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“Hey, you got an opening for me? I need a serious shave and some of this hair whacked off. ” The voice was big and booming, yet strangely comforting and warm.

In unison, everyone in the room looked toward the doorway. A stranger stood there filling it completely. He was tall, muscular and shaggy. Ken thought he looked like a big ol’ cuddly bear. And he wanted the big man to cuddle him right up. He felt his jaw drop, but didn’t care.

“Twinkle toes is gonna trim my hair, but you can take a seat,” Peggy answered.

“I’ll check back in then. I gotta go check in with some Juan guy,” the big man answered.

“I can make time for you,” Ken managed to squeak out.

“When he’s done with my hair,” Peggy added, giving Ken a dark look.

He ignored her and took a step toward the newcomer. “I’m Ken and more than willing to help you fulfill your grooming needs. ”

“If that ain’t a come on, I don’t know what is,” Lenore muttered.

“Um hmm,” Yolanda agreed.

Ken flipped them both off.

The big guy laughed and shook his head. “It’s all good. I’ll just come back.

Name is Dale. I’m glad to meet all of you. ”

“I’m Ken, and the rest of these bitches are Peggy, Lenore, Yolanda, and that’s Felix. ”

“I’ll be back, Ken. Thanks. ” The big guy flashed a wide grin, then left.

“You could have let him go first!” Ken wailed, whirling around toward Peggy.

“Oh, no way am I supporting your sinning ways. You practically threw yourself at that poor man. ” Peggy folded her arms, giving him a disdainful look “Ugh! I hate you,” Ken pouted. “I’m chopping off your hair and dying it, you old bat!”

“Fine! But make it snappy!” Peggy smiled slowly. “Besides, he was kinda cute in a bear-like way. Maybe I should look a little more presentable. ”

“I’m going to shave your head,” Ken growled.

Peggy just chuckled and waved a hand at him. “You’d like to, but you won’t. Cause then I could tell everyone you ruined my hair. ”

“Ugh! You’re evil!” Ken frowned, but began his work. Soon he was consumed in his task, but he still couldn’t help but think of the big, brawny guy with the great smile.

Hopefully, he would come back for a shave and a trim. Smiling at the thought, Ken continued to snip away as the ice continued to ping against the window.

2. Making Demands

Travis sighed the second he saw Stephen Mann briskly walking down the hall toward him. This wasn’t going to be pleasant. The sleet was coming down hard and he contemplated ducking out into it to escape the determined man bearing down on him. The thought of being pelted by the ice rain and the harsh wind was enough to keep him from opening the door. He was trapped and knew it.

Slowly, he turned away from the door leading out onto the construction site and headed down the hall. As he knew he would, Stephen fell into step beside him.

“We need to talk,” Stephen started.

“Make it fast. I got things to do other than to hear your latest complaints,”

Travis answered.

“Okay, I deserve that. I know that I have complained at times-”

“-everyday-”

“-since we arrived here, but it has been very difficult for Blanche to adapt.