“I… um…” Jackie shifted from foot to foot, looking back and forth between Kyra and him.
Why had she called the owner of the Ranch? Kyra wasn’t doing anything wrong, was she? She just wanted a damn haircut.
“I was concerned, Sir,” Jackie admitted.
“I see.” Derek got closer to Kyra, holding his hand out to her. “Derek Hawkins, and you must be Kyra. My Sadie and a hoard of other Littles are chomping at the bit to meet you. We’ve never had a celebrity on the Ranch before. I hope you’re enjoying your stay so far.”
Kyra accepted his handshake and plastered on the fake smile she’d perfected for uncomfortable situations. When she’d become famous, she’d learned there were a lot of awkward situations to smile through.
“It’s been great, so far. Thank you.”
“I’m pleased to hear that, darlin’. Why don’t you come back to my office so we can discuss plans for the Fourth and talk about what you hope to get to experience during your time here?”
“Can we do it later? I was about to get a haircut.”
“I can make you an appointment,” Jackie interjected. “I was working on some inventory logs that I really need to get finished, so an appointment would actually help me out, if that’s okay with you?”
Kyra nibbled on her bottom lip. She didn’t want to be an inconvenience and it wasn’t really an urgent matter, no matter how badly she needed to start her new life–whatever that was going to look like.
“How about after lunch, say one o’clock?” Jackie asked as she tapped on the screen of a tablet.
“Okay, yeah, sure.” Kyra nodded and hugged the white pony stuffy to her chest.
“Is this one of ours?” Derek asked, as he helped Kyra down from the salon chair and began to usher her out the door.
“Yeah, but I didn’t pay for him yet.” Kyra dug her heels in to get him to stop moving.
“Consider him a gift, then.” Derek didn’t give her the opportunity to argue as he continued propelling her forward. “Jackie, put the stuffy on my tab, please.”
“You got it, Sir. Kyra, I’ll see you later for your appointment.”
“Thanks,” Kyra managed to get out before she was out the door and crossing the lobby.