The Scarred Wife's Racing Five

Chapter Seven

POV Holly

Once the sun had finally set, I tucked my legs toward my chest, and rested my cheek on my knee. “So, am I supposed to pay you back for all these good meals, or…?”

He shook his head. “It's just some things I have in the fridge downstairs. No need to pay me for a couple of sandwiches.”

I raised a brow as I tried my best to calm myself down. No need to spiral again. I've already learned once that it wasn't smart to jump to conclusions. “If that is really the case, then thanks. Do you mind if I run some renovation ideas by you?” I continued, and he shook his head, tossing another chip in his mouth.

“That's fine with me. I'll also bring the bed from the guest room up here. I need to get a new one anyway. Consider it a housewarming gift.”

I laughed lightly and shook my head. A new one? That bed was flawless. He could keep it for years. Especially since it’s only used for guests. If he’s going to lie, he should lie better. He stayed silent, but a small smirk formed on his lips and I shook my head in defeat. If he wants to help…I’ll let him help for now. I’ll pay him back later. “Fine…fine. I will just enjoy the kindness.” I hummed.

“As you should.” He mumbled under his breath as if confirming this was yet another thing not worth pushing. Slowly, the conversation continued and the sky grew darker, but some dim lights lit up the walkway and even more illuminated above our heads. At least I knew there was still electricity coming up here.

I told him about possible paint colors and upgrades to the kitchen where needed. He was completely fine with everything. Even offered some time to take me to the hardware store. What’s better, the longer we chatted, the calmer I felt. It just became so…easy. When it started to get darker, the pair of us headed back down the stairs. Stopping in front of his apartment door, he looked down at me while I looked up at him. Just like before, his eyes seemed to be searching my soul. I didn’t know what was happening but the heat welling inside me shouldn’t be real. What was this?! I just found my freedom. Throwing myself under a man is the last thing I should do. Ugh, hormones! Knock it off!

As if snapping me out of my own stupor, Noah cleared his throat. “I think it’s fair enough to say good night, Holly. Until the renovations are complete, you stay here. I will move the bed up last.”

“I’m fine staying on the third floor. The roof doesn’t leak and there is power to the little space. I think it’s better, for the both of us, if I move up sooner rather than later.” I countered.

He rubbed his hand over his brow and sighed. “How about this? I don’t want to lift a bed up to the third floor right now.”

I snorted and grabbed the keys for his apartment out of my pocket. “Alright. I guess that’s a valid argument. Especially since you are the landlord.”

“Good. Get sleep.” He turned and walked down the stairs, throwing a wave over his shoulder. The thought of our first conversation grazed through my memory, and I smiled. He was right. It really is nice to have someone you know when you move somewhere new.

After taking a shower and changing into some pajamas, I leaned back in the soft bed, thinking of how much my life has changed in less than forty-eight hours. Combing my fingers through my hair, I thought of one more thing I had to do before I could really say goodbye to my old life. It was time for a farewell party. Not something extravagant. No…something just for me.

The next morning, I decided to head out on the town in search for what that would be. I knew it would just jump out when I found it. Looking at each shop, I become more and more optimistic. Spontaneous tattoo? With all these bruises? Probably not. New clothes? A little out of my price range. Then, I finally stopped at a salon and it was like the world was telling me this was it. I need a new look. Not just for the convenience of hiding in plain sight, but also the freedom of doing what I want to do when I want to do it.

Wincing, that man came crawling back into my mind. The day I stupidly decided to change my hair style. The stench of cheap whiskey filled the air as he laughed with his friends. Insult after insult. Then, the worst happened. Ryan yanked my hair so hard some strands fell from his grasp. “That’s why you keep your hair nice and long for me so I will always have something to reach for. Never pull this s**t with me again.” The words echoed in my mind with a shivering reality of how little I controlled my own destiny. Not anymore.

I pushed my way through the front door, hearing the ding of a bell. A petite woman popped her head from around a wall and smiled over to me. “Do you have an appointment?” She called and I shook my head.

“No, I am looking to get a hair cut, but if you are busy I can always come back another day.” I answered.

She shook her head as her light strawberry curls bounced behind her. “Don’t you worry about a thing. Take the seat to your right and I’ll be right with you.”

I nodded and plopped down on one of the soft couches surrounding a coffee table littered with hair magazines. Picking one up I searched through the pictures, hoping to find some inspiration, but all I could think about was cutting it as short as possible. The only thing I want to be able to pull on my hair is a hair clip.

The time continued on until I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up to see the woman who had greeted me earlier. She reached out a hand and I looked down at the common gesture. “Hello, my name is Susan. I haven’t seen you around here. Are you new to town?”

I nodded slowly, trying to figure out how much I should tell her. Noah was a total stranger until I opened up to him. Maybe she will be just as nice. I chuckled inwardly and shook Susan’s hand. I doubt it. Two blessings in one week seem to be a little over my limit of joy. “Holly. I mumbled.

“Pleasure. Let’s go ahead and see what we can do with that lovely black hair of yours.” I winced and followed the woman. I think it was just her perky smile or strawberry curls that made her so…I don’t know…. Likeable? No, it was her whole persona. She bounced when she walked, wore bell bottom jeans with a pink plaid shirt like the outfit was made for her, not too much make up so you can actually tell what she’d look like without it. She really did seem like the stereotypical sweet woman from a small town that will help you out of any jam.

Once we made it to a chair in the far corner from the door, she cloaked my body with a cape and flicked my hair toward the front. She studied the full picture from the root to the tip before taking a breath. “How do you feel about cutting your hair…like alot?”

I raised a brow. “Fine. Why? It’s definitely what I want.”

“Your hair texture has a bit of a curve to it, so to frame your face right, I’d have to cut a lot.”

I smiled and waved toward the old me glaring back with fresh bruises and taunt skin around my collar bone. “By all means. Please do.”

Susan’s smile broadened and she nodded before leaning my chair back and getting to work. After many hours of waiting, the chair was turned around and my mouth dropped. Not only did she reenhance my curls, she also made my long black hair reach just above my shoulders. What’s better is the draped hair towards the front covering one eye and giving the short style more volume. I was in love with every bit of it. Not to mention, when I turned to let the sun kiss my hair, a simple highlight of dark brown glowed off of the strands.

“Susan…this…this is amazing!” I whispered in shock.

She smiled and patted my shoulder. “I know. I’m amazing.” She added with a giggle and I smirked in agreement. “Now, I will send you home with a regimen to keep your hair looking flawless and I will recommend some new clothes that will finalize the whole look.”

Wincing her way, I shook my head. “I’m okay without new clothes. I just wanted a hair refresh, you know.” Now who’s the liar here.

She shook her head and pulled the cape off my shoulders before dragging me to a consignment shop two doors down. “Not too expensive, but trust me, you will find just what you are looking for.”

“How do you know that?” I hissed, feeling like I was yet again being pulled one way I didn’t want to go.

“Because I’ll be here to help.” My eyes grew as her sweet smile turned my way. “Women are supposed to help each other. That’s what I’m here for. Take the help, Holly. I’d love to give it. Besides, no one is forcing you to find anything. Sometimes stores can be a dud.”

Taking in a breath, I glanced at my reflection before smiling back at Susan. “Alright, fine. Just promise you will keep your word if it really is a dud for me.”

“Promise.” She hummed happily.

I finally smiled without any hesitation as she pulled me to the sale racks. I guess this…is exactly what I needed.