It was Saturday and my mom had been badgering me about getting a haircut for several days, so since I wasn't doing anything in the afternoon, I dropped into the neighborhood barbershop around 3 pm. It was pretty busy and I had to wait, but pretty soon it was my turn. Fortunately, I got my favorite barber, Chet. The shop had 3 barbers, but the other 2 were in their 50s and Chet was in his early 30s and seemed to identify with us teens better.
"OK," Chet said, "it's your turn, Scotty."
I got up out of my chair and walked on over.
"You're looking really good, Scotty - slim and sexy." He smiled and winked. Chet always made me feel good about myself.
"Aw, come on, Chet. I'm nothing special. It looks like you're pretty busy today." (There were 4 other guys waiting still.)
"Yeah, we are pretty busy - but don't worry, I'll take my time with you. And yes, you are something 'special' - if only you could really see yourself," he grinned. "What are you, 18 now?" I nodded. "I bet half the girls and probably even some guys at your school drool over you."
I was embarrassed by this attention and sat down quickly to hide it.
He draped an apron over me and turned me to face the mirror. He ran his hands through my hair and then began rubbing my shoulders.. "You have such nice hair, Scotty - smooth and silky - and the sun has really done you some favors, bleaching it some so it's a sandy brown that goes great with your complexion. So what do you want me to do today?"
"Mostly just a trim, Chet. Cut it shorter on the sides though and shorten the sideburns too. I don't want to look too clean-cut, so leave the back long and just make it even."