He waved his fingers at me.
“I’m Julian, and these nails are embarrassing my ancestors!”
I laughed. He seemed friendly enough.
A new client.
***
Julian was an event planner with a personality bigger than my salon.
We were barely 10 minutes into his manicure when he leaned forward. “Girl, you have no idea how lucky I am.”
“Let me guess. Something romantic?”
He laughed. “How’d you know?!”
“Let me guess.”
“I can always tell when someone’s in love!”
He grinned. “Well, I’ve got myself a rich boyfriend. Like, seriously rich.”
“Good for you!”
“He’s got a gorgeous house, takes me to fancy restaurants, and buys me whatever I want!”
“Sounds like quite a catch.”
“Good for you!”
“Oh, there’s just one little problem.”
“What’s that?”
“He’s married.”
I stopped filing. “Wait, seriously?”
“Relax! His wife barely pays attention to him. He’s practically single, anyway.”
“What’s that?”
Honestly, I’ve always hated that kind of thing, especially since I’m married. I couldn’t believe how casually he said it, but I kept smiling.
But lecturing and arguing with clients don’t help business.
Julian continued describing expensive gifts and weekend getaways while I tried to focus on his manicure.
Then, he pulled out his phone. “Actually, wanna see him? He’s pretty handsome.”
I’ve always hated that kind of thing.
Before I could answer, he turned the screen toward me.
And there he was.
Danny!
My hand jerked, nearly knocking over the polish!
“Whoa, you okay?!”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
I wasn’t fine.
Not even close.
There he was.
***
Taylor has been my client for four years.
She is 43, funny, generous, and married to Danny, a wealthy real estate developer.
For years, she’d spoken about him like he was the greatest husband alive.
Then, eight months ago, things changed.
Taylor has been my client.
Danny stopped taking her on dates.
He started coming home late.
Eventually, he moved into their guest bedroom.
Taylor tried everything.
Romantic dinners. Weekend plans.
Nothing worked.
Taylor tried everything.
During one appointment, she’d stared at her nails and whispered, “Raven, am I becoming unattractive?”
I’d nearly dropped my file. “Taylor, you’re beautiful! Why would you ask that?!”
She became teary-eyed. “Because my husband hasn’t touched me in months.”
She told me she’d once waited up, wearing a dress he’d bought her.
“Am I becoming unattractive?”
Danny came home, looked at her, and asked why she was still awake.
She cried through the rest of her manicure.
I had never imagined the reason behind his behavior would arrive wearing pink sunglasses.
***
My heart was pounding as I sat with Julian, but I forced myself to keep working.
She cried.
I wasn’t about to let him see how much that photo had shaken me, especially now that I knew exactly what I needed to do next.
“So,” I asked Julian, “how long have you two been together?”
“Almost nine months.”
Nine months.
Exactly when Taylor’s marriage started falling apart!
“Almost nine months.”
“Does his wife know?”
“Of course, honey! They’re basically separated. The legal stuff’s just taking forever.”
“Legal stuff?”
“The divorce.”
I almost looked up.
Taylor had never mentioned a divorce. Two days earlier, she’d asked whether buying Danny an anniversary gift might help their marriage.
“Does his wife know?”
“Has he filed already?” I asked Julian.
“His lawyer’s handling it. Apparently, his wife doesn’t want the public knowing yet.”
I kept filing. “When’s your next date?”
“Saturday! Bellamy’s restaurant! Eight o’clock!”
My stomach sank.
Saturday was Danny and Taylor’s 20th wedding anniversary!
“Has he filed?”
Taylor believed her husband was attending a business conference.
“Special occasion?” I asked.
“He says we’re celebrating our future!”
I forced a smile.
Julian leaned closer. “Honestly, his marriage sounds miserable. He calls his wife his ‘expensive roommate.'”
I nearly filed his nail crooked!
I forced a smile.
Julian frowned. “Sweetheart, are you okay?”
“Just hungry.”
“Girl, eat something!”
Despite everything, I laughed.
He had no idea what he’d revealed.
“Eat something!”
***
After Julian left, I locked my salon door and called Marcus. “I think Taylor’s husband is cheating!”
“Seriously?”
“With another man!”
Marcus gasped. “Does Taylor know Danny’s attracted to men?”
“I don’t think so.”
“That’s going to be difficult.”
“I know!”
“With another man!”
“Just make sure you handle things sensitively.”
He was right.
So I called Taylor and asked her to come by after closing.
***
Taylor arrived looking worried. “Raven, what’s wrong?”
He was right.
I took her hands. “Taylor, a new client showed me a photo of the man he’s dating.”
She stared.
“It was Danny.”
Her face went blank. “No.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re mistaken.”
“I wish I was.”
“You’re mistaken.”
She covered her mouth. “My husband’s seeing another woman?”
I shook my head. “A man named Julian.”
Taylor blinked. “A man?!”
“Yes.”
She sat back. “Oh, my God!”
For several seconds, she said nothing.
I shook my head.
