Chapter 22
twenty-two
It’s halfway through my workday when I finally get a text from Chase.
Chase:
Should I ask what your favorite type of flower is?
Or have you already blocked my number?
His message brings a smile to my lips, and my chest warms. I can’t remember the last time someone offered to buy me flowers. I’m waiting for one of my afternoon clients, but I have a few minutes to send him a quick response.
Candace:
I know how you feel about useless products, and there’s hardly anything more useless than store-bought flowers.
And there’s nothing to apologize for.
When I woke up this morning, I felt better about letting the call end last night when it did. It would have been a bad idea to confess anything while he was drunk, and as tempting as it was to let that conversation run away with me, I’m glad we both called it a night.
Chase:
My tally says otherwise.
Candace:
Your tally isn’t needed. I enjoyed every minute of our conversation.
Leaning my back against the counter, I watch the three dots as I wait for his next text.
“Still going to that party with him?” Amanda asks as she sweeps the floor near my station.
I glance up to catch her knowing smile. “That’s the plan,” I say with a raise of my eyebrows. “Miles is helping me pick out a dress for it tomorrow.”
“Ooh. I want in on this. You better send me pictures.”
“You’ve got it,” I say with a laugh.
Chase:
I don’t deserve you.
Such benevolence.
I shake my head at the words this man chooses to use.
Candace:
Only for you.
Chase:
Let me at least make it up to you with a coffee.
Southern Roast tomorrow?
As tempting as his offer is, Miles and I need to find a dress, and I have no idea how long that will take. I’m hoping it will be quick, but a lot depends on if the dress is waiting for me, front and center, or if the bitch is hiding.
Candace:
Can’t. Going shopping with Miles.
A woman walks in, who I suspect might be my next client. I haven’t met her yet, but Amanda greets her at the door and asks her who she’s here to see.
Chase:
Shopping?
What’s the occasion?
I know he’s fishing to see if I need a dress for the party Friday. If he finds out I need to buy something, he’ll offer to give me money for it. I don’t want his money. My disposable income may be new thanks to my recently acquired group of clients, but I can at least afford to buy a dress.
Candace:
We don’t need an occasion.
I quickly slip my phone back into the drawer when Amanda points the woman in my direction. Giving her my best smile, I hold out a hand and introduce myself.
Ms. Thompson ends up being another referral from Nicolette, who complains about the riffraff they’re now letting into the country club. She was nice enough, though. And the tip she left was almost half of what I charged for the cut and color. The rest of the day goes by in a blur, as Saturdays usually do. The constant bustle of the salon leaves me feeling both energized and drained. Some of the other stylists are still working when I pack up my things at 5:30 p.m. I know Saturday appointments are in high demand, but I try to avoid working late on weekends if I can help it .
Reaching for my phone in the drawer, I see there are a couple of new texts from Chase, so I take a moment to catch up.
Chase:
Well, I hope you two find whatever you’re looking for.
Then two other texts that look like they came in a few hours after the last one.
Chase:
Miles says you’re going dress shopping tomorrow.
For a certain Christmas party.
My face falls. Miles? When did Chase talk to Miles? Exiting the thread, I go back to my messages and open one from my roommate.
It’s a picture.
Miles and Chase are together at an outdoor bar I recognize. Their heads are together, both smiling wide like they’ve been best buds for years, and even though knowing they’re together makes my nerves jump to attention, I can’t help smiling at the sight.
Miles:
Look who I found!
Come meet us when you get off work.
“What are you smiling about?” Amanda catches me as she puts her purse over her shoulder.
With a lingering smile on my lips, I say, “Miles and Chase are at The Yard together. Want to join?”
Her head tilts. “They hang out? ”
“They do now, I guess.” I give her a bemused shake of my head and hold up the picture I was sent.
She takes a step toward me to get a closer look and laughs. “Well, aren’t they a sight for sore eyes? Count me in.”
We head out into the evening air, and I’m thankful to feel the slightest chill, reminding me Christmas is near. I’m just wearing black leggings with a white tank and a denim shirt over it, but at least Florida is giving me a reason to keep my arms covered.
As we start our walk, I quickly send Miles and Chase the same text.
Candace:
See you boys soon.
I wait a moment to see if either of them responds before putting my phone away, but no new messages come in. The thought of them having too much fun to check their phones should make me happy, but my anxiety spikes. I don’t think Miles would tell Chase how much I like him, but I also don’t know how long Miles has been there, or how many drinks he’s had at this point. The thought makes my feet carry me down the sidewalk just a little faster.