We didn’t even have a real wedding.
There was no real proposal either.
But you got your man.
Did I?
“What are you thinking?” Mason’s voice draws me out of my thoughts.
“Huh? Oh, nothing.” I shake my head. “Work stuff. Sorry.
“Hmm,” is all he says, but I can read his expression. He doesn’t believe me.
“Hey, Squirt. Go grab your coat and your backpack. We need to get you girls off to the salon,” he orders, and Kaylie jumps to do as he says.
Mason crowds my space as I pour myself a cup of coffee. His mouth hovers near my ear as his finger trails along the side of my neck. “I should swat your ass every time you lie to me.” His breathy words tickle my skin, but that’s not why I shiver. “What’s on your mind, Sprite?”
“I was just thinking about our party. There’s a lot to be done and I should probably reach out to Linzie to see if there’s anything we can help with.” It’s not a complete lie.
Mason bites down on my neck, and I jump. When he releases my flesh, he kisses over the same spot, soothing the sting. “We can have the party this weekend if you’re ready. I think it’s safe enough.”
“Isn’t this weekend Valentine’s Day? You sure the guys won’t mind sharing a romantic holiday with us and not their women?” I ask, not wanting to be the damper on anyone’s planned celebrations.
“Babe. The guys only care about whether they’re getting laid and in which position for Valentine’s Day. That’s as romantic as it gets,” Mason informs me.
“How romantic,” I deadpan. “So now I know what to look forward to, huh?” I tease.
He pulls me back against his body, my back to his chest. “I’m not like the rest of them, Ev. I don’t need a special holiday to fuck my wife. I do that every day already.”
“You’re an ass,” I grumble, pulling out of his hold as he laughs.
“I’m about to take your ass, you keep sassing me woman.”
Kaylie rushes back into the room with her coat on, her backpack over her shoulder, and Winston in her hand. “Ready!” she hollers.
Mason followed us to the salon before heading out to meet with Ghost. He’s been diligent in keeping an eye on us or having a prospect around when he can’t be. Today Colt is on duty. Idon’t understand why. It seems to me the person who trashed my shop was a one and done situation, but the Kings aren’t taking chances.
Kaylie takes her backpack and makes herself comfortable in her little play area, setting out her coloring pages and crayons. Winston has been given his seat and instructions to be quiet and not disturb Sissy while she works. Leslie has Mrs. Dickenson in her chair getting her usual bi-weekly cut and style. It’s a fairly calm morning.
A couple of hours into the day and we’ve had a steady flow of customers all morning. People who had to reschedule because of the repairs and insurance claims are all coming in to get caught up on their hair care routine, but I’m grateful for a break.
“I’m going to pick up something from Magpies’ for lunch. Did you or Kaylie want anything?” Leslie asks on her way to the front door.
“Wow. It’s that late already?” I ask, looking at the clock. “Thank you, but I have food for us in the back. I'd better take the lull for what it is and get Kaylie fed. You go on ahead. Looks like we have about thirty minutes until the next wave comes in.” She leaves, and I call for Kaylie to come to the break room.
She waddles in with Winston in tow, taking a seat at the table. I grab her lunch box from the fridge and set out her sandwich and apple slices for her. The chime on the front door sounds, alerting me to a customer arriving. The mirrors on the wall back here give me a perfect view of the front door where a man in a dark hoodie and a ball cap stands with his back to me.
“I’ll be right with you.” I call out through the doorway. I’m opening Kaylie’s juice pouch when I catch something moving in the mirror. I see the side of his face, and I know immediately this is no customer.
Squatting down beside Kaylie, I whisper, “Do you remember what Mason told you to do whenever you’re scared at home?”Kaylie nods, her eyes wide and full of fear. I grip her little face in my hands and tell her, “I need you to go hide, Kaylie. Hide and don’t come out until I come get you. Do you understand?” She nods as I hand her Winston. “I’ll be right back. Now go.” I don’t watch to see where she hides. I know Kaylie will find a good spot. She’s great at playing hide 'n seek.
There’s a bottle of Barbicide on the back table with a few pairs of scissors and shears. I reach for a pair of scissors and tuck them into a towel. I pretend to be wiping my hands with the towel as I walk to the front, gripping the scissors tightly.
“Hello, Everly.” Chills run up my spine at the sound of his graveling tone. I haven’t seen him in years, but I’ll never forget his voice.
I stop halfway to the front counter, frozen in place as his eyes pierce mine. “Aren’t you going to say hello to an old friend?”
Torch has lost weight since I last saw him. His eyes are sunken in and his skin looks pasty. But the darkness I’ve always known was there remains in his eyes. I grip the towel in my hand tightly, willing myself to stay calm. My phone is in my bag behind the counter, and Kaylie is hiding somewhere nearby in the back.
