Page 37 of There's Something About Dragons
That’s enough thinking about that. Time to clean out some cockapoo earwax.
Even though it’s nonstop-busy for the next few hours, I’m energized at the end of the day. It makes me feel a little guilty, but the break from Radar helped. I didn’t realize how much time and mental effort I devote to making sure he has what he needs until I spend a stretch apart from him. He’s always needed a little extra, and now that he’s elderly, he needs even more.
I feel so lucky to have him in my life, and I love him so much, but I guess I’ve gotten a little bit of caretaker fatigue and didn’t recognize it. I’ll have to give Zed an extra thank-you kiss when I see him.
I say goodbye to Cynthia and head out with my dress in a garment bag over one arm and a pair of heels looped on the other. The salon isn’t far, and then I’ll take a cab to the gala. But I don’t get two steps across the parking lot when a sleek limo pulls up.
The back window purrs down. “Need a ride?” Tristan asks. He’s already dressed in an impeccable white tuxedo that makes him look like a young James Bond. “I think we’re headed the same way.”
I lift my shoes up. “Gotta get my hair done first. I’m getting dressed at the salon. I’ll see you later, though!”
The door opens and a hand beckons me into the limo. “Come on, I’ll take you,” Tristan urges smoothly. “Friends don’t let friends walk alone.”
I roll my eyes and get in. “It’s only two blocks.”
“I’ll enjoy your company for two blocks, then,” Tristan says comfortably, his arm propped behind me on the back of the seat. Then he frowns. “Where’s the dog?”
“Radar’s hanging out with Zed. It’s a relief, honestly. I worry about him so much. It’s nice to have someone I trust on dog-sitting duty so I can relax a little bit. They’re going to meet me at the venue later.”
Something sparks in Tristan’s eyes. “Let’s get you nice and relaxed, then. Where’s your little salon?”
I give the address, and we’re there in about ninety seconds. Tristan helps me out of the limo, and everyone on the sidewalk stares at me like I’m a celebrity and not in my scrubs and covered with vet-sweat. They’re probably looking at Tristan, anyway, who could have walked off a movie set. Somehow, even with Impy at home, he doesn’t have a single cat hair on him.
He follows me into the salon. My hair gal, Tanya, waves at us and pats her chair, her bleached-and-pink ponytail swishing behind her. “Got your spot right here, babe!”
“Do you have spa facilities at this establishment?” Tristan asks smoothly. I see the minute that Tanya notices him. Her eyes go dreamy, and she starts fussing with her curtain bangs.
“We offer all kinds of services,” she answers, her voice sultry. Then, seeming to hear the suggestiveness in her own words, she snaps out of it. “I mean, yes! We offer facials, massage, waxing, mani-pedis, soaks, you name it. Are you interested in booking, Mr…?”
“Just Tristan,” he says, winning her over even more. “I’m very interested in booking one of everything for Caroline. We want her feeling her best for the gala tonight.”
My jaw drops at the same time that Tanya’s eyes go wide. “Right now? I’m not sure we have any openings right this minute, Mr….uh, Tristan. But I’ll make sure she looks gorgeous.”
His handsome face hardens as he pulls a money clip out of his inner jacket pocket. “I didn’t say anything about how she looks. I want her tofeelher best. How much?” He starts peeling off bills.
“F-for what?” Tanya stammers, trading bewildered looks with me.
“To cancel the other appointments.”
She moves closer and lowers her voice. “The clients are already here. They’re already getting their treatments.”
“How. Much,” Tristan repeats, enunciating like she’s stupid. As sweet as his gesture is, I don’t like that he’s talking to her like that.
“It’s really okay,” I tell him. “There’s not time to do all those things, anyway. I’m fine with the hair and makeup I already booked.”
“Ten thousand dollars and we’ll have her done on time,” Tanya blurts out, giving me the wide-eyedshut up, bitch, you’re ruining this for melook that all women understand.
Tristan’s mouth bunches in amusement. “I hope you take credit. Even I don’t carry that much cash.”
“We’d be happy to.” Tanya bounces over to the register and gleefully rings him up.
“Give yourself a good tip,” he instructs her, winking over his shoulder at me. I have to roll my eyes. Does healwaysget what he wants?
“You’re being too generous,” I say tightly. I hope he doesn’t think he can buy me. It’s flattering that he’s so determined, but it’s not happening. If he knew the chemistry Zed and I have, he’d understand. Even if Zed weren’t in the picture… Tristan is a client. He can be a friend, but he can’t be more than that.
Tristan shifts so he’s facing me directly. “You’ve given me more than money can buy, Doctor Stanley. Impy is the love of my life, and every extra day I have with her means the world to me. Let me spoil you a little to say thank you.”
I can’t help softening at the mention of his sweet old cat. Tristan might go about things in the wrong way sometimes, but his heart is in the right place. “I guess I should say thank you, then. This is a treat.”
