[JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE]

Jules looked at the clock in the studio. He had a few minutes until his client came in, so he made himself a cup of coffee. There were a few other people who had begun getting their nails done, most of them regs with their desired stylist. Jules was thankfully kind of like over-hire. He was often there when there was an overflow, and Jules would never say no to the money. Plus, with the slowdown of competitions - he was able to do more hours at Hope's. While Jules was still working on his so called day off, it was a different kind of work,

After taking a sip of coffee, he made sure his station was cleaned up. Brushed and materials all lined up neatly, with fresh cotton pads and clean dishes. It didn’t take long for the host to nod his way and Jules gave a bright smile. He stood up and walked over to the lobby. “Well if isn't Ms Odette!” he greeted with a big smile. He led Odette over to his station. "Are we just doing fingers today or would you like any other services as well?” Jules asked, spraying his hands with some alcohol, showing off his own nude-colored acrylic extension with some gold decor.

Sept 17 2023 → outfit, nails → ODETTE AURÉLLE LACHAPELLE

[ODETTE AURÉLLE LACHAPELLE]

september 2023 • outfit & shoes • JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE

Odette Lachapelle had never thought she could be more glum and angry than the day that she found out that Lydia Campbell was engaged and set to be married to man, but apparently, she had been mistaken. The young woman more so found herself glum than angry though, a myriad of feelings tumbling around in her brain since she discovered the empty stalls at Blue Arces and Seven Oaks - signaling to her that once more, she and her sister, Amelia, left without a trace. It had been affecting her mood as of late, not just with her mother whom she wasn't on speaking terms with, but also her riding. All three of her mares could sense her displeasure, and it made riding all the more terrible. So she found herself taking a prolonged break.

Walking into Color Me Crazy now, Odette was met with a classy looking atmosphere. Green eyes took in everything, almost feeling lost when a voice cut through her empty thoughts: "Well if isn't Ms Odette!" She knew that voice from anywhere - the Seven Oaks PA and Office Manager, whom might have been her closest friend since relocating to Hickstead. A smile lit up on Odette's face now, "Jules! I had no idea you would be my artist today. Now I know I am in good hands." And it was a relief too, maybe hanging out with her friend - even if he was doing her nails - would be enough to get her out of this weird slump and back into the world, "If you do not mind getting to know me on a deeply personal level, I wouldn't mind a pedicure as well," Odette joked now, "I am hoping today will reset my aura and drive, so I am going all in on the pampering."

Green eyes glanced around again, watching the hustle and bustle, "I take it must be a very busy day here since I thought it was your day off from work in general."

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved

thanks aofie!

[JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE]

He waved a well-manicured hand. “Trust me, if you think a pedicure is deep. I’m sure the gossip at the barn is child’s play,” he laughed. “Ah, so we need the full pampering service?” Depending on who it was, there were times that Jules let things slide. He was renting his station and oversaw his own rates. Hope was just there with her own services. Same with Scout and June.

Jules grabbed some color samples and offered them to Odette to give her a chance to go over the colors he offered. “Yeah, all the last-minute people wanting to get in to make good first impressions! I guess Hope got enough people asking for nails, and asked if I could come in. I figured, why not? I had a nice, slow day off yesterday. Not like the Lord can tell me not to work,” he replied gathering some stuff like a new file and sanitized equipment. “Are we doing natural today? Gel, Acrylic?”

Sept 17 2023 → outfit, nails → ODETTE AURÉLLE LACHAPELLE

[ODETTE AURÉLLE LACHAPELLE]

september 2023 • outfit & shoes • JULES REECE BEAUCHÊNE

Odette chortled a little bit at her friend's exclamation, "I'm sure nothing you do is mere child's play," the young woman said with a smile, "And I must say, I feel as if the gossip is lacking as of late at the barn. Perhaps that is a good thing though." Or maybe not, sometimes, Odette welcomed the distraction of someone else's drama to make up for her own. But no, she was there to let loose, and not dwell on her own situation. Today is about healing, "But yes, full pampering please. Today is all about me. Not my mother. Not my ex-girlfriend. Not even France. Just me." She rambled so much that Jules must have thought her crazy, but given he was her friend, it did not matter to her.

A smile brighten her face as he handed her the color samples now for her to look over. Although, given how skilled Jules was, his nails said it all, Odette wondered if she should branch out from merely requesting a color, "I'm sure. Fall is such a lovely time to be outdoors with people you love. Might as well look one's best." No wonder the salon was in full blast then, no doubt there were a bunch of weddings going on as well that people had to prep for, "I consider myself lucky then that you decided to work today. I am thinking gel. As much as I wish for acrylic, I doubt they would last long at the stables." The young woman pondered her earlier thought before asking, "What do you think of the glazed dounut manicure taking the internet by...how do say...storm?"

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved

thanks aofie!