"What are we doing here?" I asked, confused as Avery led me towards a tiny, dime a dozen barber shop down an inconspicuous alleyway of all places. He grinned, turning towards me.
"Getting a haircut. What else?"
"I don't think this is the time for..." I began to speak, but froze when I caught the meaningful look in his eyes. "O-Oh."
He smiled, "Come on."
Dazed, I followed him into the busy store. He immediately made his way towards one of the hairdressers, whose dreadlocks were pulled back into a ponytail with a sharp undershave, immediately smiling once he caught sight of Avery.
"What's good, my brother?" He greeted warmly, immediately ditching his customer to do a bro-hug with Avery. He spoke in a distinctly Nigerian accent, pearly white teeth basically glimmering through his wide grin.
"Not much. Just thought I'd come by for a haircut. And I brought a friend," Avery said as he pulled away, motioning towards me. The hairdresser caught my eye and waved welcomingly.