LOVE AFTER THE STORM

Chapter 02: Thorne’s Point of View

Under the Surface

I woke up and decided to go for a ride around my town, Sturgis, South Dakota. As a biker, I enjoy riding through Needles Highway, a famous route with sharp turns, granite spires, and tunnels.

But today, I felt like going on a longer ride, exploring scenic routes through Black Hills National Forest. The winding roads and stunning mountain views were the perfect backdrop for my ride.

Then my phone rang.

I stopped my bike and checked the caller.

Hello? I answered.

"We need you to locate a spot good for sports and adventure," the voice on the other end said.

Alright, I replied, heading towards Badlands National Park.

As a biker, my job is to explore trails and rough terrain for sports or adventure. I often travel across the country to find the best spots for my clients. It’s fun, but also risky and time-consuming.

I found the perfect spot and informed my client. Feeling tired, I drove back home.

What a fun and exhausting day, I muttered. After a quick shower, I lay on my bed, trying to take a nap. The chirping of birds outside lulled me to sleep, but my phone’s ringtone instantly woke me up.

When I checked the time, it was already past 1 p.m.

Hello, buddy, I said, my voice not steady due to the sleep that has eluded me.

Thorne, don’t tell me you forgot tomorrow, the caller said.

"What’s happening tomorrow?" I asked, still half-asleep.

"Come on, man! You know tomorrow is Aria’s birthday. If you’re not there, I’ll kick your ass," he said.

Fine, I’m coming. But I’ll just swing by to say hi, I responded.

"Give me the whole day, and I’ll be in your town," I said, already regretting my words.

Damn! I muttered as I looked in the mirror while still on the call. Do you know any salons in your town where I could fix my hair?

I didn’t wait for him to respond, Immediately asked him not to bother, I’m not coming, I said, ending the call.

Knowing my friend Neo is a scumbag who wouldn’t hesitate to deal with me if I didn’t show up, I hurriedly dressed, left my bike at home, and drove my car down to Colorado. I arrived about 6.5 hours later and went straight to Neo’s house. He was happy to see me, but his joy quickly faded when I told him I wasn’t going to Aria’s party. Instead, I came to spend time with him since it had been a while.

Man, are you kidding me? You got to be in my girlfriend’s party because I want you there. You can’t turn your back on me now, will you? It’s not fair you know, Neo said his tone fading in disappointment.

Without saying much, He took me to the guest room, but I could tell he was already plotting something.

We had dinner in cold silence. I could feel Neo’s mind working.

What if I hook you up with a girl. Would you come? He asked.

No, I replied, shaking my head.

Why won’t I show up at your best friend’s girlfriend's party?

I’m just messing with you, man, I said in my mind.

That night, Neo forced me to go out for drinks, I hesitated but he said he’s not begging me but ordering me since I had refused to show up in his girlfriend’s party. We ended up at a bar sipping Mile High Margaritas.

Some group of girls tried to seduce us with their dazzling looks, but we ignored them, enjoying the slow local music in silence.

Later, I drove Neo back to his house, where we went to bed. The next morning, I left him at home and took a walk around Colorado, now missing my bike. I wished I had it here so I could tour around Colorado. By noon, I still hadn’t returned, and I imagined Neo was probably looking for me. Since I wasn’t looking too bad, and had showered earlier, I decided to find a salon to style my hair.

Yes, I planned to surprise Neo by showing up at the party.

I know he’d be glad knowing fully well that I’d show up. After all, I am a guest in his house and there’s no way he won’t find out I’d be attending his girlfriend’s party, I thought.

I searched until I found a salon with transparent glass doors, beautifully arranged chairs, and hair instruments inside. It was called Essence & Elegance, and it was not far from Neo’s house.

The hairstylist asked how she could assist me, I told her that I would like to wash and dye my hair.

She asked me the color I would like to dye it to and I told her but she kicked against it, informing me that it my appearance.

I know nothing about hair and since she kicked against it and as a hairstylist, she knows a lot about hair, she recommended a styling for me which I agreed to.

I noticed how she stared at me, admiring my well-built physique and striking blue eyes. It was obvious, and I could tell she was already interested.

After finishing with another customer, she motioned for me to follow her to the hair washing station.

While she was busy washing my hair, a thought crossed my mind. I think this could be the best time to get someone to go with me to the party since I was single to the core.

I told her that if the hair turns out perfect, I’d invite her to a party. Maybe she could style the celebrant's hair, hoping this trick would work.

But she basically turned me down letting me know that she wouldn’t go out with a stranger.

I felt disappointed but didn’t give up.

Once she was done washing and blow-drying my hair, she motioned me to follow her to the seat designated for styling hair, as I walked I prayed Neo wouldn’t find me just yet, because I had planned to surprise him by attending the party.

Tension built up in my body, and I gazed at the door severally, knowing fully well that Neo could be on his way any minute from now.

Before I could react, the door opened. Neo stormed in, his eyes scanning the room.

I tried begging the younger hairstylist attending to me to hide me but she refused. The older stylist, however, insisted on helping, reminding the hairstylist attending to me that they never can tell if I was in danger.

Neo entered asking the two women about me, but fortunately for me, they shook their heads, replying with a firm No.

As Neo was about to leave, he saw me where I was hiding and hurriedly moved towards me.

"Thorne!" Neo said, striding toward me.

I froze for a moment but then burst out laughing.

He caught me and dragged me out asking why I was hiding, I nodded, laughing as I told him how smart he was to find me here.

"This is my town. Of course, I’d find you. Besides, you told me you needed to do your hair, and I figured you’d be here. This is the only salon close to my house," Neo laughed.

The two stylists exchanged confused glances. Asking us what was going on.

Neo chipped in, telling them not to worry about anything,and that he was not there to harm me or anyone. He let them know I am he’s friend and he has been pressuring me to attend his girlfriend’s party but I refused.

I’ll go, trust me," I said, finally speaking up. "But you’ve got to find someone to go with me. I can’t go alone.

The hairstylist asked if she can continue with my hair and I replied her with a yes, watching her in the mirror, and noticing how adorable she looked as she styled my hair.

When she finished, we were both amazed by her talent, Seeing how stunning I looked, Neo instantly asked her to style his, reminding me that I wasn’t the boyfriend of the celebrant.

Once done, Neo paid for her services, pleading for her to attend the birthday party for my sake.

He handed her the address to the bar, and before we left, my eyes met hers. Silently, I pleaded for her to come with me and she agreed.

We arrived at the venue, where Aria was looking glamorous.

"Hi Aria, happy birthday! You look stunning," I said.

Hi Thorne, good to see you! She hugged me.

That’s enough with my girl, man. Go find yours, Neo joked, taking Aria’s hand and walking to the VIP section.

The party soon filled up with guests, and I looked at my watch, 8 p.m. The hairstylist hadn’t arrived yet. Just as I was about to head to the VIP section, I spotted her. She looked casual but cute. I took her hand and led her to the table, introducing her as a friend. She wished Aria a happy birthday.

We popped champagne and made a toast.

The night unfolded with laughter and introductions. I excused myself to the restroom.

Moments later, I returned to see people looking out the door. Neo asked where I’d gone, telling me to take care of things so there wouldn’t be a scene. Panic rose as the crowd turned to look at me.

"Everyone, don’t worry," I said, trying to reassure them.

But when I rushed outside, I saw a figure dragging the hairstylist into the dark. I moved closer, but before I could react, the figure disappeared, leaving her to crash to the ground with a scream...