Eye Candy by Frederick Germaine Page A

in our lounge area just to your right,” said the friendly receptionist. “There you’ll find reading materials and a refreshment bar while you wait.”
    The two women moved away from Tameka’s desk and headed for the lounge area she recommended.
    “You’re right, Shanna, this is a nice salon,” whispered Monica as they continued to walk.
    “I told you, Monica. You have to learn to trust me sometimes.”
    When the women arrived in the seating area they noticed how it was plush, decorated well, and were filled with women waiting for their stylist. Some of the women were flipping through magazines but there was one who was noticeably talking too loud on her cell phone. The pair spotted two empty seats on the oversized chocolate leather sofa in front of them. In addition, sitting on the sofa was a woman patiently waiting with a book in her hand.
    “I’m going to grab a beverage at the refreshment bar before I take a seat,” said Monica pointing to the bar that was only a few feet away. “Do you want anything from there?”
    “No thanks I’m fine. I’ll be sure to save you a seat on the sofa.”
    “I’ll be over there soon.”
    Shanna made her way over to the sofa where the woman was sitting on the end seat. She took the middle seat next to her.
    “Hello,” said Shanna to the stranger.
    “Hi,” replied the woman looking at Shanna briefly and then quickly focused her attention back to the book she was reading.
    “Sorry, I couldn’t help but notice the illustration cover to the book in your hand. Is that an older title you’re reading?”
    “Actually no,” answered the woman turning her attention back to Shanna. “It’s a fairly new book I think the author just used a retro look for the book cover.”
    “Who’s the author?”
    “He’s an up-and-coming author named Frederick Germaine. The book is called Ladies’ Man.”
    “Ladies’ Man!” shouted Shanna. “I don’t think I’ll be recommending that title to my book club any time soon. The last thing we want to read is a book about a womanizing man.”
    “It’s really pretty good so far,” said the woman continuing the dialogue. “The author depicts a male-perception storyline where the man’s heart is actually broken by his cheating girlfriend. That alone compels him to try his fate at being a ladies’ man.”
    “Oh, well, that sounds interesting and different.”
    By now, Monica joined the pair with her beverage in hand. She sat next to Shanna on the leather sofa. The other woman immersed herself back into the book she was reading.
    “So what did you get to drink?” asked Shanna turning to her friend.
    “A cappuccino,” replied Monica taking a sip from her cup.
    Before the two could continue their conversation, up walks a man to the sofa. He stood at least six-four and weighed two hundred and thirty pounds. His biceps and chest protruded through the tight-fitting shirt he was wearing.
    “Shanna, is that you again?” asked the tall well built man.
    “Raphael!” shouted out Shanna as she stood up to greet him. “Yes, I decided to come back and this time I brought my friend.”
    “Well, bless your heart, honey. Now give me a hug and a kiss because it’s so good to see you again.”
    Shanna eagerly complied and gave Raphael a friendly hug. Then he turned his cheek to hers and gave her a kiss without actually kissing her. He repeated the process to her other cheek.
    “And who is this cute little button with you?” he asked.
    “Raphael, this is my good friend, Monica.”
    Not knowing what to expect, Monica stood up, smiled bashfully, and extended her hand out to him.
    “Oh girl, give me a hug and a kiss too,” he said in his friendly tone. “We’re all family up in here.”
    The two hugged and Raphael kissed both sides of Monica’s cheek as he did with Shanna. After that, the two separated.
    “You two can follow me back to my work area. There’s an extra chair for Monica to sit in while I begin on your hair first,