Dr. Grant's brows rose high. "Introduce. You two are already serious?"
I flushed at my slip of the tongue. No doubt Dr. Grant was judging me for jumping the gun. "Ah, no. We talk every day, though, and I'm sure that's where our relationship is heading."
Her mouth twisted, her pen poised above her paper. I already knew what she was thinking.
"She replies back to my messages straight away and sometimes messages me first." I sounded defensive, but I knew this attraction wasn't one-sided. I didn't want Dr. Grant to think I was making shit up in my head. I didn't want to use the word "crazy," but my mind naturally went there when she stared at me like I was delusional.
"She wouldn't do that if she wasn't interested." I glanced at Dr. Grant, insecurity crowding me. "Right?"
Her lips twitched before she placed her pad down, thankfully without writing anything down. "Only you can answer that, Brian."
I knew she was going to say that.
At my defeated expression, Dr. Grant leaned forward with a wink. "But it sounds like you're doing everything right."
After my session, I took a short walk to wind down. I always felt that a little bit of the guilt and shame I carried lifted after my sessions. I didn't know what to do with the heavy emotions that came from each meeting, so I usually did something physical to offload the balance. I either went to the gym or went for a run. Maybe it was the blue sky or the lack of traffic this morning, but I suddenly felt like taking a leisurely stroll in the sun.
My feet carried me towards Main Street, as it often did these days. It was a Saturday, close to lunchtime, so the area was bustling with families taking advantage of the nice weather. Maria was working today. She usually had the weekend off, but she'd been burning the candle at both ends lately. I worried about her. Was she getting enough sleep? Enough coffee? Was she closing by herself tonight again?
I wanted her to know I was thinking of her, but I also didn't want to crowd her. I passed the same café where we first met, and without even thinking about it, I walked in and ordered acappuccino, a bottle of soda, a chicken and brie panini, and ten muffins. I would've ordered coffees for everyone in her salon, but I had no idea how many were on—plus, I'd have to make at least three trips to and back.
With a large bag in hand and a takeout drink tray in another, I strolled into M&M Hair Design. The place was packed, which was typical for a Saturday. Most folks ran their errands on the weekend, but I could see that all chairs had asses in them with various states of cutting and curlers in their hair. The waiting area was also full. I was so proud of Maria and her team, but I couldn't help the prickle of worry at the thought of her exhausting herself.
Rachel glanced up from her seat at reception, and the welcoming smile she produced promptly slid from her face. My stomach dropped.Fuck. It was clear Maria hadn't told her friends she was seeing me again. Not that she had to so soon, but I viewed it as a big fat cross against my name. Still, I didn't let it deter me as I fixed her with a friendly smile. One that had the dimple on my cheek popping.
"Hello, Brian." Her flat tone still didn't faze me.
"Hi, Rachel. How are you?"
Her gaze roamed the bag and coffee I held, and she raised her brow in a sign that said:"Really?"
"I'm fine," she mumbled, not bothering to ask the same of me.
I straightened my shoulders. "Is Maria in?"
Her lips pursed. "She is, but she's very busy. Can I pass on a message?" Her saccharine voice matched the smile she fed me.
I could leave the food with her, but I had a hunch that Rachel would just dump it in the trash. Plus, I craved to see Maria, if only for a second.
"Can you let her know I'm here, please?"
Her reproving gaze traveled down my body, pausing again at the food bag. "Wait here," she sighed. She forcedly slid her chair out, letting me know how much I was inconveniencing her.
She was gone less than two minutes before she returned with a furrowed brow. "She said you can go back." Her judgy tone was replaced with open curiosity.
"Thank you, Rachel. Here." I passed her the large paper bag. "These are for everyone."
With another quirk on her brow, she opened the bag and peeked inside. Her eyes widened before she licked her lips. She glanced back at me with a smile. "You go on back."
Sold out for a bag of warm muffins. Good to know for future reference.
Each girl gave me a double take as I walked by the stations. Some were openly surprised, while others were not subtle in their dislike.
Even though Maria invited me, I still knocked at the open door. Her dark head popped up, and she greeted me with a smile that made me sag in relief. She was happy to see me.
She looked gorgeous with her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. Gold earrings dangled in her ears, and the sheer material of her olive green blouse had me drooling. She always looked so classy and chic. So effortlessly sexy and put together. I always felt like a troll in her presence with my dirty work clothes and heavy boots. At least today I looked respectable in a black Henley and jeans.
"Hi," she greeted me. "This is a surprise."
