“What the hell for?”
“Our age difference.” They don’t seem to care, so I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. What if my young age starts to show? Being with them has allowed my personality to shine through. I can be silly and fun with them, and they just pull me closer. But what happens if I take it too far?
“Stop overthinking it, Lo. They’re aware of how old you are, right?” I confirm that they are. “So let them worry about that burden. If they aren’t complaining, then you shouldn’t worry.”
She’s right. I know it; she knows it. Doesn’t make it any easier to let go of, though. “Have you seen my mom lately?” I’ve dreaded asking.
Carly’s features soften, and her eyes become sympathetic. “She came by twice. I think she’s truly miserable without you. Or at least worried.” This honestly shocks me. We haven’t had a decent relationship in years. “Have you thought about calling her?”
“No. I’m afraid I’ll give in and tell her where I am. Not that it matters since Ian and Connor are both here anyway.”
“Seriously?” After explaining the interaction at the club last night, she’s slack-jawed. “Do you think they left for good?”
“Not really, but I don’t know how else to escape them either. Especially when I don’t know how they found me.” That is the most confusing part of it all.
Guilt washes over Carly’s face. “Miles thinks it’s John.”
That’s what I was afraid of. “I don’t want to leave here, Carls.” It’s hard whispering the words I’ve been thinking for days.
“So, don’t. Let Viking and Priest in. Ask for their help. I get the feeling those sexy bikers will be all over protecting your body.” Snorting out a laugh at her not-so-subtle word choice makes her grin.
“Maybe. I don’t know. I’m already worried about our age. I don’t want to feel like a burden to them either.” I wish I’d met them when I had my life together; then I would know there was no obligation on their part. “I should go. My eggs are overcooked, and I’d like to hop in a shower before cleaning up around here and making dinner before I work tonight.”
“You know I love you, right? I’d bring you with me to college if I could.”
I smile, having no doubt that she would. “I’ll be up to visit you just as soon as I can.”
We say a tearful goodbye because I likely won’t get another FaceTime call with her until she’s settled into her dorm. It saddens me because college was never something I could plan for, as much as I’d wanted to. Now, I’m on the run from two men who can’t take no for an answer and seem to delight in hunting me down like a piece of lost property.
Sitting around doing nothing has never been easy for me, so instead of wallowing in self-pity and depression, I decide to find a Target and go shopping for a few things I need. Thankfully, it’s only one bus ride and a few minutes’ walk to the nearest store, but I stop short when I see a salon advertising that they take walk-ins and decide to treat myself to some pampering.
“Hey, welcome in. How can I help you today?” the two women at the counter greet me happily.
“Uhm, I think I’d like a haircut.”
“You think?” they respond in unison, then laugh.
“I would like a haircut, maybe a few inches and some layers?” It’s been at least a year since I’ve done anything with my hair.
“You got it. Follow me!” the taller one says, while the other woman stays up front. “My name is Millie, and I must say, you have some gorgeous hair!” She’s quite enthusiastic.
“Thank you. I’m Logan, and well, as you can see, it’s been a while.” I flip up the bottom of my hair to show her the dead ends, and she agrees.
After draping me with a cape and brushing my hair in silence, she combs her fingers through the strands and finally looks up. “So, you only need about an inch taken off. Did you want more?” Currently, my hair is between my shoulder blades.
“Think we could go two?” I’m not much for having short hair, but losing a bit of the weight off my scalp would feel nice.
“You bet, and then were you thinking longer layers or short? And what about some face framing?”
Staring at my reflection, it’s all a little overwhelming.
“Get me out of my comfort zone. Do what you think will look amazing on me.”
Her grin widens as she nods and spins me around so I can’t see the mirror anymore.
I watch the sheared hair begin to fall. She hums a few times, moves around me excitedly, and continues. The other employee stops her work a few times to comment how good it’s going to look, and that gives me a bit more confidence.
“Shall I style you as well?” Millie asks while double-checking the length and ensuring all is right with the cut. “Maybe just a blowout?”
