“All I’m saying is now is the time for gambles. You’re already going out on a limb. What’s one more risk? He could be the love of your life, and you’ll never even know it if you block him out.”
“You really believe that could be a possibility?” I ask.
“I’m issuing you a challenge. Be as adventurous with your personal life as you are with your professional one.”
Her words make a connection click inside me. She’s right. I’m putting everything on the line for Magical Munchies. I have T-shirts coming, social media accounts set up, and my first contest ready to launch. The fans will be choosing the name of the mascot, a unicorn who will be on the side of the truck, on T-shirts, magnets, and all advertisement. What’s one more daring decision when an ocean of change is sweeping its way through my life and altering everything?
Her words resonate with me. “I’ve been thinking of taking the plunge with hair dye.”
“Yes! It’s past time.”
“My family is going to hit the roof of the food truck,” I mumble.
“Let them. It’s your time, Xia. Don’t think you switched the subject on me either.”
I roll my eyes. “Why would I think that? You’re like a flipping elephant. You never forget anything.”
“Which is lucky for you, because I know just the right person for your hair. Let’s call her and see if we can get you in for an appointment.”
Fear grabs me. What will everyone think? How will I be perceived? Am I ready for this? I battle the anxiety creeping in. I need to step out of this mold pre-made for me and become the Xia I see in the mirror begging to escape this life. I’ve subdued and denied enough.
“Let’s do it.” The old me is singing her swan song. There’s no place for her in the new life I’m working on creating.
Four hours later, I step out of the salon with dark green hair. This is the time for boldness. Go big or go home has never applied to me more than it does during this time in my life. I’m going to make up for all the chances I haven’t taken over the years.
***
Shayne
“How are things going, working boy?” Stone teases.
I roll my eyes as I pop the top on a beer. “Busy and exhausting, but good. It’s a whole new world inside a cage, Prez.”
Stone’s chuckle reminds me of my childhood. He was always a pretty jovial type, until you pissed him off, which we all try not to do.
“You learning a lot?”
“I am. He’s got his daughter, Xia, training me.”
“Make sure your charming personality doesn’t get you chased out of town.”
“She’s not the type to let that situation ever happen.”
“Might be a good thing,” he says.
I keep my mouth shut. The less he suspects, the better.
“I know that trick. Silence keeps you from admitting things one way or another. You got something going with this girl?”
What the hell? Is he a mind reader? “I’m working on it.” Better to admit it now than him to find out later and think I lied.
“Seems like risky business, messing with the boss’s daughter.”
“She’s worth it, and I’ll be discreet.”
“You can go down to the clubhouse and get your dick wet, kid. No need to dip into the store.”
&nb