Then she whispered, “Twenty years, Raven. I didn’t even know he was attracted to men.” She wiped her eyes. “I wouldn’t have judged him for that. Why couldn’t he tell me?”
“Yeah, he should’ve been honest.”
“Does Julian know about me?”
“Yes. But Danny told him you’re separated and getting divorced.”
“Does Julian know about me?”
Taylor laughed bitterly. “Really? Nobody invited me to my own divorce!”
Then I mentioned Bellamy’s.
“This Saturday?” she asked.
I nodded.
“Our anniversary?”
“Yes.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
I mentioned Bellamy’s.
Taylor wiped her cheeks.
“We can confront Danny privately,” I suggested.
“He’ll deny everything. He always does when I ask questions.”
I hesitated.
Then I said, “Okay. Then we’re doing this carefully.”
“He’ll deny everything.”
***
The following morning, I called Julian.
He’d mentioned wanting a glossy topcoat, so I offered him another appointment.
“Darling, you’re an angel!” he shouted.
***
Julian arrived carrying iced coffee for both of us. “One for you, one for me, because beauty requires hydration.”
I called Julian.
“That’s coffee, Julian.”
“Coffee is water with ambition!”
I laughed.
While working, I asked about Saturday.
He confirmed everything. “I’ve already rejected three outfits.”
Then I asked, “Have you actually seen your man’s divorce papers?”
I asked about Saturday.
Julian frowned. “No. Why?”
“If you’re planning a future together, you deserve to know where things stand.”
His smile faded. “You think he’s lying?”
“I think you should ask him directly.”
Julian stared at his nails. “You’re right.”
“You think he’s lying?”
Before leaving, he promised to speak with Danny.
I felt terrible.
Julian wasn’t cruel. He’d trusted Danny’s claim that his marriage was ending.
***
Friday evening, Julian called. “Raven, darling, we have a situation!”
“What happened?”
I felt terrible.
“I asked my man about the divorce.”
“And?”
“He got annoyed! Said I was pressuring him!”
My stomach tightened.
“But he apologized,” Julian continued. “He promised to explain everything Saturday.”
“Are you still going?”
“Yes.”
“He got annoyed!”
Then, his voice softened. “Do you think I’m someone’s dirty little secret?”
I swallowed. “I think you deserve the truth.”
He sighed. “Well, he’d better have an excellent explanation.”
After we hung up, I called Taylor.
I swallowed.
She’d made her decision.
We were going to Bellamy’s, and her younger sister, Denise, was coming along to support.
I reminded her she could change her mind.
“I won’t,” she said.
***
Saturday evening, Taylor wore a black dress and sported the red nails I’d done that afternoon.
She’d made her decision.
Her hands shook as Denise drove us to the restaurant.
“I feel ridiculous,” Taylor whispered.
“Why?”
“Because part of me still hopes there’s an explanation.”
I squeezed her hand. “Then, we’ll find out.”
“I feel ridiculous.”
We arrived shortly after eight.
Through the entrance, I spotted Danny sitting with Julian in a corner booth.
Julian wore a green jacket.
Danny was laughing.
He looked happier than Taylor had seen him in months!
I spotted Danny.
We stood near a decorative partition while Taylor decided whether to approach.
Then Julian reached across the table.
Danny took his hand.
Taylor tightened her grip on mine. “Oh, God,” she whispered.
“We can leave,” I said.
She shook her head.
“We can leave.”
Julian leaned forward.
Danny smiled.
Then he kissed him!
Not a quick peck.
A real kiss!
Taylor inhaled sharply.
For a moment, I thought she’d turn away.
Instead, she straightened her shoulders and suddenly walked toward their table!
He kissed him!
Denise and I followed.
Danny looked up. His face went pale. “Taylor?”
She smiled. “Happy anniversary, darling!”
Her husband jerked backward, knocking his water glass into his lap.
Julian jumped. “Oh, honey! Your pants!”
His face went pale.
Then he focused on Taylor. “Wait. Who are you?”
Taylor looked him in the eye. “I’m Danny’s wife.”
Julian blinked.
Then he laughed nervously and looked at Danny.
Taylor folded her arms. “Did Danny tell you we were separated?”
“Who are you?”
“Yes,” Julian uttered.
“And getting divorced?”
“Yes.”
“Interesting. Because until tonight, I thought we were trying to save our marriage.”
Julian stopped smiling.
He turned toward Danny. “Excuse me?”
Julian stopped smiling.
Danny opened his mouth, then closed it.
Julian looked back at Taylor. “You really don’t know about the divorce?”
“There is no divorce.”
Julian’s jaw dropped.
Taylor added, “And apparently, I’m his expensive roommate.”
“You really don’t know?”
Julian stared at Danny. “You told me she agreed!”
“Julian, please,” Danny whispered.
“Oh, don’t ‘Julian, please’ me! I asked you yesterday!”
Taylor’s husband glanced around at the people staring. “Can we discuss this privately?”
“I asked you yesterday!”
