"So, Laura, what do you think you're going to do?" Jennifer asked as they cleaned up for the day. "I'm not sure, Jen... I wish I knew. I just need to think about a lot of things before I make this kind of decision."
"Laur, pardon me for saying, but what the hell do you have to think about?! This is what you want! So what if it's a bit sooner than you planned, if you don't take it now, the chance may never come again." Jennifer's face softened, and she then said, "I just want you to do what's going to make you happy, and you know this will."
"I agree with her, Laura," Janet chimed in. "Laura, if I had that kind of opportunity I'd go as far as to sell my business to do it if that's what it takes. I really value you as an employee, but I must say that if you do this, I'd have no hard feelings toward you about 'leaving' me. You have to do what's best for YOU. But it is YOUR decision, not mine... I just felt I had to make that clear to you. I'll be behind whatever you choose to do, we all will be." Janet always had a way with words. She put Laura at ease... somewhat.
"Yeah, that's part of it, but there's so much more. I was really hoping to find some kind of stability here that I've wanted and needed for so long, and if I go, what kind of stability is going to be found touring with a singing group from town to town and living out of a suitcase? You're right, I want this, but I just don't know how ready I am for this kind of job. I really don't." Laura sighed. "I'm just afraid it's all too good to be true."
At that point Jennifer and Janet remembered the circumstances which made Laura seek out "stability" in Florida. Laura was engaged to whom she thought was the most wonderful man in the world. His name was Michael. She adored him so much. She thought he felt the same. Much to her surprise, Laura found out he was leading a double life, because he was married with a family. She never really got into how she found out about this, and neither Jennifer nor Janet felt it was their place to ask. If Laura wanted to tell them, they figured she would have. Anyway, Laura kept seeing Mike all the time and he kept messing with her mind, telling her that he still loved her. He swore he'd make it up to her. He swore he'd leave his wife. He swore they would be happy. So many promises, and Laura's faith had been broken. Shattered. She knew she couldn't go on in Wisconsin anymore because everything she saw reminded her of him. One day Laura took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and pointed to a map of the United States. Her finger landed on Florida, so she decided Orlando would be her new home and her new start.
"Laura, we just want you to do what will make you happy. And I just have a feeling that this is going to be good for you. It will give you a chance to see the world, and still be doing hair, which is clear to all of us is something you so love to do," Janet said. "But I know what you went through with Mike was the worst thing you've endured in a long time, and if you don't think you're ready to make a decision like this then don't. Better to be cautious then to regret your choices later. Just promise you'll take your time and weigh all the pros and cons before calling Howie. I want to be sure that you're sure."
Laura was touched by her coworkers' concern. "Thank you... thank you so much. You guys are the best!" she smiled. "You've given me much to consider, and I promise I won't decide either way until I'm absolutely sure." Jennifer, Janet and Laura all exchanged smiles before separating to finish their clean-up before heading home.
A week later, Laura was still contemplating her choice. She knew what she had to do, but she had to be honest to herself. I want this so bad, she thought, but... Her thoughts were interrupted by the telephone ringing. Laura sighed and got up to answer it. "Hello?" she said into the receiver.
"Hello, 'Jim' calling for another haircut!" It was Howie Dorough calling! He laughed as his own wittiness.
Laura laughed, "Well Mr. Dorough, what a pleasant surprise! Dare I ask how you found my number?"
"Why, I got it from Leah, of course!" Laura made a mental note... change phone number and DON'T give it to Leah! She smiled inwardly at that thought as Howie continued. "I'm sure you can guess why I'm calling you. I kind of figured I'd have heard from you by now," he said with some hope in his voice. God, he even sounded great over the phone, Laura thought.
"Yeah, I know... Howie, listen, I really don't think that--" Howie cut her off.
"I told the other guys about you. AJ said he's real excited 'cuz now he'll have someone to make his hair all sorts of funky colors that actually KNOWS what she's doing!" Howie joked. "And of course, Nick, Brian, and Kevin are all excited to meet you too. I thought that maybe we could meet this Friday evening for drinks at my place, say around 7 o'clock? There's so much we need to discuss as a group since you'll be working with us the closest. By the way, don't worry, that's not as bad as it sounds... we just want to get to know you and for you to get comfortable with us before we leave on our tour. So what do ya say?"
Laura sighed as she thought about what she was about to say. "Howie, I-- give me directions to your house. I'll be there Friday night." Howie gave them to her as she jotted them down on her notepad. "OK, Friday, 7 PM... it's official." Suddenly Laura felt a calm come about her. She knew that she had made the right decision.
"OK sweetie, we'll be looking forward to your arrival! Have a good week! Bye!" Howie said.
"Bye Howie, and thanks!"
"Anytime Laura, anytime," Howie said, then he hung up the phone. Laura then clicked the receiver and called Leah.
"Hey Laura, what's up?" Leah said when she heard it was Laura.
"I'm doing it... I'm taking the offer. I hope I know what I'm doing," Laura said.
"Oh Laur, I guarantee you'll have the time of your life! Trust me!"
When Laura got off the phone with Leah, she called Heather, then Jennifer and Janet last to tell them all of her decision. They all told her they were happy for her. As the day went on, Laura became more and more confident with the decision she made. Everyone's right, she thought, this could be the biggest break in my life and I'm not going to throw this away. I'm jumping in with both feet!
Take me back to the first page please.
Questions? Answers? Comments?
