Chapter 48 Brianna
Brianna
She has blossomed into a beautiful butterfly
I’m standing out in the parking lot of the salon I’ve called a second home for years.
The weather has a bite to it, and the weatherman predicted we’ll be getting a crazy snowstorm later.
But knowing Chicago weather, the “snowstorm” will be a light dusting.
Gotta love midwestern weather, where the weather is nipple-hardening cold in the morning and sweltering hot in the daytime—especially in the fall/wintertime.
I texted my boss earlier about wanting to talk to her.
She called me immediately, shouting and screaming with how happy she was to hear my voice.
I’ve been gone for so long, so I can only assume she thinks this is my inevitable return to work.
As I think about the last five or so years, I remember them fondly.
I truly love and adore these girls. I started here as a receptionist when I first started beauty school.
I slowly worked my way up to master stylist, and my clientele list was about a mile long.
I hate to let them go, but it’s time to move forward.
My future is with the bookstore with Asher.
Xander and Max have been working tirelessly to create the foundation of what our place is going to look like.
The more it comes together, the more excited I become.
Everything in my life has fallen into place, and for the first time in a long time, I feel secure.
In myself, in my stage in life, and with my relationship with Asher.
Okay, Bri. It’s now or never.
I take a few steadying breaths, watching the puffs of air dissipate before my eyes.
I make my way up to the salon with my heart hammering inside my chest. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t a full blown welcome back party.
Well, shit. This might be a tad awkward.
Regardless of my plans to leave, it’s nice to feel so welcome.
One by one, my coworkers all give me bone crushing hugs and share how much they’ve missed me. The last to greet me is my spunky, spitfire boss, Alison.
“Brianna, oh, it’s so good to see your face. How are you? How’s Max?”
“I’m good, we both are. It’s so good to see your face as well. Can we, um. Can we go to the office to talk?” If she suspects anything, she doesn’t give it away.
“Yes, yes of course. Come on back.”
I follow Alison to her office and take in the chaotic space.
The walls are matte black, with one of them being a chalkboard wall where everyone can write uplifting, positive messages.
Her desk is also black, and her chairs are a bright purple.
Then there’s a fake fern named Alan in the corner. This office screams Alison.
Alison takes a long look at my face before recognition crosses hers. “You’re here to quit, aren’t you?” There is no hostility in her tone, just curiosity.
“I am. I’m sorry to be throwing this at you.”
“Oh, honey, no. There’s no need to be sorry. What are you going to be doing now?” I tell her my plans for the bookstore as well as my relationship with Asher and how he plays into everything.
“My Brianna has blossomed into a beautiful butterfly. I’m so proud of you. You’ll have to let me know when you guys open. The girls and I would love to celebrate with you. Damn, now I have to figure out how to replace you. Not that you are replaceable, you are one in a million, Brianna.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that. I have a friend named Amber who has been looking for a salon job. She’s talented. She did my hair and makeup for my date with Asher.” I pull my phone out and show her. Then I pull up Amber’s Instagram feed to show Alison her work.
“Wow, she is super talented. I just know my clients will love her.” My heart begins to beat fast while Alison scrolls through Amber’s photos.
“And you can vouch for her?” Alison asks while glancing up from my phone.
“Yes, one hundred percent. Not only is she extremely talented, but she’s an amazing woman. She’s kind, fun, and she’s very personable.”
“Well, then tell her she’s hired.” Alison hands me my phone back, and it takes me a minute to process what she just said.
“Wait, what? Are you serious?”
“Yes. If you trust her, then so do I. We’ll miss having you around here. You better visit us from time to time. I’ll even give you the employee discount whenever you get your hair done here.”
“Thank you, Alison. I’ll miss you guys, too. Y’all took me on when I was just starting, and I’ll be eternally grateful for every opportunity you’ve given me.” Alison stands up and walks around her desk to pull me into a hug.
“Love you, kid.”
“Love you, too.” My welcome back party turns into a goodbye party. I’m going to miss these girls, but I know I’m making the right step.
About an hour later, I’m walking into the house I now fully share with Asher. He’s sitting on the couch reading the book I recommended to him. The second he sees me, he puts the book down and opens his arms for me. I crawl into his lap and press a kiss to his neck.
“How’d it go?”
“It was sad, but good at the same time. I’m ready for this next adventure in my life—in our life.”
“I can’t wait for our store to open. We’re gonna do good things, Bri.” Asher and I cuddle together on the couch, and he talks about hiring his replacement and the tension that seems to be emanating between Gage and Kennedy. That’ll be interesting to watch unfold.
“Love you, Asher. Thank you for knocking on my door all those months ago.”
“Love you too, Bri bear.”