We hug tightly. I want to cry. I don’t, instead I just smile.
As I walk out of Snips for the last time, arms full of my tools and dreams, I don’t look back.
55
I will find you
The sound of the power drill fills the room as I finish up the light oak timber shelves, which will display her products.
The space is coming together—her space. Bright, warm, hers. I keep imagining Camille walking through here, wearing that grin that makes my chest feel like it’s caught on fire. It already looks so different since she was here last. Almost all of her boxes arrived today—products, chairs, mirrors still wrapped in bubble wrap stacked in a corner.
I’ve been here with the trades, checking on finishes, paintwork, lighting placement. My body’s working, but my thoughts are with her. I hope she gets the closure she needs.
With her job. With everything. I really do.
I hate everything that’s going on with Sean. I hate that he still has a place in her story, but I also hope the bloke is okay.
My work phone buzzes in my pocket. Unknown number. I wipe my hands off on my pants and answer.
“Lucas speaking.”
“Lucas, hey mate. Chris Torres here. Camille’s dad.”
I straighten, instantly alert. “Hi, Sir. Good to hear from you.”
He chuckles. “I got your number from your business page. Camille told me about your work. Look, I’m back on civvy street soon. I’ve been working as an electrician in the army, but I’m looking for something more stable. Something close to Camille.”
I already know what he’s going to ask, and my gut says yes before he finishes.
“I was wondering if you needed anyone. I’ve got my license, tools, experience, and I work hard.”
I smile. “Actually, I do need someone. The business is growing faster than I can keep up with, and I’ve been hunting for someone reliable. This could work out perfectly.”
“Good,” Chris says. Then there’s a pause before his tone shifts slightly sharper. “One more thing.”
“Of course.”
“If you hurt my daughter, I will find you. I’m sure you’re a good man. But I’m a father first.”
Fair enough.
I nod, though he can’t see it. “I’d never hurt her. Not now. Not ever.”
Another pause. Then he says, “Good answer. Looking forward to meeting you properly when I get back. I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine.”
When the call ends, I stand there for a moment, smiling like an idiot. I just hired Camille’s dad and earned a warning that felt more like a blessing in disguise.
I’m glad I could help him. But I’m even more glad he’s coming home. For her. For them both. And yeah… maybe for me, too.
The door to the salon opens.
Camille.
She walks over to me, with a small smile on her face and I pull her in for a cuddle.
“I thought you were working today?”
“I went to, but Rhonda called before I went in. I told her I wasn’t buying her shop and was giving my notice. She told me to grab my stuff and not come back.”
