Hannah smiles before telling me more about Sadie’s hairtexture and what’s good for it as I add all that into my notes. I feel silly doing it, but it’s important to me to get it right. I hate that along with everything else she didn’t do for us, Sandra let this go as well.
“Thanks, Hannah. I know I keep saying that, but I really appreciate this.”
“You’re doing a good job, in case no one’s told you.”
Sir has, and at first, I don’t think I’m going to share that with her, but then, for a reason I can’t really understand, I want to. “Colton does.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. He’s really the best guy out there. If I weren’t lesbian…”
I chuckle, some of my jealousy dissipating. “He’s a good friend.” That’s not what he was ever supposed to be, but he is. My Sir is the best friend I’ve ever had, maybe the only real one. Worry bubbles up in my gut, familiar but irritating.
“He likes you a lot.”
How do you know?I want to ask but don’t. “It’s not serious. It can’t be.” Not only because I’m his professor, but because I’d be horrible at a relationship, I have two kids to think about, and Colton is young. He’s basically as close to Nash’s age as he is to mine and, holy fuck, how have I not thought about that before?
“That’s between you and Colton to figure out, but if you want it to be, I’m sure the two of you will find a way. Relationships are always hard work.”
I nod. She’s right. I know that, but I still don’t believe anything with Colton would ever work out. I’m a forty-year-old disaster.
When I don’t respond, Hannah seems to know I can’t find the words and asks, “Should we check on Sadie?”
“Yeah. I’d like that.”
Sadie looks up at me expectantly as I approach her. Herhair is in cornrows on the top and sides in a cool diagonal pattern, but falls loose in longer braids behind her head.
“It looks incredible,” I tell both Sadie and Tasha. “I definitely couldn’t do that.”
“You could if someone taught you,” Tasha replies. “But then I wouldn’t get to chill with Sadie, so I think I’ll keep the secret to myself.”
The four of us all laugh. These women are angels, and I don’t know how to thank them enough for everything they’ve given us.
There’s a knock on the glass door, and I turn to see Colton and Nash. Hannah unlocks the door for them, Nash immediately heading over.
“Holy shit. That looks sick,” he tells Sadie.
“Right? I love it so much!”
“She’s the perfect client,” Tasha says. “She gave me free rein to do what I want.”
“I can’t wait to see what you do next time!” Sadie shoots a quick glance at me. “I mean, if there is a next time. I’m sure this is expensive, so it’s okay if there’s not.”
“There will be a next time, kiddo.” I reach out and squeeze her shoulder, which elicits another beaming smile.
“Thank you,” she replies.
“No problem.” I give my attention to Nash. “How was basketball?”
He shrugs. “All right.”
“He beat me two games out of three. He’s fucking good.” Colton turns to Nash. “Are you going to play on the school team this year?”
“I can’t do shit like that.”
“You can play on the team,” I tell him.
“It’s expensive and practices are after school. I have to be home with Sadie.”
Shit. Something else I didn’t think about. “That’s on me to worry about. Not you. If you want to play basketball, you should try out for the team.”
