“I definitely need my head checked. I need to get out of here for the day. Still, I’ll be in tomorrow.” My fingers spear through my hair, feeling like I could use a trim. That’s what I can do today. I head straight to my usual place and get it trimmed. When I step inside, I see Preston.
“What is up my friend? You look like shit, and you’re not at work.”
“I need a haircut.” I point to my disheveled hair.
“No. It’s more than that. You’ve been avoiding our calls. Stefano says he hasn’t heard from you since you were at your appointment. Did you go through with the plan?”
“Not exactly. I’ve selected the woman already.” I don’t want to share Gwendolyn with anyone yet.
“Oh, so you haven’t sealed the deal.”
“We’ll talk about it later. I have to get my hair cut and then get back to work.” The girl who cuts my hair prepares the chair. “Just a trim, Mr. Masterson?”
“Yes, please, Jill.” She nods and gets to cutting. I’m a very private person, so I let her tell me about her kids and husband. She owns the place and works a lot to give her kids whatever she can.
She literally takes about five minutes and I’m cleaned up. “I’m about done today. This one is on the house.”
“No. You know I can’t accept that.”
“There wasn’t anything to really trim. Seriously, take a look. Still you got me in here.” She purses her lips, giving me that mom look. “Fine. Here’s a tip.” I drop a two hundred down into her palm.
“Thank you.” I wink and shake Preston’s hand.
“You need to hang out with us one of these days.”
“I’ll call you.” I walk out of the salon, after being a dick to my friend. I’ve become an asshole to everyone I see. What am I going to do now? Beth. I haven’t seen Beth in forever.
I ring her doorbell and the look on her face registers shock. “What brings you here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”
“I took the day off.” She lets me in, and I close the door behind me. She has a nice apartment that I pay for while she goes to school. At nineteen, she will be starting her second year and decided to live off campus. She could have lived with me, but this is much closer to the school. Besides, she wants to feel more independent.
“Day off? Is something wrong? Please don’t tell me you’re dying or something.” Panic floods her expression.
I shake my head and smile. “No, but I’ve met someone.”
“Really? Then why the hell are you here instead of with her?” She’s pouting and I do my best not to laugh. My sister’s expressions always lighten my mood.
“It’s complicated,” I sigh, dropping down onto her sofa. I’m sure Beth would like her.
“Life’s that way sometimes,” she huffs, plopping down next to me.
“What’s up your ass? I thought you’d be happy to see me.” Twisting slightly to look at her wondering what’s wrong with her.
“I am. It’s just you never take time off. Like ever. You missed out on so much just to work your heart out.”
“I know. I never expected to fucking feel like I’ve been hit by a semi full of cupid’s motherfucking arrows.”
“And that’s a problem?”
“Only because she doesn’t feel that way.”
“Has she told you that?”
“Not exactly, but I can read between the lines.”
A smile spreads on her face, hugging my arm. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Not yet. It’s complicated.”
“Fine, jerk.” She punches me in that same arm.
“How’s it going with you?” I ask. We hardly talk in person, so these are special moments even though it’s brief.
“You know. Same old thing, different day.”
“Any boys hounding you?”
“Always, but you know I’m not interested in dating until I graduate. I don’t want any distractions.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Don’t ever have little girls. You sound just like dad.”
While I’m back in my SUV, I send a text to Gwendolyn. I’m on my way home now. Let’s go out to dinner tonight.
Sorry. I’m visiting my friends. I need some time with them.
That’s an unequivocal dismissal. My woman doesn’t want to be around me. I know it’s one-sided for sure now. Have fun, Doll. See you tonight.Chapter 6Gwendolyn“Oh my fucking God. He bought me a treadmill.” I reread his text, but he doesn’t give me an explanation. Downstairs there are a dozen treadmills, why did he go out and get me one unless he doesn’t want me going into the gym. He blanched when he introduced me like he didn’t know what to call me.
Is he trying to keep me trapped in the condo like a dirty little secret? Letting my temper get the better of me, I send another text asking about the contract. I must have missed the part where it says I’m trapped.