The bell rings as Kaylee steps inside the shop.
She's in her work outfit—dark jeans, a black button up shirt, black non-skid shoes.
She hugs her pink purse to her shoulder as her eyes flit around the room.
Ryan nods hello. Runs a hand through his shaggy brown hair.
She nods back. Smiles a polite I'm trying to act like everything is great smile.
The client sitting in his chair isn't at all shy about giving Kaylee a long once over. His eyes are practically bugging out of his head.
My hand curls into a fist. It's a reflex.
Nobody like him is getting anywhere near her.
"Hey Kaylee," Ryan calls. "How are you?"
"Good. Thanks." She presses her lips together. "I'll just be a minute."
He nods.
She crosses the room to my spot at the front desk.
Leighton is running late. My next appointment is in thirty minutes. So I'm working on a mock up here instead of in my chair.
The light is better here.
But there's not enough privacy.
I need the space to think.
To let images flit through my mind and fit together.
Kaylee's steps are soft but steady. "Hey. This... I know you're only trying to help."
I nod as I pull her spare key from my pocket and hand it over. I wouldn't assign myself such charitable motivations, but I'm not going to argue with her. "You have a moving date in mind?"
"I'm off Monday."
"I'll meet you at your place at nine."
"I'll be okay on my own."
"I know."
"I don't need your help."
"Take it anyway."
She tilts her head to one side. "Fine, but only because I'm running late and I'm not in the mood to argue." She taps her fingers against the counter. "I... I guess I'll see you... everywhere. Since I'm your new roommate."
"It will be a good thing."
She nods. "Eventually."
I want to wrap my arms around her and refuse to let go.
That can't happen.