to say,

“I… I shouldn’t.”

Vanessa pressed her thumb against the other woman’s wrist, keeping up the pressure in her body and mind.

“But you will. It’s already decided, and all my decisions are good. Tell me his number.”

Celeste momentarily stumbled backward, the scissors and comb falling and clattering and falling on the floor. Vanessa kept her steady, wrapping her hypnotic undertones around Celeste like a silk noose. She had done this too many times to fail now. She leaned forward, her breath ghosting over Celeste’s ear.

“Say it.”

The stylist shuddered. Her fingers twitched at her sides before becoming completely immobile. When she spoke, the words came out slowly, one after the other, in a dreamlike stupor.

“The number is 555-7392.”

“Thank you,” Vanessa giggled. “You’ve been so helpful. Now, you’ll finish my hair, and you won’t remember anything that just transpired. Relax and let it happen. My voice is the truth you need.”

Celeste stared at her for a moment, her eyes unfocused. She turned away, picking up a new pair of scissors and placing them back on the counter with a shaky hand. Vanessa returned to her chair and stretched her arms and legs before adding, “Go on. You’ve still got work to do.”

The bell above the door, and Vanessa glanced over to see a petite woman with bright pink hair and her ears buried under a mountain of piercings stepping inside. The newcomer looked around, her gaze landing on Celeste with a puzzled expression.

“Celeste? Everything okay?” she asked.

Celeste wet her lips and shook her head as if trying to clear her head. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just… lost in thought.”

The other woman frowned but didn’t press further. “Okay… Well, I’m here now. Do you need help with anything?”

“I’m with a client right now, but you can unpack the boxes Jake left. Have fun.”

Celeste’s hands returned to work, though her movements felt distant, almost mechanical. She snipped and styled, but her mind remained somewhat foggy, as she’d just woken from a dream she couldn’t quite recall. There was a lingering sensation, a faint itch in the back of her thoughts, but every time she tried to grasp it, it slipped away like smoke.

Vanessa sat perfectly still, her reflection in the mirror watching Celeste with a curious smile. Celeste caught it out of the corner of her eye and frowned, though she couldn’t place why it unsettled her. She finished the final touches, running her fingers through Vanessa’s newly styled hair and admiring her work. The cut was sharp, modern, and suited Vanessa perfectly. Yet, as Celeste stepped back, she felt a strange disconnect, like she’d missed something important.

“There,” Celeste said, her voice softer than usual. “All done.”

Vanessa stood, smoothing her hair with her hands. It felt lighter, softer, though she hadn’t paid much attention to what Celeste had done. Her mind was already elsewhere, replaying the moment Jake had walked in, his forearms flexing as he carried the boxes. She could almost feel the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips, the promise of something new and exciting just a phone call away.

“Thank you, Celeste,” Vanessa said, her voice dripping with sincerity she didn’t feel. “It’s perfect. You’re very talented.”

Celeste nodded again, her smile strained. “Anytime, Vanessa.” She said, but the words felt hollow. 

The pink-haired assistant was unpacking boxes near the counter, humming softly to herself. Celeste felt the urge to ask her if she’d noticed anything unusual, but the question died on her tongue. What would she even say? That she felt… off? That something had happened, but she couldn’t recall what it was. It sounded ridiculous even in her own mind.

“I’ll get you checked out,” Celeste said, forcing herself to focus. She led Vanessa to the counter.

Vanessa pulled out her card and handed it over with casual grace. “You know,” she said, “if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

Celeste stared at her for a moment, her fingers hovering over the card machine. “Call?” she echoed, though the word felt heavy, like it carried more meaning than she could grasp.

“Yes,” Vanessa said, her smile widening. “I think you’ll find I’m very… helpful.”

Celeste nodded slowly, processing the words but not fully understanding their weight. She ran the card and handed it back, along with a receipt. Vanessa tucked it into her purse, still smiling.

“Thank you again,” Vanessa said, her voice smooth, almost hypnotic. “I’ll be sure to recommend you to my friends, just like Darla did.”

“I appreciate that.”

Vanessa twirled and stepped out of the salon, the cool air hitting her face as she pulled out her phone. She tapped in Jake’s number, her fingers moving swiftly. The screen lit up with the draft of a message, her thumb hovering over the send button.

She paused, letting the anticipation build. This was her favorite part - the moment before the real entrancing fun began. She hit send, the message disappearing into the ether, and slipped her phone back into her pocket. The game was afoot, and Vanessa never lost.

((to be continued))