As as I made my way to meet him I was filled with a sense of dread. Last time we had spoken he had told me that he wasn't happy and was looking at making some changes in his life. He was even talking about taking a job in another country, Japan. Gulp.
I had been burned before. The previous guy had simply disappeared without a word. No-one knew where he had gone, or so they said. So when I found Mario I was cautious. He had to prove himself to me. Prove himself he did and my trust in him grew. I'd been seeing him for five happy years when he dropped the bombshell about being miserable in London and wanting to move on. I hoped with all my heart that he would have reconsidered these rash plans, as I knew that I would find it very hard to cope without him.
No, I'm not talking about my partner. Mario is my hairdresser and, as any woman knows, the person who keeps your hair on the straight and narrow every 6 weeks is not someone you want to lose.
I have had some diabolical experiences in the hairdresser's chair. One memorable experience, for all the wrong reasons, was when a Japanese guy decided to take a razor to my head and give me the harshest of pixie cuts. There was nowhere to hide when I walked out of the salon and I felt utterly naked. Even thinking about it now makes me touch my hair in fear.
So, when Steve, my previous dependable guy, disappeared without a trace I decided to try another salon and found the incomparable Mario. He, and my GHDs, have given me the haircut I always dreamt about but which my irritatingly not quite straight hair would never allow: a beautiful, sleek bob. It's not an easy cut to get right, but month in month out I exit the salon with a huge smile on my face. A girl's hairdresser just makes her feel good about herself.
I am more than happy to spend quite a lot of money on my hair, as whatever else you are wearing it's the permanent accessory. In cost per wear it's cheap as chips! I have now added highlights to my hair maintenance schedule and as time goes on no doubt the odd grey that is poking through will require some attention. Hair is so important to a woman and the thought of losing a trusted hairdresser has to be up there with moving house or job for stress value.
So what happened with the move to Japan? Fortunately for me, nothing. Mario has decided against it for now, so my follicles are safe for the time being. Unfortunately, I fear that it will only be a matter of time before he does decide to relocate and I will be forced to go through this anguish all over again. The only other alternative would be to kidnap him and keep him in my basement! I'm tempted....
