“I actually don't know shit about what you're talking about.”
“I doubt that.”
She got up and went to the back. A minute later, she came back with a bowl of warm water. She placed Noble’s hands inside the bowl and pulled out other instruments from the drawer.
“If a man bought you a business, that means he believes in you. If he believes in you, he loves you.”
She nodded, smirking at him. “I guess you're right.”
“How long y’all been together?”
Picking up his hand, she started pushing his cuticles back. “For about two years.”
Noble was amazed by how much this girl revealed to him. He would’ve been pissed if his woman had run her mouth like this.
“He’s a lucky man.”
Hallie gushed, trying to hide her smile. “Why do you say that? Because I’m pretty? What if I’m difficult or don't listen? I could be a cheater and you're talking about him being lucky.”
“I see a hard-working woman who’s running a business that…” He looked around the shop. “…seems to be doing well. I may be off but you seem to work for what you want. Now am I wrong?”
“No,” she replied shyly, “you're not. It’s been my dream to own a nail salon. Although it’s not easy running a business, I love being a business owner.”
“That’s what’s up.”
The conversation came to a halt as Noble watched her dry his nails off. While people surrounding him thought he had come for a standard manicure, Noble was casing the place. He counted six nail technicians, two exits, and a parking lot out back that he spotted before he walked inside.
“What about you? Is there a lucky woman in your life?” she asked, grabbing his attention.
He shook his head as Irish surfaced in his mind. For most of the day, he had done well with not thinking of her. It was at night when she barged inside his mind, forcing him to miss her. A whole week without her touch, voice, and scent made Noble a mad man. He was snappier and more impatient because his Pumpkin wasn’t in his life anymore. The only time he showed any semblance of happiness was when Kenji was in his care.
“Yeah, there is.”
“Oh, really? That’s good. Just don’t mess it up,” she teased.
He chuckled. “Why would I do something like that?”
“‘Cause men can be stupid at times and fumble good women.”
“You're a lil’ jaded, huh?”
Hallie smacked her lips like he had said something appalling. “No, I’m not jaded but I know how men are. Contrary to what you believe, though, I’m in a very healthy relationship now. He’s the best and will do anything for me.”
“That’s what’s up. So, that means wedding bells are on the way, right?”
Her mouth opened but her words stalled. Noble snickered inwardly because there was no way Tuck was going to marry her. She was just a front since his real preference was men.
“Yeah, but he’s kind of away right now. I have to wait for him to come home for that to happen.”
“Oh,” he drawled. “I get it. Is he worth the wait?”
She nodded. “Yes, he’s my forever and ever.”
Noble resisted the urge to snort. This woman had no clue who she was connected to. He wondered if she knew about the recent exposure that had happened to Tuck. They continued small talk while she finished his manicure. Once she was done, he took a look at his clear coated nails and nodded.
“I ‘preciate this.”
“No problem. It was my pleasure to service you.”
