"Really?" her eyebrow perked up at your declaration. "You'll take Adam's place at the salon?"
"Yeah, sure." you replied.
"That's certainly an interesting proposition. Although given how against it you are, it surprises me." Candice remarked.
"Listen, I care about Adam, if it's just another person you need..."
"I want to make sure you understand what this arrangement is. Nothing has changed, Adam will get tablet privileges as long as you hold up his end of the bargain."
"I understand, so long as you understand that I'm not going to let this continue."
"Oh I understand..."
That was the end of the argument for the night. You couldn't help turning over what Candice had said in your head, though. The arrangement with Adam involved dresses and barrettes. But she couldn't possibly think that you'd bow to her every whim like him. Adam was a child, he didn't know any better, didn't have any way of bucking the only authority he had. You're an adult, she's not making you do anything you're not comfortable with.
The next morning, you had a terse but congenial breakfast with Candice and Adam, who was thankfully in regular clothes. Candice seemed happy, which worried you, but you didn't let it show. If she thought she could take advantage of Adam, she had another thing coming!
"I'm so glad you're tagging along, it'll give us time to get to know one another," Candice smiled as she drove towards the nail salon. "How was your last semester?"
"Fine, I guess, glad to be done with it, finally," you replied.
"That's nice, do you have any plans for work?"
"Nothing concrete, but I'm looking,"
"Very good... Oh! We're here!"
Arriving at the nail salon, it looked to be about what you expected. Candice was young, so the place was relatively hip and trendy. Warm colors, good lighting and a staff made up of pretty young women. It was a tad embarrassing that you were here with your stepmother, honestly. But whatever, she'd get this out of her system and then you'd be free.
"Hi, Hazel! I'm baaaaack!" Candice squealed as she walked up to the receptionist.
"Hey, girl! Where's that stepson you were telling me about?" Hazel poked her head over the desk, clearly looking for someone of Adam's height.
"Couldn't make it, so I brought the other one. Hazel, this is Mark, Mark, Hazel."
"Hey," you gave a half-hearted wave from behind Candice. "Nice to meet you,"
"Likewise, I think they should be ready for you if you wanna head back there and get situated." Hazel motioned to the doorway leading into the main area.
Heading back there, you were both ushered to two adjoining salon chairs, where you removed your socks and shoes and settled back as your feet were lowered into a basin filled with warm water. The foot and hand massage felt nice, you could get used to that part.
As they moved onto your nails...
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