Gage:I prefer to ensure your safe arrival and departure.The car service is discreet and reliable.
I hesitate, torn between my stubborn independence and the practicality of his offer.After last night, driving home had been challenging.I'd been floating, still partly in that hazy, dreamlike state, subspace, Gage had called it.
Me:Alright.Thank you.
Gage:You're welcome.I look forward to Tuesday.
I set my phone down, trying to ignore the way my stomach flutters at the thought of seeing him again.This is dangerous territory.I've always kept my play partners at arm's length emotionally.Club Red is for physical release, for exploring desires in a safe environment, not for feelings.
Yet here I am, counting the hours until Tuesday.
With a sigh, I close my laptop and get ready for work.I can't afford to get distracted right now.Not when I'm so close to finishing my degree, to saving enough money to start my own business.I have plans, goals, and dreams that don't include getting emotionally entangled with anyone, no matter how good they make me feel.
But as I gather my things and head out to my car, I can't quite shake the memory of Gage's words last night, whispered against my hair as he held me.
"I'm not going anywhere, Skye."
For the first time in my life, I find myself hoping that might be true.
"You're not focusing," Grace chides as I apply the foil to her hair."That's the third time you've had to redo the same section."
I blink, snapping back to the present."Sorry.Just...a lot on my mind today."
Grace, a regular client who's become something of a friend over the years, raises an eyebrow at me in the mirror."Must be some guy."
I roll my eyes, but the blush creeping up my neck betrays me.
"Ha!I knew it," she crows triumphantly."Spill the tea, darling.Who's got you this distracted?"
"Just someone I met recently," I hedge, focusing intently on the next section of her hair."Nothing serious."
"Yet," she adds with a knowing smile."I haven't seen you this flustered over a man since...well, ever."
I'd argue, but she's not wrong.I don't get flustered over men.Even though I date occasionally and have fun, I move on.My scenes at Club Red are carefully contained and physical, not emotional.
"It's complicated," I finally say, which is the understatement of the century.
Grace settles back in the chair, accepting my non-answer with a gracious nod."Well, when it's not so complicated, I expect details.Now, tell me about this spa you're planning.Have you found a location yet?"
Grateful for the change in subject, I launch into my plans for the business, the services I want to offer, the vibe I'm going for, and the clientèle I hope to attract.By the time I've finished Grace's highlights and blow-dried her hair, I've almost managed to push thoughts of Gage aside.
Almost.
After Grace leaves, I clean up my station and head to my mom's apartment, stopping by her favorite Thai restaurant on the way.She doesn't have much of an appetite these days, but Tom Kha soup is one of the few things she'll reliably eat, even on her bad days.
Mom was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, and not long after, she got accepted to this amazing clinical trail that covers everything.They moved her into this fantastic apartment just a few blocks from where all her treatments happen, and she is doing well.I just wish there was more I could do.
"It's me," I call out as I let myself in with my key.
"In the living room, honey," Mom calls back, her voice sounding stronger than it has in a while.
I find her curled up on the couch with a book, looking frail but alert.Her once-thick black hair is growing back wispy and gray after the last round of chemo, but her smile is as warm as ever.
"I brought Thai," I announce, holding up the bags."Tom Kha soup and those spring rolls you like."
"My hero," she says, setting her book aside."I was just thinking I should eat something."
I bend down to kiss her cheek, noticing the dark circles under her eyes."Good day or bad day?"