Chapter 83.

Amelia’s POV

As we entered, a woman with a perfectly sculpted pixie cut and a warm smile approached us.

This must be the owner, I thought to myself.

"Welcome!" she greeted, her voice as charming as her smile. "Are you all booked in?"

"We're not exactly booked," Blaire admitted sheepishly. "We were hoping you might be able to accommodate a walk-in? My mother, here, would love a haircut and maybe a manicure."

The woman's smile faltered slightly. "A walk-in, you say? We are quite busy today…" she trailed off, her gaze flitting between us. I could practically see the gears turning in her head as she assessed the situation.

Just as my heart threatened to plummet, Blaire stepped in again, her voice turning persuasive. "We understand if it's not possible," she said, "but my mother is recovering from an illness, and a bit of pampering would mean the world to her. We're flexible on timing, truly."

The woman pursed her lips, tapping a perfectly manicured finger against her chin. "Hmm," she p