Yeah, Dante is pretty cute. I’m keeping the details to myself.
Onyx:
Dante is not cute. I’m cute.
Harper:
Being short doesn’t automatically make you cute.
Ollie:
Hey, don’t call us short.
Onyx:
Yeah!
Harper:
Sorry. But come on. Onyx, you were never going for cute.
Onyx:
True. I’m too sophisticated. Too sensual.
“Oh my god,” Ollie muttered under his breath. The barista called out his order, and he shot off one more text before grabbing the drinks.
Ollie:
How about next week for dinner?
They coordinated the details as Ollie added cream and sugar to his coffee and cinnamon to Ellie’s. He’d loved to have invited Dex since he was way more of a foodie than Ollie, but this was clearly a demon’s mate thing.
Next time Gallery Four had an opening, he’d make sure to take Dex. Maybe Onyx had contacts in the art world who sold handcrafted homeware. It would be cool to get Dex’s pieces in more shops.
Ollie and Ellie took their lunches to a small park near the river. Time passed too quickly, and soon, they were hurrying back to work. Ollie would be dead after this, but it was the good kind of tired. At least it was the end of the week.
The attack at the beach seemed further away than ever. Yes, more time had passed, but it went beyond that. Ollie’s doubts and fears faded with each passing day. His life had settled back into place and he felt like himself. Even things with Dante felt normal, leaving Ollie excited for the future.
Back at the salon, a poised woman with chestnut-brown hair waited for him. His last new client of the day.
“Hi, Pamala?” Ollie approached her. “I’m Ollie. I have you scheduled for an updo?”
“Yes.” She beamed at him. “Thank you for taking me at such short notice. I have an important event this evening and my stylist was sick, so my friend recommended I come here.”
“Happy to help.” Ollie led her back to his station. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
She was very organized, pulling up references on her phone and showing Ollie the dress she would wear. She walked out looking stunning and leaving Ollie with another generous tip.
“I hope she comes back,” Ellie said in his ear. “She’s magnetic.”
Ollie swatted her playfully. “I’m not being your matchmaker.”
“Good, because I don’t need your help.” Ellie grinned evilly before going to check the schedule. Probably to see if his client had rebooked.
As Ollie was about to turn away, Pamala returned to the salon. It seemed she’d forgotten something at the counter. Ellie handed it to her and Pamala lingered, leaning in.
Ollie finished tidying up. No, Ellie didn’t need his help at all.
