Revive (Storm MC 3)

This Means War ~ Nickelback

Velvet

Dark glasses covered my eyes as I walked into Roxie’s salon early the next morning. She took one look at me and burst out laughing. “That man of yours wearing you out, hon?”

I took my glasses off and slumped in a chair. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

Madison started laughing. “I knew it would take a strong woman to crack Nash, but I’d never factored in that it would take someone with a lot of stamina to keep up with him.”

“You need to make me coffee, woman,” I begged Roxie.

“Make your own damn coffee,” she said with a shake of her head. “I’m thinking you actually might need some Redbull or something like that.” Then, looking at Madison, she suggested, “I think you should tell Nash to get his shit together and stock his fridge with energy drinks for his woman.”

I dragged myself out of the chair. “Fine, I’ll make my own coffee,” I grumbled as I trudged to the back room. “Don’t come running to me when you’re down and out though, babe. I’ll remember you letting me down in my hour of need.”

They both laughed, and I had to smile. As tired as I was, I was more than happy to be worn out from Nash loving. I thought about him while I made coffee, and by the time I got back to my chair, I was grinning.

Madison narrowed her eyes at me. “You perked up. What gives?”

“I was just thinking about how happy I am with Nash. I never in a million years would have picked that I’d end up with him, but I’m glad I did.”

Madison smiled at me, warmly. “I’m glad you did too. There’s something special about Nash, and I love that you are helping him deal with his pain. He seems so much happier these days.”

“Yeah, he is,” I agreed.

Roxie cut in. “What are we doing with your hair today, Velvet? You want a colour or just a cut?”

“A colour and cut, but just trim the ends. Nash would hate it if I cut any of the length.”

Roxie rolled her eyes. “Ummm, where’s the real Velvet? She doesn’t let any man tell her what to do.”

I laughed. “He hasn’t told me not to cut it, and trust me, I’d never listen if he did. But, let’s just say my man likes to pull my hair, and I kinda like it, so there’s no way in hell I’m cutting it.”

“Of course he does. My bad,” she muttered, and went out the back to get the colour ready for my hair.

“I’m so happy for you and Nash. You both deserve happiness,” Madison said.

“Thanks, babe.” I sighed, and added, “God knows, Nash really do

es after everything he’s been through.”

She nodded. “Yeah, my heart breaks for what he’s gone through. I can’t even begin to imagine losing a child.”

My pain surfaced. I could imagine, but not fully. It had been devastating enough to lose babies before they were born; the thought of losing a child that had lived and breathed, caused actual physical pain.

I didn’t want to have this conversation so I sat in silence. Madison must have felt it too because she didn’t say anything further. When Harlow stepped through the door of the salon, I was happy for the distraction.

Standing to greet her, I said, “Thank God, you brought cake with you.”

She put the cake down on the counter, and gave us both a hug. “I brought you half and half, Velvet. We’ve got celebrating to do.”

I frowned. “What are we celebrating?”

“You passing your exams,” she said as if I’d asked the dumbest question on the planet.

I grinned at her. “I love you. Yes, let’s celebrate that because I’m pretty sure I did. And when I find out for certain next week, we can celebrate again.”

“Yes!” Harlow exclaimed. “I like the way you think, honey.”