“Where else would he be?” Joe asked.
“It’s just not like him to just disappear. Even if this was a hook up, I’d probably have received at least a couple dozen pictures by now.” “A couple dozen?”
“He’s very popular online. I know this is a lot, but I’ve got this really terrible feeling after last night. I just need to ensure he’s okay.” “Yeah- that’s fine. Let’s head over there. Maybe walk through the park first and-” Joe responded, but Jacob gripped his hand with an intensity that surprised him.
“I just- I just need to know he’s okay first before I can relax. He’s my best friend and this is…I’m just concerned.” Joe nodded, seeing the intensity in Jacob’s eyes.
“Yes. Of course. I’ll follow you.”
24
Double Double. (worst)
The salon was a beautiful one. Very extravagant with black and white wallpaper and bright pink accents that somehow made the entire place feel expensive but also like a place you’d see on a terrible reality decorating show. The space was colourful and dynamic and really fit well into Tic’s aesthetic of “Yes, and?”
Entering the space was like walking into a cloud that smelled of baby powder and disinfectant. There was a buzz in the place as Jacob moved to the front counter where Cookie, the receptionist, was chewing her gumand possibly working.
“Is Tic here?” Jacob asked. For a moment he marvelled that she wasn’t on the phone, but then he realized that she was on bluetooth.
“Nuh huh.” She replied, shaking her blonde bob in a nondistinctway.
“Is that a yes or a no?” She blinked and repeated it back to him.
“Nuh huh.” She stated with a blank expression.
“Never mind.” Jacob responded and went up to Tic’s chair- which was empty.
He took a look around the venue but couldn’t see anything useful. His space, which by now would usually be at least semi disastrous, remained as untouched as a condom in a bathhouse.
“He’s not here.” Jacob exclaimed as Joe followed him in.
“Maybe he’s just stepped out for lunch?” Joe asked.
“He’s a tiny gay Hispanic man! He doesn’t eat!”
“I’m sure he’s fine.” Joe urged.
“I don’t know Joe. I got a bad feeling about all this. I just wish I knew where he was.” Then Jacob saw Fleur, a close friend of Tic’s and a fellow artist at the salon. They were the type to give you a look if you hadn’t heard the latest socialite drama and made Tic look like a warm affectionate person. They had a familiar scowl on their face as they attempted to float through the space without drawing attention.
“Wait, Fleur! Come back.”
“My name is Fleur. Not Fleur.” Fleur said with all the enthusiasm they could muster in their highly monotone voice. To Jacob’s ears, both pronunciations sounded exactly the same.
“Of course. Fleur-” Jacob began, but Fleur just glared at him with renewed intensity.
“Whatever- What is it?” Fleur asked as they stirred a bunch of shiny goop in a cup. Their accent was thick even if they were not.
“It’s Tic. Have you seen him? Heard anything from him? He’s been MIA all day and I just need to know-”
“Of course I have not seen that little shit. He completely ghosted his shift today and now we all need to pick up the slack.” They pursed their lips which were glossy and plump. “When you see him, tell him Fleur does not approve.”
“Okay. Thanks Fleur.” Jacob responded.
“It’s FLEUR.” They rolled their eyes and fluttered away. “Now I have a blonde who needs me or her hair will turn green. If you see this little dickhead, and he is not dead, tell him I shall do it next time I see him.”
“No one’s heard from him. No one’s seen him-” Jacob looked to Joe. “Should we go to the police?”
“They won’t be able to do anything until it’s been 24 hours. By then who knows- maybe he’ll have shown up again.” Joe said. “I’m sure this is all just a misunderstanding.”
