Chapter 197
570 Words
Jim pulled up in front of the hair salon, glanced at his watch.
“OK, I’ll pick you up after work at about six. You don’t leave here without me. Clear?”
Kat looked over at him, annoyed at the alpha-male routine. “Jim. I’m sure that I can take the bus home.”
His eyes flashed. “And I’m sure you’ll still be here when I come to pick you up.”
“But it’s a major hassle for you.”
“Keeping you safe is not a hassle, minor or major. But you know what is a hassle? Listening to you tell me what a hassle it is.” He c****d his head at her. “So give it a f*****g rest.”
She stared at him, then to his complete shock, she burst into laughter.
“Something funny, sweetheart?” he asked.
“No. Nothing’s funny,” she said between giggles. “I just – I really, really like you.”
That took him by surprise. “Yeah?”
“Oh, yeah.” She grinned at him. “So I’ll be waiting, Prince Charming.”
“OK, good.” Jim tried to keep the scowl on his face, but he felt it slipping off, felt his expression softening. She was just so beautiful, and she had this light and calm about her. He’d never really seen that in her before, and he was overjoyed that he was part of the reason she looked this way now.
Kat walked into the salon, nodded at her co-workers. She went into the staffroom and made herself a cup of coffee. Her boss, Benny, looked relieved to see her.
“Kat!” he said. “Thank God you’re back.”
“Hey,” she said. “Good to see you too, boss. Things been busy around here, or what?”
He rolled his eyes. “Nothing out of the ordinary. But customers kept calling and asking for you, and when I said you were on leave for a few days, they just hung up. Said they’d only make an appointment for when you came back.”
“Oh.” She took a sip of coffee. “So, I have a busy day today?”
“Girl, you have no idea. You’ll be run off your feet for the next week, I promise you.” The phone rang and he sighed. “I’m sure that’ll be someone else wanting you.” He flipped the appointment book open. “You’re fully booked until the middle of next week, Kat.”
“Cool. God knows I need the tips.”
Benny peered at her, took in her happiness. “OK, I’ve got to get this call. Welcome back.”
“Thanks. I’m glad to be back.”
She went out to her work area and started checking her equipment, thinking about the complete one-eighty that her life had taken since she’d told Jim and his friends the truth. She felt airy and joyful, totally at peace with things as they were. She hadn’t realized that people actually cared if she showed up or not, and that knowledge warmed her.
She was a part of something here, after all: she had really, honestly made a life, with a good job and good friends. It made her more determined than ever to hold on to it, to protect it. To stay, this time.
If I can.
- Writer
