Page 31 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

As we wrap up our session, I keep going over her words. I never thought about how I might be letting Damien’s past hold on me ruin my future romantic prospects, but I can see how that’s part of what’s been holding me back. I plan to follow her advice and do some serious thinking, but I’m sure as shit not letting Damien Russo fuck with my head anymore.

A short time later, I’ve almost made it to the salon when I notice a crowd standing outside the Clothing Emporium, Mystic Hollow’s equivalent of a vintage, used, and consignment clothing store. I cross the street to find out what’s happening and do a double take when the crowd parts and I see Hal kneeling down to talk to an elderly brownie. The wizened little woman is about the height of a toddler, and a breathless wonder anchors in my chest as I watch Hal talking to her with a warm smile.

It’s obvious he knelt down to be closer to her eye level but in a respectful way.

Fuckin’ A.

My heart swells and just like that, the worst of my fears evaporate, and I’m left with a total sense of certainty that I’m going to pursue something with this man. Or rather, sasquatch.

If he’s interested, of course.

I’m still nervous about the whole sex issue, but I’ll talk it out with Hal, like Dr. P said. That sounds a lot less scary than the prospect of someone else nabbing Hal right out from under me.

Hal stands up suddenly and blinks at me in surprise, a sunny smile blooming on his face. “What are you doing here?”

My heart trips all over itself at the sight.

I clear my throat and try not to act like a besotted teenager in front of his crush. “I was on my way to the salon when I saw the commotion over here, so I decided to check it out and make sure everything’s okay.”

Good, that sounded normal.

Hal steps closer and my pulse quickens.

“All right, folks. Please clear out. I’ve got the situation under control,” Baxter says, stepping out the front door of the Clothing Emporium.

Most of the crowd disappears.

“What’s happening?” I whisper to Hal.

He leans down, his soft hair brushing against me, and I try not to shiver. “The nudist gnomes are at it again.”

Baxter turns to head back inside, and we follow behind him.

This is my first time in the store, and it’s a lot to take in. There are clothing racks everywhere in the maze-like room, as well as a wall of shoes, shelves loaded with purses, and too many knickknacks for me to even process all at once. While almost all the clothing and other items appear to be secondhand, some look to be vintage pieces made for all body sizes and shapes.

I suppose a town like Mystic Hollow would need that, given how many different species live here.

A naked gnome zooms past me and dives into a rack of clothing.

Another jumps on top of a display shelf. “It is time to arm ourselves for the battle ahead!”

A unified cry goes up. “Death to all lawnmowers!”

“What is even happening right now?” I whisper.

“No idea,” Hal murmurs, looking baffled.

The only clothed gnome in the room joins us, an older female with her hair in plaits and her beard braided with colorful ribbons. She’s accompanied by a human man wearing a sequined magenta caftan that matches his hair. In one arm perches a tiny Chihuahua with a matching pink bow and a bejeweled dog collar.

The man’s eyes light up the instant they fix on me. “You must be Skylar!” he declares with a level of enthusiasm that I’ve rarely had directed at me.

I shove my hands in my jean pockets and stand awkwardly. “Uh, yeah. That’s me.”

He flaps his free hand and squeals. “Honey, thank heavens you arrived when you did. Just look at the state of my poor hair.” He points a finger at his head. “I’m in desperate need of professional intervention. It’s been months since I had a proper color and cut. I’ve been making do on my own, but my true talents lie elsewhere.” He holds his hands together in a prayer pose, and his dog gives a little squeak at being slightly smooshed. “Please tell me I can book an appointment with you ASAP!”

I gape, kinda overwhelmed.

Hal places a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and I savor the comforting warmth. “I’m sure he can fit you in, Max. Once his salon is actually open, that is.”