Antoinnette: Nelson, for heaven’s sake! I’ve been lamenting to you endlessly about this! It’s been a decade since I retired, and five of those years have been spent in that retirement residence. I’m utterly bored out of my mind! Every single day is a monotonous routine of bridge games, bingo, tea with the ladies, and mindlessly checking our investments online. How many rounds of Candy Crush can one possibly endure on a phone?! I’m 75 years old, for goodness’ sake, and I’m yearning for a bit more excitement in my life!”
Nelson: “We go to Florida for nearly half the year. Nothing but R & R and sunshine.”
Antoinnette: “Yes we do! Year after year, I get to watch you play golf and tennis. The only thrill I get is that I don’t have to see snow.”
Jasmine looks back at the two siblings and is cautiously anticipating what this meeting is all about.
Antoinnette: “Brother dear. I want to turn this place into a beauty salon. When I saw with my own eyes the amazing work Jasmine did at Genevieve’s wedding, the wheels started turning so much, that I want her on board with this project.”
Nelson: “I beg your pardon!!!”
Antoinnette: “Jasmine, my dear, I’ve developed a strong fondness for you. I firmly believe that with your vibrant personality and boundless talent, this establishment has the potential to become more than just a hair salon. I’ve sorely missed the business and am completely confident that this venture will succeed. What do you think?”
Jasmine: “Say what now? Oh.. I’m sorry… oh… oh… Oh my gosh. Like wow!”
Antoinnette: “Yes! You will no longer be required to continually visit your customers. Instead, they shall have the convenience of coming to your establishment. By incorporating you alongside a few talented stylists, I envision a prosperous golden endeavor ahead.”
Jasmine: “You want … wait…. Are you serious?”
Antoinnette: With her arms folded with confience. “I’m quite serious dear.”
Nelson: “Antoinnette! This is your cockamamie scheme?”
Antoinnette: “Absolutely it is! It makes sense! This place has been empty for a year with no serious inquiries on renting it or selling it. It will get me out of my home everyday and it provides Jasmine a full time position.
Jasmine: “Is this really happening?”
Antoinnette: “Young lady! Your dream is about to take off. I don’t just want you to make people pretty. I would be most pleased if you were to manage the entire salon. Nelson and I will handle the financial aspects as I alone have over forty years of successful salon experience.”
Nelson: With a vehement response. “We are?!” Antoinnette, can we speak privately in the other room? I have some very serious concerns.”
Antoinnette: “Of course darling. Jasmine dear, are you bi-lingual?”
Jasmine: “Um… No, I am not. Is that going to be a problem?”
Antoinnette: “Très Bien. No, not at all. It may be a good thing. Brother dear, after you.”
Nelson opens the door to an adjacent room, but turns back and gives Jasmine an uncomfortable glare of disdain. Antoinette follows behind. After noticing Nelson’s expression, she provides Jasmine with a re-assuring smile and then in a comforting tone, says, “Relax dear, this will not take long.
