Manicures, Pedicures and Massages…Oh My!

Mannies. Peddies. Facials. Massages. Waxing. Even cuts and colors. I am not into them…not too much, anyway. I normally make an appointment for a haircut only when I desperately need a trim after too much of my own “butchering.” So, yes. I normally take care of my personal needs myself. Except for last week.

I ducked into a small neighborhood salon for a quick manicure and pedicure. I had no appointment. When I pulled open the door, I noticed 3 chairs. Two of the seats were occupied with women reading and relaxing while having their toes painted.

It was after a quick glance to the sign on the wall indicating only $35 dollars total to have my fingers and toes done, that I noticed a young girl curled up sleeping on the couch in the waiting area.

One of the women working yelled out something to me that sounded like “what do you want.” I told her what I had come in for and she motioned for me to have a seat.

After only a few seconds, the young girl dozing on the couch awakened. I presumed that the women who had asked me what I wanted woke the young girl when she blurted out something to her in what I believe was Vietnamese.

The young girl with the pale skin woke from her sleep and disappeared into the backroom just as the older woman quickly waved the back of her hand at me as if she were shooing me away. She was directing me to the shelf on the wall holding an array of vibrant, multi-colored nail polishes. She ordered me to “pick color.”

A minute later, the young girl reappeared from the backroom and motioned for me to take the third seat, next to the two ladies who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their peddies.

I placed my purse on the floor next to me, and removed my shoes and set them next to my purse. I placed my feet up on the foot rest while light colored blue water swirled into the small tub below me filling the basin to the brim.

To my left was an acquaintance I knew when our children were in school together. We were making some small talk when suddenly, on my right leg, I felt a Tap. Tap. Tap.

I turned from my conversation and eyed the dark-haired young girl. I must have had a puzzled look on my face. She tap tap tapped me again. Was I supposed to know what that tap meant? She did it a third time. Tap. Tap. Tap.

I think I even started to ask her what she wanted, when I realized she wanted my right foot to soak in the water. Duh. I felt a bit foolish at first. I lowered my toes into the water, and went back to my conversation with the lady in the adjacent chair.

Tap. Tap. Tap. NOW what, I thought. The tap was on the right leg again. I assumed that means out? Tap. Tap. Tap. This time on the left leg. Well guess what? I was finally catching on.

This tapping seemed to go on numerous times. It was beginning to get comical…to me, anyway. Both feet were never in the water at the same time. In..out…in…out. Never a word, not a motion…just that Tap…Tap...Tap.

When it’s time for my next manicure and pedicure, I guess I will be digging out the polish remover and nail color and doing my own nails. I can paint them as well as the next girl...or at least the LAST girl...Tap. Tap. Tap!