Taylor gave a bitter laugh. “You’ve had plenty of private time.”
Julian stood. “Let me understand something.” He pointed toward Taylor. “You told me this woman stopped loving you.”
Danny said nothing.
“You told me she knew about us!”
Still nothing.
Danny said nothing.
Julian planted his hands on his hips. “Sir, I thought I was dating a man with an unfinished divorce. Are you telling me I’ve been dating a man without a conscience?”
Denise made a choking noise.
I pressed my lips together.
Danny rubbed his forehead. “It’s complicated.”
I pressed my lips together.
Julian gasped. “Complicated?! Honey, assembling furniture is complicated! You invented an entire divorce!”
Taylor jumped in. “Danny, I don’t care that you’re attracted to men. I care that you lied to me.”
Danny lowered his head. “I was scared.”
“Of what?”
“Losing everything.”
“I was scared.”
Taylor nodded slowly. “So you decided losing our marriage was better?”
Danny couldn’t answer.
Just then, the manager came over and asked us to leave.
***
Outside, Julian burst into tears after Danny left. “I’m so sorry,” he told Taylor.
She shook her head. “You didn’t know.”
Taylor nodded slowly.
“I knew he was married! But he swore you were separated! I asked him so many times!”
He showed her messages in which Danny repeatedly promised a divorce.
Taylor read them silently.
Then she handed back his phone.
Julian wiped his cheeks.
He showed her messages.
“Are you okay?” I asked Taylor.
“No,” she answered. “But I will be.”
Then, Julian glanced at the restaurant. “I can’t believe I bought that man anniversary shoes!”
Denise blinked. “Anniversary shoes?”
“Nine months together! I wanted to look special.”
“I will be.”
Taylor stared at him.
Then, unexpectedly, she laughed! “I’m sorry. Today was my anniversary too.”
Julian looked horrified. “Oh, sweetheart!”
He opened his arms.
Taylor hesitated before accepting his hug.
And I stood there, wondering how a manicure had turned into the strangest anniversary celebration imaginable.
He opened his arms.
***
Over the next few weeks, Taylor hired a divorce lawyer.
Danny moved into an apartment.
He admitted he’d struggled to be honest about his sexuality for years.
Taylor listened without judging him.
Danny moved.
But she told him, “You could’ve trusted me with the truth. Instead, you made me believe I wasn’t worth loving.”
Danny apologized.
Taylor accepted his apology, but she didn’t take him back.
Julian dumped Danny that same Saturday.
Danny later sent him roses.
Danny apologized.
***
“Roses!?” Julian complained over the phone. “Raven, the man lied for nine months and thought 12 flowers would fix it. At least bring a whole garden!”
I laughed so hard Marcus came to check on me.
***
Then, one Friday afternoon, Taylor walked into my salon…
…With Julian!
Julian complained.
I stared. “Please tell me I’m hallucinating!”
Taylor grinned. “We have appointments.”
Julian lifted his hand. “Matching manicures, darling. We’re celebrating!”
“Celebrating what?”
Taylor smiled. “Getting rid of the same headache.”
I burst out laughing.
“We have appointments.”
***
Three months later, Taylor was doing better.
She’d started traveling with Denise and reconnecting with friends.
Julian had become one of her closest friends.
They even had dinner together every Friday!
She’d started traveling.
***
Then one afternoon, Danny walked into my salon, looking for a gift certificate for a business associate’s wife.
Taylor and Julian were sitting in the waiting area!
Danny froze.
Julian lowered his sunglasses. “Well, well, well. Look what the divorce dragged in.”
Taylor covered her mouth.
Danny froze.
I smiled. “Welcome to Raven’s Nails, Danny. Are you here for a manicure or a full confession?”
He looked between us. “I’ll come back another time.”
“Excellent choice,” Julian said. “Your timing’s never been your strong suit.”
Danny left.
The moment the door closed, Taylor burst out laughing!
He looked between us.
Julian stood and bowed dramatically. “Ladies, I believe the trash has taken itself out!”
I nearly fell off my stool!
***
That evening, I told Marcus everything.
He shook his head. “You realize most people just go to work and paint nails, right?”
I smiled. “Most people don’t have my clients.”
I nearly fell!
***
Later, Taylor sent me a photo of herself and Julian enjoying dinner.
Both were smiling.
I’d wanted Taylor to learn the truth because I couldn’t stand watching her blame herself for Danny’s distance.
I never expected her to find a friend in the person Danny had been seeing.
Both were smiling.
Taylor lost her marriage.
Julian didn’t get the dream boyfriend.
But neither had to keep believing Danny’s lies.
And Taylor, who’d once sat in my chair, asking if she was still beautiful, finally looked in the mirror and smiled without waiting for her husband to notice.
Taylor lost.
As for me?
I’m still doing nails.
But whenever a client starts bragging about a married boyfriend, I move the polish bottle away from the edge of the table.
Because apparently, being a nail technician comes with more drama than anyone warned me about.
As for me?
