Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Just like that, the tension breaks and a laugh slips past my lips. “I’m not sure binge-watching girly shows with you counts, but…”
“It so does,” he insists.
But Scarlet’s not having it. “It absolutely does not. I’ll get your number from Atlas, and we can set something up.”
Atlas rolls his eyes and leans down to whisper in my ear. “You sure you don’t wanna ditch these two and just do us?”
“I’m sure.” I pop up onto my toes and press a quick kiss to his lips.
“If you’re really sure…”
“I am.”
CHAPTER 35
NORA
“How does it feel to be off your leash?” Scarlet asks.
I raise my brows and shoot her an unimpressed glare. “Really?”
She sighs. “Yeah, that was bitchy. Sorry. Sometimes my brain to mouth filter doesn't work.”
“Sometimes?”
She flicks on her blinker and shrugs. “Fine, most of the time.”
“Sooo, what exactly are we doing?” I speak slowly, trying my hardest to keep my voice neutral—to not let my fear bleed through. When we initially made our plans, I was excited. But in the two weeks that have passed since, my nerves have gotten the better of me, and now I’m an anxious mess.
I'm safe with Scarlet. Atlas wouldn't have agreed to this otherwise. But it's hard to get my brain on the same page, especially when this is my first outing without him at my side.
Maggie says this is a good first step to regaining my independence though, so I've just gotta power through it. Even if it makes my skin crawl.
“I'm guessing you don't like surprises, huh?” Scarlet glances at me and then back to the road.
“You could say that,” I reply, knowing she doesn't really mean anything by it. Scarlet's just... Scarlet. She's brash and outspoken and definitely doesn't think before she speaks. But in the grand scheme of things, she's harmless. A total b-word, but harmless.
“Okay, fine, I'll tell you.” She pauses, giving my brain ample time to come up with every possible worst-case scenario. “We're starting at the salon; I'm guessing it's been a long time since you've had a haircut. Then we're getting mani-pedis, followed by lunch. You don't have any food allergies, right?”
“Nope, none.”
“Great. I figured we could go to The Smoke Shack. It’s nothing fancy, but their ribs are to die for.”
“If you say so,” I murmur, drumming my fingertips against my thighs as I work through one of Maggie’s many exercises to keep me calm.
I screw my eyes shut and start counting. Inhale… one… exhale. Inhale… two… exhale. By the time I make it to ten, my heart rate is almost normal and my hands are steady, well steady-ish, anyway.
“So, how long has it been?” she asks, parking in front of what looks like some kind of fancy spa that's way outside of my budget.
Well, my pre-Atlas budget. The man spares no expense, regardless of how awkward it makes me feel. He’s big on taking care of what’s his—and even though it’s a little caveman of him, it also feels kind of good to be… taken care of.
“Um...” I gnaw on my bottom lip as I run the numbers. “I think my last real haircut was when I was fifteen or sixteen. Before Mom got really sick.”
I dare a glance toward Scarlet, expecting to see pity shining in her gaze. But I don't. Instead, I see her eyes wide and her lips curled in a look of mild horror. “Holy. Shit. Nora. Your split ends probably have split ends.”
Something about her unexpected shock sends me into a fit of laughter. What utterly different lives we've led. “Haircuts are inconsequential when you're trying to survive.”
She scoffs and throws open her door. “Okay, Daisy-Downer. Let's go get you checked in.”
With only a little reluctance, I follow after her.
The inside of the salon is every bit as nice as the outside. Nicer even—it’s all gleaming white marble mixed with ashy woods and matte gold finishes; it's a modern marvel unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
“Welcome to Bliss,” a melodic voice says, drawing my attention to the front desk. The woman seated behind it is the living embodiment of ethereal grace, with her pale skin, blood-red lips, and nearly white hair. “How can we make you feel beautiful today?”
I shoot Scarlet an apprehensive look, because I don't have a clue. Luckily, she takes the lead.
“I have a ten o'clock with Rochelle and Nora here is booked for the same time with Mira.”
“Great, let me get you both checked in.” She clicks around on the computer for a few seconds. “Oh, and I see you’re both booked for nails after. Perf. Your stylists should be ready shortly. In the meantime, would either of you like anything to drink while you wait?”
I shake my head no, right as Scarlet says, “A mimosa would be great.” She tips her head toward me. “And my friend here will take a water.”