Page 97 of Be Your Forever
Gage comes out minutes later, grumpy as ever.
“So...Thoughts?” I ask.
“She’ll do,” Gage replies nonchalantly.
“I have a good feeling about Kennedy. I think there’s more to the story about her moving. So, do me a favor, and don’t be a total dick to her.”
“Me? A dick? Never.” Gage winks before turning his attention to preparing for work tonight, but he’s moving slower than normal.
“Wait, what do you mean there’s more to the story?” Gage is wearing his signature frown, but I can tell he cares. He just doesn’t want to admit it. Which, given his history with women—one in particular—I understand the reservation.
“I don’t know, but she tensed up when I asked where she was from. Just a feeling in my gut.” Gage’s response is a curt nod, and I can’t help but smile. I have a feeling Gage has met his match—in more ways than one.
Brianna
She has blossomed into a beautiful butterfly
I’mstandingoutinthe 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 feelsecure. 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 justknowmy 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?”
