Page 98 of Cut up
I scoop up a bite with my spoon. Lucas chuckles and does the same.
This man is mine now and I will not take him for granted.
48
Getting started
I head back to the shop space today, determined to knock out as much work as I can while I’ve got the day off. Camille is out at brunch with her friend Sarah.
Since hiring more people, I have some hands to spare this week, so I’ve lined the last of the trades for the fit-out—electricians, plumbers and painters. It’s finally all coming together. Still, my mind keeps drifting to her.
I feel like I’m walking on air. We told each other how we feel. I was shocked when she said she loved me too—like, actually floored. I’ve never felt so relieved, or so damn happy. Deep down I knew she loved me too, but I didn’t know if she would be ready to say it out loud yet.
And the fact that she’s letting me help with the salon. That she’s trusting meenough to be part of something this important to her.
It’s an honour. I mean that.
Camille deserves everything she’s dreamt of, and if I can help make it happen—if I can make her life even a little easier—I’ll do it. No hesitation. No question. I’d move mountains for that woman. She’s always on my mind, even now, in this dusty space with tools scattered and boxes filling the space. I grab my phone and shoot her a quick message.
Me: I miss you <3
Camille: I miss you too. It’s crazy. We only saw each other an hour ago :)
Me: That’s love baby.
I grin down at my phone like an idiot. My heart actually aches with how much I want to see her again. I didn’t know I could feel like this about someone.
I pocket my phone and get back to work, already counting the minutes until she comes home.
49
Brunch
When I wake up this morning, I feel ecstatic, like I could jump out of my skin. I’m buzzing with excitement, not just because of the plans I’m starting to make for my future, but because… I’m in love with Lucas.
It’s been a long time coming. We finally admitted how we felt about each other. He slowly chipped away at the walls I’d built around my heart and somehow slipped inside, melding into all the broken pieces like he was made to fit them. Something clicked into place, like the final piece of a puzzle, making me feel whole again.
I don’t know how it happened, or when. I wasn’t ready for love, and I tried to fight it. But he became one of my closest friends, and the chemistry between us? It’s electric. I’ve never felt anything like it.
I smile as I stretch my body out in the bed, Lucas’s bed. He’s not there, just me and Gizmo. I roll over and reach for my phone. Ten missed calls. All from Sean.
I frown, chewing my lip. I don’t even remember unblocking him, but I must have at some point. Why is he calling me?
I’m not going to call him back. I won’t even check the voicemails. He can go to hell.
I’m meeting Sarah and her daughter Georgia for brunch at my favourite cafe, Gloria’s, this morning. I get out of bed, pushing thoughts of Sean out of my mind. I shower and slip on a cute white dress for the occasion, one that always makes me feel pretty.
When I walk in to the cafe, they’re already seated on the patio. Sarah stands to greet me with a warm hug.
“Camille! You made it. This is my daughter, Georgia.” Georgia, the spitting image of her mother with baby-blue eyes and her hair a light shade of copper, she gives a shy wave without getting up from her seat. “Hi.”
“Hey, Georgia! So nice to finally meet you.” I smile and slide into the seat next to them, picking up a menu. “The eggs benny here is really good,” I say as we scan the options. “What are you two thinking?”
“I think we’ll get that too,” Sarah replies, setting her menu aside.
When the food arrives, I decide it’s the perfect time to bring up the news.
“So… I’ve made a big decision. I’m leaving Snips. Rhonda’s selling, and I’ve decided I’m finally going to open my own salon.” I pause, nerves bubbling in my chest. “I want you to come with me, work with me? Please, Sarah? I can’t do it without you.”
